Mark's Reading Place: Chapter One

-Barred Owl



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

~ Henry David Thoreau

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



January:

1- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 5 stars (shared read) *
2- Rooted: Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt 4.2 stars (audio)
3- Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall by Kazuo Ishiguro 3.7 stars
4- Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook 3.8 stars GN
5- White Shadow by Roy Jacobsen 4 stars

^ I was able to do some shared reading, this past year, with a few of my book buddies and really enjoyed it. I would like this to continue through 2023. Primarily, I would like to read books off shelf, but I am still catching up with a few titles that I missed in the past year. I also would like to do a few rereads. I will list some titles and if you are interested, we will set a firm date.

Demon Copperhead w/Stasia, Deb, Linda January
Horse by Geraldine Brooks Stasia, Lynda, Rhonda, Kim February
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy reread with Joe- March
Empire of Pain w/Kim March
The Winners early April w/Stasia
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst w/ Jeff, Benita June
Eventide by Kent Haruf Stasia
The Singapore Grip w/Benita September

Jesus What?

Jesus spat
In someone’s hat
What’s the meaning of that?

Jesus insulted the useless poor
Later shooed them out the door
Why would he do that?

Jesus avoided the downtrodden
Hoping they’d be forgotten
Losers make the world more rotten?

Jesus would’ve admired Adolph
So rough, so tough
Even the best need time off
To play some golf

Jesus liked money
Chased it with cunning
The best are always hunting

Jesus hated talk-back women
Grabbing beauties when they let him
They were lucky to have met him

Jesus shunned people of color
He was whiter than any other
Not everyone’s your brother

When children died
He didn’t mind
Guns are more beloved
Than being kind

But the unborn
Must be kept warm
Punish the gals, never the fellas.

Wealth always has merit
The meek shouldn’t inherit
The poor should grin and bear it

You wonder how I always knew
What I’m saying is true.

It’s not Jesus, it’s you.

- Joe Welch (Yep, our very own Joe). Posted by permission.

Hello?? Great Horned Owl chicks.

^I got my copy of Demon Copperhead in yesterday, so I will be ready to roll on New Year's Day. Once again, if anyone has a copy, you are welcome to join us.

I will be back with some book thoughts, resolutions and challenges for 2023...

Happy New Year, my friends!!

These are the best books I read in 2022. I will have read about 117-118 by month's end, down nearly 20 books from last year. That said, I am completely happy with my reading year and all the quality books that have rested in my lap or tickled my ear.

Fiction:

1- Trust by Hernan Diaz
2- The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen
3- Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
4- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
5- In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

1- The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan
2- These Precious Days: Essays by Ann Patchett
3- Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
4- Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
5- The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

Graphic Novels:

1- Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo
2- Putin's Russia: Rise of a Dictator by Darryl Cunningham
3- Flung Out of Space: Indecent Adventures of Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis
4- Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
5- Good Girls Don't Make History by Elizabeth Kiehner

I also enjoyed a couple of stellar rereads this year: Plainsong & Angle of Repose.

Welcome back, Bird Dude!

Morning, Mark! Wishing you a great 2023!

My nonfiction read to kick off the new year is one I think will be of interest to you: A Wing and a Prayer. I was fortunate to have a publishing friend send me an ARC; it releases in April. Just wanted to get it on your radar right away.

Setting my cushion down Mark.

>9 drneutron: Glad to be back on board for another year, Jim.

>10 alphaorder: Happy Friday, Nancy. I will immediately add A Wing and a Prayer to my 2023 TBR. You know me well, my friend. Thanks.

>11 Caroline_McElwee: Get comfy, Caroline. It should be another fun year of books, birds and toddlers.

Happy New Thread! Out with the Old and In with the New!

Love all the photos, Mark! Jackson is getting so big. Looking forward to following you in the New Year.

Happy new thread and Happy new year, Mark!
Your pictures make me smile.
Wow, Joe's a poet and I didn't know it!
Here's to another year of great books, brews and birding!

Starred you for 2023 Mark!

Happy 2023, Birddude!

Dropped a star, Mark--Happy New Reading Year!

Great pictures Mark! I've got you starred for another wonderful year of reading. I'm just polishing off Demon Copperhead but will be very interested in your opinion. Have a great year of reading in 2023 with lots of hugs for Jackson!

Wishing you a comfortable reading year in 2023, Mark. Cornerstone of this group.

>13 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. Let's have another interesting reading year.

>14 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. You can see I have not slowed down at all with my Jackson pics and have no plans to do so. Sure, hope to see you more in 2023.

>15 Carmenere: Happy New Year, Lynda and thank you. I plan on sharing all the Bs!!

>16 SandDune: >17 richardderus: >18 kac522: Thanks, Rhian, RD & Kathy. Have a great New Year!

>19 mdoris: Thanks, Mary and Happy New Year. I am assuming you are loving Demon Copperhead? Fingers crossed...

>20 PaulCranswick: Thank you very much, Paul. Your image did not show up. 😢

Happy New Year, Mark!!

Hoping to get to Demon Copperhead sometime early in the year, maybe even January.

So far, so good. I've read the posts here and I'm not even behind yet! Happy New Year to you and your family.

>22 lindapanzo: Happy New Year, Linda. Good to see you. Unless you are busy reading something else, you should join us on Demon Copperhead, especially since you have a copy. 😁

>23 ffortsa: Happy New Year, Judy and hooray for staying current. 😉

Happy new thread and new year, Mark. Love that first pic in >2 msf59:!

Happy new thread and happy new year. I agree with Shelley, that first pic in >2 msf59: is great.

Looking forward to another year of following your reading, Mark!

>25 jessibud2: >26 EllaTim: Thanks, Shelley & Ella. Glad you like the photo of me and Jack.

>27 katiekrug: Back at you, Katie. Let's have another good reading year.

I was proud of myself this year. I read and listened to 119 books. That isn't the most I read. That happened in the COVID year - 2020, but it was a good year for reading for me. I think I had 10 extra titles because I read the entire Greek Mythology series by George O'Connor. Those were easy reading and since there are 12 books in the series it added all of those to my total. I spent most of the year reading series and finishing up series that I had already started. Probably will spend a portion of 2023 doing the same thing while I am in a place with access to a huge library.

Weather is great here in Kansas this last week. It started warming up right after that super cold Christmas stretch.

>1 msf59: Love the barn owl as I am sure you know! Lol

>2 msf59: I cannot believe how big Jackson is getting. A heart breaker in the making, for sure :)

>3 msf59: I am looking forward to reading Demon Copperhead with you. I hope you like Trailed. I enjoyed it when I read it.

4> I am up for Horse and/or Eventide whenever you are, Mark.

>6 msf59: Owls!!

>8 msf59: Taking notes. . .

Looking forward to another year sharing books together, my book bud!

Happy New Year, Mark! Love the poem by Joe. Thanks for sharing

>29 benitastrnad: Happy New Year, Benita. Congrats on reading 119 books. I read 118. B.A.G. I hope you had a good time with the family in Kansas.

>30 alcottacre: Happy New Year, Stasia. Glad you like the owl topper. FYI- that is a barred, not a barn. I am a few pages into Demon Copperhead and it grabbed me right away. I am glad you are up for both Horse & Eventide. I was thinking of early February for the former. Would that work for you?

>31 labfs39: Happy New Year, Lisa. Joe is quite the poet, right? Glad to see he is back at it.

"Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival."

I finished off my final 2 books of 2022 and I picked up my first book of the New Year, Demon Copperhead. This will be my 7th Kingsolver read and based on the first 30 pages, she is still at the top of her game. Stasia will be joining me on this one, along with anyone else that is interested. Just sayin'...

Hey there Mark! I’ll be joining the group read of Demon Copperhead. I have a copy of the book and I cracked it open yesterday . It’s really grabbed me , so I’ll be glad to read with you, and Stasia and whoever else might join us.

I have a big family gathering on Jan 1 st, so I may not get to posting about until the 2nd . I’m not planning to run a thread this year, but this looks like a great read! I’m 81 pages in so far .

Happy new year, Mark!

Hello Mark, and Happy New Year! I'm dropping off my star with no promise to keep up. But you know I'll always want to follow along, enjoy your reading recommendations, your grandpa and birding adventures, and just life being life.

I'm planning to read Demon Copperhead in March of 2023. Kingsolver has long been a favorite and I'm excited that her latest seems to be getting almost universal praise.

Cheers to you and your family for all the best in 2023!

Happy new year Mark!

Got you starred. Looking forward to your bookish and birding adventures and of course cute pictures of your grandson.

Happy Start to the new year !

>34 vancouverdeb: Happy New Year, Deb. You just made my day. Great to see you and I am so glad you will be joining us on Demon Copperhead. Since there are only 3 of us, I am not starting a separate thread but you are free to post any thoughts, (keep spoilers in mind) right here. I probably won't get in much reading today either. Have a good time at the family outing.

>35 banjo123: Happy new Year, Rhonda.

>36 EBT1002: Happy New Year, Ellen. It is so good to see you. You are missed around here. I am so glad but not at all surprised by the attention Demon Copperhead is getting. I am happy that I am ahead of the curve on this one...for a change.

>37 quondame: >38 figsfromthistle: Happy New Year, Susan & Figs.

Happy New Year, everyone! I really had a great reading month in December. I went out with a bang- knocking out 13 books, finishing the year with 118. This was also a month that I read a pair of my top books of the year, with Trust & The Colony of Unrequited Dreams. I also loved Paul Newman’s memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man. I managed to read 5 books off shelf, which I am proud of. The plan for 2023 is to read 3-5 OTS each month. Fingers crossed.

**As you can see up there, I made a new Jackson calendar, which has been a big hit with the family. ❤️

Chorus

My grandfather went on his moped to the factory, two hours travel each way.
The rest of the days he fished in the woods.
The fishing rods and the nets he tied to the moped.

When I was old enough, he took me.
We rode with our legs out in the air on the bags.
We fished for eel.

Boiled water out of the creek for coffee, tea, and soup.
If we didn’t catch anything, we had nothing.
At night, when we lay to sleep, the world changed.

It talks to you.
You hear. You smell.
When the water goes down, the ground has a scent.

Small bodies walking through the open tent,
over the sleeping bag,
then, at a certain hour, it’s quiet.

In the morning, but some time before the sun, a bird would sing,
then another. They all move to the highest branch.
They make a chorus. Locating one another.

A leaf sways in the first light.
Many leaves, suspended, without contracting a single muscle.
They are like birds.

I was happy. I had survived. I was young.

-Peter Streckfus From Poem-A-Day

Happy New Year, Mark. You're starting off strong with Demon Copperhead, which was my favorite book of 2022. I know you'll love it.

>42 lauralkeet: Happy New Year, Laura and thank you. Demon Copperhead was your favorite read of last year? Wow. That is awesome. Not far in but it sure looks promising.

‘Morning, Mark, and Happy New Year!

>40 msf59: Congrats on 118 books read in 2022. Yay for a new Jackson calendar.

I’m looking forward to another year hanging out with you.

I had a Downy on one side and a Carolina Chickadee on the other side of the suet feeder AND another Carolina Chickadee at the sunflower seed feeder just a while ago.

>40 msf59: A boy a month calendar for the Birddude...who'd'a thunk it. ;-P

Happy week-ahead's reads!

Morning, Mark! Happy New Year! Sounds like I need to add Trust to The List.

A new Jackson calendar - of course they loved it!

Wanted to stop by and wish you a jolly happy new year Mark. Love to you and yours.

>34 vancouverdeb: Great to see a rare Deb sighting. I miss her around these parts.

>41 msf59: I enjoyed this poem, Mark, it reminds me of fishing with my grandfather. He taught me the value of stillness and silence. Happy new year!

Hi Mark, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands turned out to be such a great and yet, enraging read. I'm not much of a graphic novel/memoir reader but I really enjoyed that one. Happy New Year and May you spend endless hours with Jackson.

Happy New Year, Mark!

Of course, I love the pic of you and Jackson sittin' on the porch, but the one with Jack and Juno - that's got to be my hands-down favorite from last year.

Love the Jackson calendar!

>44 karenmarie: Happy New Year, Karen. We love our Jackson calendar. Thanks for the feeder report. Yah, for the chickadees.

>45 richardderus: Happy New Year, Richard. Birds, books and football for me today.

>46 Crazymamie: Happy New Year, Mamie. Yep, I can't stop warbling about Trust. I hope I can get a few more of my book pals to read it.

>47 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. It is great to see Deb pop in, right? A rare treat.

>48 labfs39: Happy New Year, Lisa. Glad you like the poem. Do you receive the daily Poem-A-Day ?

>49 brenzi: Happy New Year, Bonnie. I am so glad you took a chance with Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. It is a strong graphic memoir and sticks with you.

Happy New Year, Mark. I hope 2023 is a good year for you. You have a great list of favorites from 2022. I loved Demon Copperhead. Happy reading!

>50 Storeetllr: Happy New Thread, Mary. Glad you like the Jackson toppers. I have shared both before but they deserved a second appearance.

>51 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. I am so glad I decided to do the Jackson calendar, for the second year. It puts many smiles on many faces.

>53 BLBera: Happy New Year, Beth and thank you. Great to see you. I am loving Demon Copperhead, but you guessed that already, didn't you?

Have a great year of reading!

Got your thread starred, Mark, and will follow with pleasure as usual. Demon Copperhead is definitely going to have to wait until March, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Happy new year, Mark!

Karen O

I am sure we'll find some book in common for a shared read. : )

'Morning, Mark! Happy Day After New Year's to you.

Dark, so no bird report yet. Sipping coffee and getting ready to start The Book of Disappearance for my Jan. 8th book club meeting. Not a romance! Bizarre. *smile*

>55 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori. Happy New Year.

>56 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. The good news is I am loving Demon Kingsolver, so now you can really look forward to reading it in March. 😁

>57 klobrien2: Happy New Year, Karen.

>58 Berly: I hope that works out, Kimmers.

>59 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It is dark and foggy here, but I would not be surprised that a cardinal is pecking around somewhere out there. Good luck with your book club read.

Sadly, I didn't get as much reading in as I would have liked yesterday. I need to cut back on the birding and socializing, I guess. Only 70 pages in but I am completely hooked. I hope to get plenty of reading in this week.

An observation- Has anyone noticed that this is playing out like a hillbilly Shuggie Bain? I definitely do and I also LOVED that novel. B.A.G. I am kind of hoping that Stoner drops some weights on his face, while he is working out. Fingers crossed...

Happy new year, Mark! Love the Jackson calendar, and looking forward to your thoughts on Demon Copperhead. I'll be reading it in October with my book group.

Hiyo, Mark. I'm caught in molasses, I fear. Moving slow. Intoxicated (perhaps) by the overpowering scent of molasses. I'll slog on through.

I watched no football over the loong football weekend. I broke the abstention to watch a quarter and a half of the Eagle-Saints game, suffered mightily, and returned to my senses. The Birds are in the playoffs, but the top seed is probably out of reach. Especially since the Giants are the final regular season opponent.

Don't know if I'll watch the Rose Bowl or not. A game-time decision.

But enough of that.

Reading is alternating 'twix The Great War and the tar sands conflict. One or the other will be the first read of 2023. Yes, I will get Demon Copperhead read. An immediate scrap is with with all you chatterboxes on the 75'r Forum. Paul's close to starting a second thread, and I am waffling about my first. Oh Ye Gods!

Started up Sugar Street again. Wow! I’m loving it!

>62 bell7: Happy New Year, Mary. I am nearing 100 pages into Demon Copperhead and it has been excellent.

>63 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I watched a bit of the NFL games yesterday. My Bears continue to perform atrociously. Quite painful. Yes, the chatterboxes are at full throttle. It will taper off. Good luck getting your new thread set up.

>64 drneutron: Nice, Jim. Glad you are enjoying Sugar Street.

"In Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia: life on this planet is radically interconnected. Our bodies, thoughts, minds, and spirits are affected by the whole of nature, and they affect this whole in return. In this time of crisis, how can we best live upon our imperiled, beloved earth?"

I started Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit, my first audiobook of the year and it fits perfectly into my wheelhouse. I thought this was a new author for me, but I just found out she had wrote Mozart's Starling which I also really enjoyed. I am sure I will be reading more of her work. Has anyone here read Lyanda Lynn Haupt before?

>66 msf59: I asked for and received Rooted for Christmas 2021. I started it, but then put it down for some reason, which wasn't a reflection of the book. Thanks for the reminder.

Mark, I'll probably start Demon Copperhead in the next day or two (or three).

Rooted sounds really good. I haven't read anything by her before; but was hoping to do more science reading this year.

>67 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. I hope I inspired you to finally finish "Rooted". I like her smart, easy style.

>68 lindapanzo: I sure hope you love it as much as I do, Linda. Let us know when you start it.

>69 banjo123: I would think Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit would be a perfect fit for you, Rhonda. I hope you can get to it.

"OxyContin, God's gift for the laid-off deep-hole man with his back and neck bones grinding like bags of gravel.
For the bent-over lady pulling double shifts at Dollar General with her shot knees and ADHD grandkids to raise by herself. For every football player with some of this or that torn up, and the whole world riding on his getting back in the game. This was our deliverance. The tree was shaken and yes, we did eat of the apple."

"Counting on Jesus to save the day is no more real than sending up the Batman signal."

-Demon Copperhead

^I am 155 pages in and still completely immersed. Yes, what happens to Demon is sad and frustrating but Kingsolver skillfully keeps the reader turning the pages.

Early in the novel, Demon mentions a rain crow. I love the name but I had not heard of these birds. Well, it turns out, it is not a crow but a yellow-billed cuckoo, which I have seen in Illinois. They are beautiful.

>71 msf59: What a fascinating, intelligent looking bird!

Adding my star to the bunch dropped already, Mark. I look forward to your posts about Demon Copperhead. My library has it and I will put it on my hold list soon (well, as soon as there is room on my hold list which the library tells me is full. How did that happen?)

>71 msf59: Great quote, Mark. I'm loving Demon Copperhead. It's very hard to put down, once you've gotten in 20 pages or so. I wonder why I have let this languish on my shelves for a couple of months ? I'm 221 pages in and I'm finding it hard to put down too. It's sad, but Demon rarely feels sorry for himself - at least so far. I really loved PoisonWood Bible. I think this book may be as good or better.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you!

>71 msf59: Gorgeous bird – NC is in their breeding range but I’ve never seen one.

I'll be sorting Friends book donations this morning - handling books makes me very happy.

>72 quondame: I agree, Susan and they made a unique cooing/hoot sound too. There are also black-billed cuckoos, which I have also seen but not as often.

>73 Familyhistorian: Good to see you, Meg. Hope you can get a copy of Demon Copperhead soon. It is a dandy.

>74 vancouverdeb: Thanks for chiming in on Demon Copperhead, Deb. I am with you all the way. Demon is a wonderful character and Kingsolver is an equally wonderful storyteller. She has many terrific books, including The Poisonwood Bible. I also highly recommend Flight Behavior.

>75 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Raining here. Cuckoos are very hard to find, especially for a fairly large bird. You have to be actively birding to spot one. Enjoy that book fondling.

I Went Out to Hear

The sound of quiet. The sky
indigo, steeping
deeper from the top, like tea.
In the absence
of anything else, my own
breathing became obscene.
I heard the beating
of bats’ wings before
the air troubled above
my head, turned to look
and saw them gone.
On the surface of the black
lake, a swan and the moon
stayed perfectly
still. I knew this was
a perfect moment.
Which would only hurt me
to remember and never
live again. My God. How lucky to have lived
a life I would die for.

-Leila Chatti From Poem-A-Day

Have a great rehabbing day, Birddude!

Morning, Mark! That yellow-billed cuckoo is very cool.

Happy New Year, Mark!

>40 msf59: That Jackson calendar is adorable!

Like you, I hope to read 3-5 each month off my shelf. To that end, I've started my reading with Death Comes for the Archbishop which has languished on my shelves since 2017. Did you settle on a scheme for picking the ones you will be reading? What's up first?

>70 msf59: Lovely. I don't know that I've ever heard bats' wings though, although I ocassionally see them. I'll have to perk up my ears and listen.

The great horned owls started hooting a few weeks ago. Last night it was more than a chorus - more like a symphony.

>78 richardderus: Thanks, RD. I am home now, warm & dry. I am glad duties with light at Rehab.

>79 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! We sure love our cuckoos, don't we? 😁

>80 streamsong: Happy New Year, Janet. Always good to see you. I remember loving Death Comes for the Archbishop. I hope you feel the same. I am using a couple different challenges to give me ideas for making selections off shelf, including TIOLI. My first OTS read will be Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall. This was from the AlphaKit challenge- pick a title or author that starts with an I- Ishiguro. It also has been on shelf for years.

Not sure if bat wings make a sound but the bats I have seen around here, definitely make a high-pitched sound.

Hooray for the hooting GHOs. It is mating season.

>66 msf59: No, I hadn’t heard of her before, but now Rooted is on my TBR list for 2023.

>71 msf59: Glad you’re enjoying Demon Copperhead. That’s one beautiful bird! That tail!

I am in Hopkinsville, KY at the Starbucks and am on my way back to Alabama. It will be my last trip back as an employee. Retirement is effective March 1, 2023. The first thing I have to do is move out of my office. That shouldn’t be too hard, as I cleaned out the filing cabinets in 2016 and haven’t really put anything back in them. Mostly, I have to take down my post cards. I collect post cards, and taped hundreds of them to the bare walls of my office. They have to come down and get boxed up so I can take them home.

I also have to work with the professors and get them acclimated to working with somebody else. They are understandably upset at the abrupt closure of the library and now with me leaving they are unhappy. I understand that several e-mails were exchanged with our Dean, and other university administrators regarding the closure, but it is a done deal.

As for me, it has been 30 years and it is time for me to retire. I tried to retire 5 years ago and the Dean talked me into staying, but I have other things I think I want to do, so it is time to go.

I am not sure where I will end up. I signed a years lease in October 2022 so will be in my little house in Tuscaloosa until the end of October 2023, but where I go from there is still a question. Lincoln, Nebraska is still high on my list, but my sister is pitching Bozeman, Montana for the short term. Problem with Bozeman, is who can afford to live there?

>84 benitastrnad: Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Benita! But Bozeman? Who would WANT to live there? I mean, it’s cold. Plus, isn’t that pretty much a, to put it politely, ultra conservative place? I guess one can make any place one’s own, but the long, cold winters would stop me from ever wanting to live there. (45 years in Southern California spoiled me.) 😘

Mark, I saw a piece on the news about an eagle being rescued from the lake, and that the bird was taken to Willowbrook--is that your rescue place?

https://news.wttw.com/2023/01/03/dramatic-bald-eagle-rescue-new-year-s-day-wauke...

>61 msf59: Well, I had another part of his body that Stoner could drop his weights on in mind, but we are definitely thinking along the same line there. . .

>71 msf59: Yes, what happens to Demon is sad and frustrating but Kingsolver skillfully keeps the reader turning the pages. Definitely! She has me completely pulled in to Demon's life.

>85 Storeetllr:
Actually Gallatin County is very liberal. It is the home of Montana State University. It is also the home of many of the ultra liberal Democrats with big money. It is also a pro-union state. It is a state with a Republican governor and a Democrat US Senator and a state legislature that meets every other year. So it is no more conservative than Kansas or Nebraska, my other choices for places to move.

>84 benitastrnad: Thanks for the update, Benita. The next few weeks will fly for you. I am happy for you. Retirement has treated me very well and you have enough interests, that you should never be bored. Good luck to where ever you decide to move to.

>85 Storeetllr: Being a Kansas girl, I never thought Benita had any issue with something as mundane as weather.

>86 kac522: Hi, Kathy. I somehow missed the eagle story first time around but now I have been filled in. I worked at Willowbrook today and no one mentioned it. It is being kept in ICU and I worked in the outside Rehab area. I wish the young eagle a quick recovery. Thanks for thinking of me.

>87 alcottacre: Well, it looks like we have similar feelings about "Demon", Stasia. I am about 230 pages in and it still has me in it's grip.

>88 benitastrnad: It seems like most college towns are more liberal.

>2 msf59: What an amazing photo!!!!

And, here is another work by Pamela Zagarenski. Naturally, I thought of you when I saw this one!

>61 msf59: I think Demon Cooperhead is worth purchasing at full price. Hopefully I can get to Barnes and Noble tomorrow. Happy New Year!!!

>5 msf59: I love Joe's poem!

I hadn't heard of the Kingsolver one you are reading - she's a powerhouse and I've liked many of her books in the past.

Happy New Year, and I am happy to announce that I have arrived in the 2023 group now- better late than never!

>89 msf59: I ended reading on page 244 tonight and the book is still going strong for me as well!

Hi Mark! You’re off to another fine year of reading! I’m looking forward to following along.

Just popping in to say Hi! and keep current. Loving the positivity around Demon. Soon!

>90 Whisper1: >91 Whisper1: Thanks for the Zagarenski, It is perfect. I hope your New Year is off to a good start. Yep, I think Demon Copperhead is worthy of purchase. Just sayin'...

>92 LovingLit: Happy New Year, Megan. Glad you like Joe's poem. It is a keeper. I think you would love Demon Copperhead.

>93 alcottacre: We are reading at the same pace, Stasia and loving it the same way.

>94 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. I love reading my first book of the year and it is a contender for best book of the year.

>95 Berly: I want to get you good and pumped about Demon Copperhead, Kimmers. 😁

Off to go owling...yes, it is ridiculously early. 🦉🦉🦉🦉

Ah, so it's your night to owl, is it? Enjoy!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. I hope this morning's early owling goes well.

Still too early to see the birds, although I do know I need to fill the sunflower seed feeder.

I like owls but not enough to be up and about that early :) Hope you have fun!

Hope you have a great time owling!

Morning, Mark! What Katie said.

>96 msf59: Yeah, this one really has its hooks in me - in a good way!

>97 msf59: I want to go owling!

>82 msf59: That sounds like a fine book to start your resolution to read more off your shelves. I should finish Death Comes for the Archbishop today and then on to a couple library books that must be read sooner than later.

Love, love, love the December/January owl choruses. I always take it as the first sign that winter can't last forever, how matter how nasty January comes down.

>98 richardderus: Yes, it was still full dark when I got down to the lakefront. It started to lighten up, within about 30 minutes. Overcast skies didn't help.

>99 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. My owling was successful and I beat the traffic and the crowds. I just filled my feeder but have not seen much action yet.

>100 katiekrug: >102 Crazymamie: The only reason I left so early, was to beat the traffic into the city. If I am not on the road before 6, I would be screwed, plus the owls would have waited and they did.

>101 bell7: I did have a good time owling, Mary. Thanks. I saw my first target owls but when I stopped at my second location, closer to home, I struck out. There will be other days.

>103 alcottacre: If you ever make it up here, Stasia, I will gladly take you owling. This time of year is best. Now, I am looking forward to curling up with Ms. Kingsolver.

>104 streamsong: Happy Wednesday, Janet. I hope you are enjoying the Cather. Such a good book. In regard to owls, I have seen you mention great-horned owls. Do you get any other owl species?

“Some are going to say I was never anything better. Not even born in a hospital to a mom fixing to take me back to her mobile home, but born in a mobile home, so that’s like the Eagle Scout of trailer trash.”

“He was quiet, holding that string and kite with everything he had. The way he looked. Eyes raised up, body tethered by one long thread to the big stormy sky, the whole of him up there with his words, talking to whoever was listening. I’ve not seen a sight to match it...The man was a giant.” Mr. Dick

I am 320 pages in, so into the 2nd half. The Dickens influences show up throughout- mainly in the vast number of colorful characters, along with the equally colorful names.

How is everyone else coming along?

>107 msf59: My library copy is ready for pickup!

Maybe you should sit down (if you aren't already seated) before you read this. I'm feeling pretty serious about launching a thread right here at this site. What do you think about that? Am I losing my marbles?

If I ever finish my first book of 2023, I’ll get cracking on Kingsolver. Very hectic workweek with late hours, albeit while working at home, but, after one more day, I have a 3 day weekend ahead.

>107 msf59: I read up to page 320 tonight too. I am very much looking forward to seeing where Kingsolver takes Demon's story.

Re Kingsolver. All I can say is thank heavens for June and not the month!

Hi Mark! I just put a hold on Rooted at our library, and it doesn't look like too long of a wait.

'Morning, Mark! Congrats on the successful owling. I hope today's adventures - books, Jackson, birds, or whatever - are as satisfying.

Once again it's too dark for bird visitors.

>108 quondame: Good news, Susan. We can't wait to hear what you think.

>109 weird_O: Yippee, Bill and no worries there- your marbles have been extinct for sometime now. See you on the other side.

>110 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Glad you are still planning on reading "Demon". Make sure you stop by and share some of your thoughts, once you do.

>111 alcottacre: Looks like we are reading at the very same pace, Stasia. I am sure you are reading other things as well, but this is my max throttle. LOL. I am not even reading any poetry or GNs, at this point.

>112 mdoris: Hi, Mary. Not sure how far you are into Demon Copperhead but I agree June is a shining star in this novel...at least so far.

>113 banjo123: That is great, Rhonda. You will love it. I am almost done with it.

>114 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I did have a good owling day yesterday. I will share Jackson duties with Sue today. No birding plans for the next 2 days, other than taking a peek at the feeders now and then.

Morning Mark! I am still 20+ on the wait list for Demon Copperfield :( but enjoying the quotes you've posted. Makes me look forward to it all the more.
I'm 1/2 way through When Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams. Have you read it? I'm impressed.

>117 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. 20 on the waiting list, isn't bad. Much better than mine was. I like sharing the quotes and hopefully avoiding any spoilers. It has been so good. I have not read the Abrams memoir. Glad to hear that you are enjoying it. Might make a good audio.

^I wanted to share some owling pics. I have taken very little photos in the past 2 months, although I do tote my camera around. I am just not getting many opportunities. ^The great-horned owl up there, was from last week. I love finding them on my own, although they do roost & nest in this particular area. The photo is not as clear, due to distance and cloudy conditions.

These long-eared owls I saw on the Chicago lakefront yesterday. Only my second time I have seen them in the wild. They tend to roost in very heavy cover, so can be very hard to spot and taking a photo through all those branches is challenging. You can see by my 2nd photo, how well they blend in- a pair are perched side by side:

^One thing I would like to address is: bird photography has exploded in the past few years and these photographers are relentless, trying for the perfect shot and no species is as popular as the reclusive owl. This worries most birders and naturalists, because of the pressure these birds are under, while they are trying to roost, in and out of migration. I got down there early, and I saw two other birders, with cameras but I have heard reports of upwards of 15-20 photographers lined up trying to get a shot. That is disheartening. I try to be as respectful as possible; I was in and out of there in 10 minutes but others may stay around for a lot longer. Of course, the best thing I could do would not go at all, but I am a die-hard birder after all. 😁

Happy New Year, Mark! I am enjoying the poetry.

Wow, those are some great owl shots! How far away were you?

I enjoyed your peeping-toms of the owls, Birddude.

>122 ronincats: Happy New Year, Roni! Great to see you. Glad you like my poetry choices.

>123 drneutron: Hi, Jim. The GHO was about 30 yards away, perched up in a tree. The LEOs were only about 10-12 ft off the path, but in heavy cover.

>124 richardderus: It is owling season, RD. Sweet Thursday, my friend. 🦉

>107 msf59: Love the kite image!

>121 msf59: That kind of worries me, so many people disturbing the peace of the owls.

>119 msf59: >120 msf59: Well you already know how green I am about your owl sightings Mark. Such fascinating creatures.

>120 msf59: I wouldn't have seen the second owl in your second photo if you hadn't mentioned it was there, Mark. Nice spotting!

>126 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. I was scanning for kite images and that one caught my eye. These particular owls don't seem to mind- they keep roosting in the same spot every day but it is still maddening.

>127 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. I am glad you are enjoy my owling stories and accompanying pics.

>127 Caroline_McElwee: When I first walked up, I thought there was only one owl, but another birder pointed out that there was a second one directly behind it. I moved a little to my right and could finally see it. 😁🦉

“I had to do the harder English, which was a time suck, reading books. Some of them though, I finished without meaning to. That Holden guy held my interest...Likewise the Charles Dickens one, seriously old guy, dead and a foreigner, But Christ Jesus did he get the picture on kids and orphans getting screwed over and nobody giving a rat’s ass. You’d think he was from around here.”

I am now 410 pages in and still locked in. I should finish on Saturday. I hope everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am.



^Chuckles the Dick- courtesy of our beloved Richard.

>116 msf59: I just finished up a good one this evening, but I am continuing with Demon Copperhead as well. I anticipate finishing it no later than Saturday.

>119 msf59: >120 msf59: Thanks for sharing the pics, Mark!

>130 msf59: Oh, I am definitely enjoying the book as much as you are!

>130 msf59: ...at least it wasn't one of...them...

Happy New Year, Mark. I am envious of your read of Demon Copperhead! I love Barbara Kingsolver but my reading goal this year is to read from my shelves and Kindles - although perhaps I can sneak the Kingsolver onto my lengthy library list.

I am looking forward to following along here in 2023.

Hi Mark, and happy Jackson Friday to you.

>119 msf59: and >120 msf59: Nice. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Another early morning, so no bird report. However, the moon is full and gorgeous.

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!

Great owl pics, Mark, and I'm very pleased to see you're still enjoying Demon Copperhead. I eagerly await your final thoughts.

>131 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia. Thanks for keeping pace with me, so we finish it together. Obviously not surprised that we are both loving DC. You know I love sharing my owl pics, whenever I can.

>132 richardderus: You made me spit out my coffee on that one, RD. Very funny. 😄

>133 DeltaQueen50: Happy New Year, Judy. I plan on reading a lot from my shelves and Kindle too. I own Demon Kingsolver so I am safe there. LOL. I hope you can get to it.

>134 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Hooray for a Jackson Friday! I will be hanging around the little guy for most of the day too. Glad you like the pics. Everything dark and wintry looking in my backyard too.

>135 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. I like getting back into this routine. 😁❤️

>136 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. Demon Copperhead has not steered off course yet, in over 400 pages, so I have faith it will end up a winner. Nice to start the year with a best of the year contender.

^Watching Sesame Street together. At least he is keeping his socks on...😁❤️

^Like I mentioned on my previous thread, I plan on utilizing a couple of different challenges to find creative ways to move books off my shelf and into my lap. These are the 3 I picked for January:

Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall by Kazuo Ishiguro Alphakit: starts with an "I"

Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart Alphakit starts with an "S"

Wild Child: and Other Stories by T.C. Boyle TIOLI: 7. Read a book where the author uses initials instead of a first and second name.

All 3 have languished on shelf for years. Anyone read any of these? I have not read Boyle in years. I loved his early books. Actually, I could also count Demon Copperhead for TIOLI- 3. Read a book that came into your possession in 2022.

Am I doing it right? 😁

Hi, Mark! Happy Friday!

>139 msf59: Oh, I miss those days of watching Sesame Street with Charlie. Enjoy!

I'm loving your Demon Copperhead quotes. It wasn't a book I had much interest in until you started quoting from it.

>140 msf59: I can't speak to AlphaKit, but the TIOLI looks great!

SO, what do you do with those owl photos?

>140 msf59: Enjoy your January challenges, Mark, and I am tickled pink that the TIOLI Challenge you are going to be doing is the one that I posted! :)

>141 scaifea: Happy Friday, Amber. Good to see you. It is so nice to see Sesame Street still going strong (over 50 years) and still enchanting scores of children.

>142 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. Demon Copperhead is still going strong but it can be a tough read. Life ain't easy for Demon & Lee County. Not a Kingsolver fan?

>143 benitastrnad: Not much, Benita. I save the better ones for my private collection and share some here. Not quite the high quality to share in other places.

>144 DeltaQueen50: I did not even realize it, Judy. That is awesome. I will be tagging along throughout the year.

>140 msf59: I think that's exactly how you're supposed to do it. I read the Shteyngart...not a fan, me. Came across to me as a one-note joke. Like Fahrenheit 451 played for laughs and I didn't think it was funny.

Anyway, I'm an old grouch so it's clear. Maybe you'll get more out of it than I did since you're not a curmudgeon at heart.

"118th Congress"

-Clay Bennett

>139 msf59: OMG! That could have been Rowan this morning when I was hanging out with him while his mom ran errands. (He loves Ms. Rachel.) When did they turn into teenage boys???

Good to see that Demon Copperhead is turning out so well for you, Mark. Nice to see the owl and Jack sightings too.

I think I'm certainly going to get around to Demon Copperhead sometime this year, as I've read David Copperfield fairly recently. Probably not in the next couple of months though!

>148 Storeetllr: Well, it looks like Jack & Rowan are two peas in a pod. Fortuantely, Jack likes to chill earlier in the day, after he wakes up and will watch TV and then he will get up and start playing. That is what I like.

>149 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. Demon Copperhead is really shaping up to be a keeper. I will finish it tomorrow. Glad you like it the sightings. 😁

>150 SandDune: Hi, Rhian. You have a good one to look forward to. I am sure it will be fun to have recently read David Copperfield too. It has been quite a few years since I read it.

>137 msf59: I have finished my reading in DC for today and will definitely be finishing it tomorrow. I am curious as to whether Kingsolver made DC's initials the opposite of Charles Dickens for a reason or if it was just coincidence?

Great picture of Jack- he looks very relaxed watching TV. I've been a bit busy the past couple of days and so have slowed down with my reading of Demon Copperhead. But I am continuing to enjoy it very much! On page 285 I think it is.

>151 msf59: I’m probably 20% into Demon Copperhead. It really started to pick up for me as Stoner got more involved.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you.

>139 msf59: He looks completely enthralled. Funny – Jenna never, ever, liked Sesame Street.

>140 msf59: Ah, you’re joined the TIOLI challenge. Go for it!

>152 alcottacre: Happy Saturday, Stasia. I assumed Kingsolver used the DC from David Copperfield, which this is very loosely based on but since Dickens based Copperfield on his own experiences, you may have something there.
I have about 50 pages left, so I will also finish up today. Thanks for keeping pace.

>153 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. I was wondering how your reading was going. Thanks for checking in. I completely agree that this one takes some dedication and drive, so you need a block of time to make headway. Glad you are still enjoying it and at nearly 300 pages, you are moving along.

>154 lindapanzo: You are doing well on DC too, Linda. So nice to have you along with us. Yes, Stoner is a piece of work and POS, IMHO. Keep checking in.

>155 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I don't think my kids watched Sesame Street much either. Not sure the reason. They sure watched plenty of other things. My first time dipping into TIOLI. I will use it when needed.

“I put my face to the window so nobody would see, if I tore up. Was this me now, for life? Taking up space where people wished I wasn’t? Once on a time I was something, and then I turned, like sour milk. The dead junkie’s kid. A rotten little piece of American pie that everybody wishes could just be, you know. Removed.”

"We were storybook orphans on drugs. A big old apple tree stood out in the yard, and that summer we ate wormy apples off the ground. I can still see her, so hungry, dirt on her knees, kneeling on the ground in a dead person’s dress."

^As you can clearly tell from the quotes, I am sharing- this is a tough read. I am not sugar-coating anything. The marvel is, is how Kingsolver brilliantly manages to keep the reader engaged and hopeful, is a wonder.
I will finish it today.

"The Receipt

-Clay Bennett

Mark, I'm finally caught up with one of my oldest LT friends...and I'm not talking about age. You are doing your usual fine warbling job about a book. I have Demon Copperhead home from the library and will start it next week. Thank you for sharing your love of books, owls, and toddlers...not in that order. It is fun watching Jack grow up. Those months and years go by much too quickly.

>157 msf59: I posted my thoughts on Demon Copperhead on my thread, Mark, if you care to take a look. I will say here that it is my first 5 star read of 2023.

>139 msf59: Socks? You're talking about socks? Hahaha. When Cole was four he started taking off all his clothes at the most inauspicious times and just running around like a madman. Not in public but in the house. He kept doing that semi-regularly for the next year or so. He finally outgrew it pretty much. But good luck keeping Jackson's socks on Mark lol.

>152 alcottacre:, >156 msf59: You've got it right, Mark: Dickens named his character David Copperfield with his reversed initials on purpose. There are some aspects of David's life in the novel (his time in the factory, his school days, his wife, his writing career) that were based on Dickens' own life.

He was very deliberate in the names of his characters throughout all of his books. Sometimes he went through many different iterations before choosing the final one.

I love the owl photos, Mark, and of course I love how respectful you are of these amazing creatures. We humans are so hard on everything....

January 5th was National Bird Day. I thought of you.

Demon Copperhead sounds great. I can't wait to read it (in the library queue).

>158 msf59: Hahaha, I suppose that at least the back and forth is not in smoke-filled rooms and the public get to see what "quality" politicians of today are made of.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

>159 Donna828: Always good to see you, Donna. I think Joanne may have been my first LT pal, but I am sure you were second. B.A.G. I have been tailing off on my reviews but I still can't help warbling, when I find something special. Looking forward to your thoughts Demon Copperhead, along with sharing my other joys.

>160 alcottacre: Great, Stasia. I will stop over there this AM. I just finished my review.

>161 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. How are those books treating you? It sounds like babies and toddlers do not like socks or shoes. Is it a primal thing? Glad to hear, that they will eventually grow out of it.

>162 kac522: Happy Sunday, Kathy. Thanks for chiming in on Dickens. I read and loved Charles Dickens: A Life quite a few years ago. If you are a fan, I highly recommend it.

>163 EBT1002: Happy Sunday, Ellen. I love my owls and I love sharing them with over here. It is tough to be respectful when you are on their turf but I try. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on DC.

>164 PaulCranswick: Sadly, this is just a precursor for what are Congress is going to be engaged in for the next few years. Sighs...

I hope you are having a good weekend, Paul.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you.

>156 msf59: Jenna watched lots of TV and movies, just not SS for some reason. I'm most proud of having her watching VHS tapes of Baryshnikov's ballet performances from about the ages of 3 to 5. She loved them. I also have a vivid memory of watching her dance to the Jeopardy theme, too.

>158 msf59: Ain’t it the truth! I’m mostly avoiding the news these days, frankly.

1- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 5 stars

“The wonder is that you could start life with nothing, end with nothing, and lose so much in between.”

“Anybody will tell you the born of this world are marked from the get-out, win or lose.”

Somewhere in Appalachia, Demon Copperfield was born in a trailer home, to a teenage junkie mother and this was just the beginning. Through his childhood and teens, Demon will have to navigate through many minefields, dealing with abuse, homelessness and addiction, to name just a few obstacles thrown in his path. For 500-plus pages, this could be a grind for most readers but Kingsolver is at the top of her game here and she keeps the reader engaged throughout. It sure helps that Demon is a wonderful character, that you find yourself rooting for all along the way, despite his many missteps. Like Dickens, Kingsolver populates her book with colorful characters, with equally colorful names but she keeps everything grounded in a masterful way. Nice to kick off the year with a Best of the Year contender.

*I am doing a shared read of this one with Stasia, Deb and Linda. Thanks for joining me on the journey.

Can't beat starting off the year with a 5-star read! I am looking forward to getting to this one...

>169 katiekrug: Happy Sunday, Katie. I have not seen one LT pal, that has not loved Demon Copperhead, so you should be fairly confident going in.

"One of the most celebrated writers of our time gives us his first cycle of short fiction: five brilliantly etched, interconnected stories in which music is a vivid and essential character."

I am a big fan of Ishiguro but for some reason Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall has been languishing on shelf. The January Alphakit helped with that. I will start it today.

>162 kac522: To me, Peggott always sounded like a very "Dickens" kind of name, Kathy. Thank you for the information!

>163 EBT1002: I think you are going to love it, Ellen!

>165 msf59: And I am here to read it. . .

>168 msf59: There are just so many quotes that can be pulled from Demon Copperhead, aren't there, Mark? It is just so, so good. Thank you for sharing this one with me!

>171 msf59: Looking forward to your take on Nocturnes, Mark. I've got a few other books going now, but hope to get to it later in the month. I just finished The Complete Maus which was a 5 star start to my reading year.

>172 alcottacre: Yep, the Peggotty family are all important characters in David Copperfield.

>172 alcottacre: I love kicking off the New Year with you, on this one, Stasia. Yep, so many great passages to share- that is for sure.

>173 kac522: DUH! I had completely forgot about the Peggotys, Kathy. Like I mentioned, it has been quite a few years since I had read it. How perfect.

Was this your first time reading Maus? An absolute classic.

^Like I mentioned before- Stasia and I will be kicking off February with Horse and as an added bonus, it is a Kindle Deal today for 2 bucks!! For a relatively new book that is extra special. I have my copy.

Hey Mark! Your review and quotes not to mention the size of it tells me I must purchase Demon Copperhead. Great comments!
Thanks for the heads up on Horse. I’ll snag that one today too.
I read Nocturne years ago. I didn’t write a review but a do remember a story or two and gave it 3.5 stars

>168 msf59: I'm so glad to see your 5 stars for Demon Copperhead!

I wasn’t home much yesterday but got as far as Demon’s 11th birthday.

The moment that hit me was Miss Barks, the social worker, asking Demon what he wanted to do when he grew up and Demon was sad because no one had ever asked him that before. He thought about it and said he hoped to survive.

I’m feeling under the weather today but hope to get a lot of reading in today.

>155 karenmarie: Heh heh. Jeremy was 2 1/2 when Becky was born, and Sesame Street and The Electric Company were on our TV every evening. Becky was about 12 hours old, and I was stretched out beside Judi on her hospital bed. Watching Sesame Street.

Hi Mark. I finished Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands Friday. I picked up Lessons in Chemistry, based on my sister's recommendation. (My SuperSecret Santa gave me a copy just before Christmas.) And it has the same bleak episodes of men taking advantage of their power to denigrate and assault women. Blech.

Glad you enjoyed Demon Copperhead so much! I’ll put it on my TBR list, but I’m not a huge fan of Kingsolver, based on only one attempt to read her (I think it was The Poisonwood Bible). I’ll give it another chance, because sometimes it’s just my mood at the time, and I know it’s unfair to judge an entire oeuvre on the basis of only one work.

In other news, the sun is out here today for a change, though it’s too cold for me to enjoy being outside. I hope you’re having a great Sunday!

>106 msf59: I have so many GHO's on my little creek bottom (I'm guessing 8 or so the other night) that I don't see other types of owls. A friend had a barn owl in her barn. And on an owling expedition a bit to the north of here, we saw a roosting site and pellets from a long eared owl and the leader was able to call up a pygmy owl. So they are in the area, but I think my 'infestation' of GHO's perhaps keep others out of my close area.

>140 msf59: It's fun to see how everyone is incorporating reads from their shelves. I'll be doing TIOLI challenges 2, 3, and hopefully 4 to read Death Comes for the Archbishop, Cold Earth from my 75'er Santa, Stasia, and The Constant Gardener ( I don't think I've ever read Le Carre.) But I have an absolute pile from the library, so who know what will actually get done.

Enjoy Horse!

>176 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. I try to live up to the tag Warbler and this was sure one worth warbling about. I hope you get to it. Stasia and I, will be reading Horse in early February if you want to join us? I am on the second story in Nocturnes and it is off to a good start.

>177 lauralkeet: I am sure you agree that it deserves it, Laura. Kingsolver Rocks!

>178 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Sorry you are not feeling well good. I hope you rebound tomorrow and get plenty of reading in today. Love to hear more of your thoughts on Demon Copperhead.

>179 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I will have to swing by and check out your thoughts on "Ducks". I haven't heard much about Lessons in Chemistry. Sounds like another tough one.

>181 Storeetllr: Happy Sunday, Mary. Richard has also avoided Kingsolver since trying Poisonwood. Funny, that was my first Kingsolver and I have been a fan ever since. Please try more of her work. Dozens of LT pals can't be wrong, can they? 😁

>182 streamsong: Happy Sunday, Janet. I love the owl report. I think GHOs prey on others owls, so I think you may have a point there. Have you ever seen a barn owl? If not, you should ask your neighbor if you can stop by. That is very cool, that you have pygmy owls in your area.

Good luck with those TIOLI challenges.

I purchased Horse, so count me in for February, Mark!

>168 msf59: Glad to see it was a hit for you. I’m not sure about the subject matter, but I’ll probably get to it eventually!

>175 msf59: Thanks for the heads up on the Horse deal, Mark! I think my email periodically blocks my daily deal emails. I don’t know about Feb., but maybe.

>181 Storeetllr: Aw...I loved The Poisonwood Bible. :(

>175 msf59: I have my copy of Horse ready for February! And I am so glad you rated Demon Copperhead a 5 -- cannot wait to start it in March. Now as to running around without clothes on, my son used to do that at our old house when he was 2. Okay he had on his diaper and his cowboy boots. One of our neighbors later told us that seeing him happily running around the driveway was what tipped them over the edge and they bought the house two up from us. LOL

>185 Carmenere: That is awesome, Lynda.

>186 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. Are you a Kingsolver fan, otherwise? We would sure like you to join us on Horse. Just sayin'...

>187 Berly: Wow! We would love for you to join us on Horse, Kimmers and I am sure you will love Demon Copperhead once you get to it.

Love the story of your son. Diaper and cowboy boots! Damn funny.

>140 msf59: I could have sworn that I read nocturnes but checked against my record keeping and found that I have not read it yet!

I have only read one other book by Boyle- Tortilla curtain and enjoyed it. I have The harder they come on my shelf.

Hi Mark! I have Horse, ready for next month. Super excited as I do like Brooks' historical fiction so much. I also have a copy of Lessons in Chemistry; they were promoting it at Barnes and Noble and I thought it looked a fun read.

>181 Storeetllr: Oh, I just looked at my mini review of Flight Behavior and I at 11% into DC I can see that it could go either way for me.

>188 msf59: Yes, although I’ve fallen behind on her more recent books. I loved The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven. Prodigal Summer was good, too, but The Poisonwood Bible is my favorite.

Hey there, Mark. Just checking in. Found a chunk of time and am now on page 450 of Demon Copperhead. He's an engaging character. I did enjoy The Poisonwood Bible, as well as The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven. I should finish up tomorrow or maybe Tuesday. I purchased a second hand copy of David Copperfield just so that one day in the future I can read it. I've read Dickens in the past, but not David Copperfield.

Nice review!

>189 figsfromthistle: Hi, Fibs. Are you a Ishiguro fan? This collection is off to a good start. Funny, I have read several of TC Boyle's books and Tortilla Curtain was my least favorite. Drop City was my first and remains my favorite.

>190 banjo123: Looks like we are going to have a nice group, Rhonda and it looks like I will probably set up a group read thread for Horse.

>191 quondame: Flight Behavior is one of my favorites of Kingsolver's work. I hope DC works for you.

>192 Copperskye: I recommend Flight Behavior. I think you will love it. I also read and enjoyed the ones you mentioned, although I need to read Prodigal Summer.

>193 vancouverdeb: Hey, Deb. Thanks for stopping by and giving us an update on DC. You are nearly done and still enjoying it. I hope you find time to read David Copperfield. One of Dickens best.

>194 msf59: I am a huge Ishiguro fan. The first book I ever read by him was Never let me go. I was young and found it strange but loved it. So far everything by him has been a good read for me. I will also put Drop city on my list.

I read lessons in Chemistry last month and enjoyed it.

Have a great start to the week.

'Morning, Mark! I hope your owling goes well today.

>167 karenmarie: Missed me up there - you're such a popular guy. *smile*

Happy 2023, Mark! I do so love seeing your owl photos! Such beautiful birds!
Hope 2023 brings you happiness and lots of new birds for your list!

Morning, Mark! Happy making that your first read of the year could get all 5 stars. That one is not calling to me, so I have dodged a book bullet.

>173 kac522: It has obviously been too long since I read David Copperfield as I did not remember that. A re-read is definitely due!

Have a marvelous Monday!

>168 msf59: This will be in my February reading. It is getting much praise on LT.

Hi Mark -

I hope you don't mind if I use your popular thread to promote another one of my virtual book events. I figure you and others may be interested since it is about owls after all. We'll be hosting Miriam Darlington, author of The Wise Hours, which si getting great reviews! The event is on February 10 at 2:00pm. Some of the owls from our raptor program will also appear. Details here:
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/miram-darlington-author-of-the-wise-hours-i...

I will now end my PSA. Thanks for the space.

I don't recall how much of a reader of Russell Banks you are. Did you hear of his passing?

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/books/russell-banks-dead.html

>195 figsfromthistle: Hi, Figs. Glad to hear from another Ishiguro fan. My favorite of his, is The Remains of the Day but I also loved Never Let Me Go. Actually, his last one Klara and the Sun was a very good too.

>167 karenmarie: >196 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Sorry I missed you up there. I must have been distracted with my review. Interesting that Jenna liked ballet as a child. Does she like it as an adult?

>197 ChelleBearss: Happy New Year, Chelle. Great to see you. You have been missed. Glad you like the pics. I am sure I will be sharing more through the year.

>198 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! I am very pleased with reading my first 5 star read of the year. Thanks. I hope you get one early this year too.

>199 alcottacre: I hope you can bookhorn in David Copperfield. It would be a worthy reread.

>200 Caroline_McElwee: You have a lot to look forward to with Demon Copperhead, Caroline. I am sure you will like it.

>201 alphaorder: >202 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. You are always welcome to share anything over here, my friend. The Wise Hours: A Journey into the Wild and Secret World of Owls sounds like my cuppa. Fridays are my Jackson days, but I will see what I can do with the author event. Thanks.

I am a fan of Russell Banks and did not know about his passing. Bummer. I recently watched the film The Sweet Hereafter, which is excellent. Probably my favorite of his novels. I have a story collection of his on shelf. I should get to it.

"In An Immense World, author and acclaimed science journalist Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses, allowing us to perceive the skeins of scent, waves of electromagnetism, and pulses of pressure that surround us. Because in order to understand our world we don't need to travel to other places; we need to see through other eyes."

I had a good time with Yong's last science book I Contain Multitudes and was looking forward to his latest An Immense World. I started it on audio today and it grabbed me right away. Like Mary Roach, he makes science fun.

Looks like you've been reading some excellent books, Mark! I was just talking with a co-worker of mine today about Barbara Kingsolver. She has Demon Copperhead now but isn't sure she has time to read it (and I need to wait for my book group to read it in October). But we were talking about other titles of hers that we've read and enjoyed. Have you read any of her nonfiction? I remember trying an essay collection in college and not being thrilled with it, but I may try again someday.

An Immense World is on my list. Hopefully sometime this year?

Happy reading in 2023, Mark!

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Tuesday to you.

>203 msf59: Jenna doesn’t like watching ballet any more, alas. She’s much more into watching documentaries and following her favorite bloggers – all on her cell phone.

>204 msf59: I have I Contain Multitudes on my shelves. Will I read it soon? Probably not, but I’m glad it’s there. It will call me at the right time. *smile*

>206 bell7: Hi, Mary. Yep, my reading year is off to a good start. May, it continue... The only NF that I have read by Kingsolver is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life which I really liked. I didn't know she had written more. I checked and she has an essay collection out too. I may have to give it a shot. I hope you get to An Immense World. It is off to a terrific start.

>207 FAMeulstee: Happy Reading to you too, Anita. Good to see you back.

>208 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I like documentaries too and watch them when I can. Joe also warbled about I Contain Multitudes, when he read it a few years ago. Good, informative book.

Hi Mark. Re Kingsolver. I think I run hot and cold with her. I tried a few of her fiction books and they just didn't grab me at all. I listened to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle on audio, read by her, her husband and daughter and I loved it. I also really liked a couple of her essay collections, including Small Wonder and High Tide in Tucson, and I also loved Prodigal Summer which is actually a novel. I own but have not yet read Unsheltered. As for the new one, in all honesty, a 700+ page book does not appeal to me at the moment...
;-)

I did listen to I Contain Multitudes on audio and it was good. I would probably try his new one one of these days.

Howdy Mark I've not read David Copperfield. In your opinion would reading it enhance Demon Copperhead?

Hi Mark! I'm interested in your take on An Immense World. That caught my eye a while back and then I forgot all about it.

Morning, Mark! I have not read any Russell Banks - do you have a favorite?

I’m about halfway through the Kingsolver book. Really enjoying it. I should finish around Thursday.

>205 msf59: Yong's book is already in the BlackHole thanks to Kim's thoughts on it. I am hoping to get to it soon.

>214 lindapanzo: I cannot wait to see your final thoughts, Linda!

Have a terrific Tuesday, Mark.

>215 alcottacre: It was more slow starting for me but after hearing all the great reviews, I stuck with it and can’t put it down.

It seems like one episode after another. The counselor at school made the comment that Damon has resilience. That’s probably the best one word description for him.

>210 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. Thanks for chiming in on Kingsolver. Sorry her fiction doesn't work for you. I also loved Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and would like to try both Small Wonder and High Tide in Tucson. I appreciate the heads-up. I think you would appreciate An Immense World.

>211 Carmenere: I think you should read David Copperfield and with fresh eyes, you will probably spot more links to Demon Copperhead. That said, it is a big book, so a big commitment.

>212 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. I am really enjoying An Immense World and I see no reason for it to go off the rails. I foresee my warbling...

>213 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. I have only read 3 books by Russell Banks. Yes, I should have read more but my favorite is The Sweet Hereafter. It is just a heart-breaking, wonderful novel. Cloudsplitter was a good one too. His take on John Brown.

>214 lindapanzo: Thanks for the update, Linda. Glad to hear you are locked in.

>215 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. Have you read I Contain Multitudes? I also recommend that one. I hope you are having a fine day, my friend.

"Descendant is a 2022 American historical documentary film directed by Margaret Brown, chronicling the story behind Africatown in Alabama, and the descendants of the last known enslaved Africans brought to the United States aboard the Clotilda."

^I recently watched "Descendant", a documentary streaming on Netflix. I highly recommend it. Sadly, I never got around to reading Zora Neale Hurston newly discovered book, Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo, which came out in 2018. That is based on the same story and the doc relied heavily on Hurston's work.
I will finally get to the book soon.

Anyone else see the doc or read the book? Thoughts?

I have a copy of Barracoon, but haven't felt in the right frame of mind to tackle it so far.

Russell Banks. I saw that he died. I pitched into Continental Drift for the AAC in 2017 and came tumbling out, leaving the book unfinished. He was one of the writers interviewed for The Writer's Library, and when I read that last year, I realized that I should not have given up on the book. And since then, I've accumulated six other books by him. An author to put on the 2023 To Read docket.

Barracoon. Picked up a copy of this last fall at a library sale. Gotta put it on the 2023 To Read docket.

An Immense World. Twas on my prime Christmas list, but it didn't appear, festively wrapped, in the place my Christmas tree would have been had I had a Christmas tree. However, I did give a copy to D-i-L Tara, who is reading it enthusiastically. I'm betting it'll be available to borrow later in the year.

I'm currently enjoying Lessons in Chemistry.

>219 msf59: - Haven't read (yet?) Barracoon, but the documentary sounds great, and I've added it to my watch list.

Thanks, Mark!

>219 msf59: Hi Mark, I read Barracoon in 2018 and thought it was a very good book.I still remember parts of it. I will look for the film/doc now. Thanks.

>218 msf59: Are there any other Kingsolver books you'd recommend to someone like me who has never read her before, until Demon Copperhead, that is. About the only one I know of is The Poisonwood Bible.

Oddly enough, on Twitter, LT asked what we were reading and I mentioned DC and it turns out that a dear friend at work just finished it so we've been chatting back and forth. I guess she thought it wasn't something I'd be reading.

No hockey on TV tonight and so I will be reading!!

>220 laytonwoman3rd: Looks like I am not the only slacker on Barracoon, Linda. Hopefully, we can get to it this year.

>221 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I found Continental Drift a bit of a challenge too but I am glad I read it. I hope you can try some Banks this year. I would think you would really like Cloudsplitter. I hope you can bookhorn in both Barracoon and An Immense World, sometime in the New Year.

>222 katiekrug: You are welcome, Katie. Like me, watching the doc, should spark plenty of interest in reading the book.

>223 mdoris: Thanks for chiming in on Barracoon, Mary. I will get to it in the coming months.

>224 lindapanzo: One of my favorite of her novels is Flight Behavior. Her earlier books like The Bean Trees & Pigs in Heaven are very good too. Of course, The Poisonwood Bible was a terrific read too.

Hi Marc! Such a lot going on in your thread. You haave me sold on Demon Copperhead especially because I love David Copperfield.

Loved the owl pictures. Their feathers are just like pieces of bark, so beautiful.

No owls here, it is starting to get to mating season, but it’s been raining steadily, and I bet they’re just hiding and grumbling.

The Ed Yong books sound very interesting as well. And Rooted seems just my cup of tea (I can’t find the right touchstone)

Wishing you a good week ahead.

>226 EllaTim: Hi, Ella. I am glad my warbling paid off on Demon Copperhead. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it, once you get to it. Glad you like the owl pics. More to come...I think you will really like An Immense World and "Rooted". Both wonderful nature books.

>225 msf59: Thanks for the tips about her other books, Mark.

One thing that bugged me is that he talked about kids joining the military bc September 11th happened that fall. Yet, earlier on, he talked about Carrie Underwood who did not become a country star until she won American Idol in 2005.

>219 msf59: I read it in 2018 and enjoyed it, Mark. I have yet to read anything else by Zora Neale Hurston, though, and really should rectify that.

>219 msf59: I have Barracoon as well but not got around to it as yet.

>225 msf59: I’ve not read much Kingsolver but I read Pigs in Heaven years ago (not realising it was a sequel) and enjoyed it a lot. Finally got around to reading The Bean Trees at the end of last year and wasn’t quite so impressed to be honest. If I’d read that one first I’m not sure I’d have gone on to read its sequel.

Hi Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. I hope Rehab went well yesterday.

>219 msf59: I read Barracoon 4 years ago, January of 2019, for my RL book club. I gave it 4.5 stars, and here’s a link to my review: karenmarie’s review of Barracoon

My feeders are empty. The birds must be unhappy. I'll fill the feeders in a while. I had to buy another 50 pounds of black oil sunflower seeds yesterday, and, with tax, it came to $40. I don't remember exactly what it was before Covid, but it was definitely about half of that.

>229 bell7: Morning, Mary. Obviously, Their Eyes Were Watching God is a Must Read! I hope you get to it.

>230 SandDune: Hi, Rhian. Good to see you. Looks like a big group of us, need to read Barracoon. I am glad I put it back on the radar. I hope you can try some of Kingsolver's later work.

>231 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. We cross posted but I am not missing you this time. I read your solid review on Barracoon. I was toying with listening to it on audio but it looks like it would be best in physical form. Bird seed has definitely gone up. My mixed seed is up, about 5 bucks a bag.

^Good morning! This was from yesterday during my Rehab duties. This GHO was perched just above my head and didn't seem to mind me taking his photo, as long as I was quick about it. I go through the flight enclosures, picking up any remaining "food", (you don't want to know) and refreshing their water. This particular enclosure, which is circular, is the largest at the center, contained 2 GHOs, red-tailed hawks and a pair of turkey vultures. So, you don't know what is flapping over your head. I am definitely in my element.

>234 msf59: What a majestic creature! I’m glad you’ve found your element.

Since I couldn’t shoehorn in reading David Copperfield I’m watching the movie version on YouTube. It features Sally Field and she is always so good.

Have a nice hump day!

>235 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Hooray for majestic creatures! I am glad you are watching a film adaptation of David Copperfield. I don't remember that version, just the 1930s one.

2- Rooted: Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt 4.2 stars

This is a fine meditation on nature. Our connections with it or the lack of it and the dangers of not heeding to the latter, which of course we are hurtling towards. Haupt is a fine writer and the reader can feel like being part of her world, as she walks through the woods, observing her surroundings. I also really liked her book, Mozart’s Starling so this is an author I am going to be reading more of. This is also a very good audio experience.

3- Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall by Kazuo Ishiguro 3.7 stars

I have been a fan of Ishiguro for many years and I had been curious how he would handle short fiction. Not surprising, he also does this well, but I think the novel form is his best approach. These 5 loosely linked stories are mostly about individuals trying to find their place in the world and music plays a big part of these. Most of these main characters are musicians. Ishiguro seems to have deep understanding of music and how it is made.

*I am trying to do better posting some kind of review but boy can it be tough and I nearly always fall behind. I will just do my best...

>234 msf59: Beautiful! Are the birds friendly enough that you don't have to worry walking through the enclosure?

>238 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. The birds are not friendly and they should not be. We have to keep our distance. They are wild creatures and are expected to be released back into the wild. I have been working there close to a year and have not witnessed any aggression or heard any reports of it. They can get a little spooked and dash around but we try to avoid disturbing them.

>239 msf59: Ah that makes sense! Glad they are not aggressive if you keep your distance.

>234 msf59: picking up any remaining "food", (you don't want to know)

No details required. I have some experience with this from my time volunteering at a bird rescue/rehab. But it's a small price to pay, both to have up-close access to these gorgeous birds and to be part of enabling them to resume life in the wild.

>234 msf59: That is a great photo, Mark!

>234 msf59: I hope that GHO won't be offended if I call him adorable. I know he wants to be fiece and bold and predator like but oh my he is so very handsome. i just love all his colours. Thanks for sharing these great photos Mark!

>240 ChelleBearss: Releasing these animals back into the wild safely, is always the main objective, Chelle.

>241 lauralkeet: I have also had to prepare this food numerous times, Laura. Once again, I won't get into it. 😁🦉

>242 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. She was a perfect subject.

>243 mdoris: Hi, Mary. I believe this GHO is a young adult. The juveniles can even be cuter. Big fluff-balls. More photos to come...

" Ingrid is alone on Barrøy, the island that bears her name, while the war of her childhood has been replaced by a new more terrible war and Norway is under the Nazi boot. When the bodies from a bombed troopship begin to wash up on the shore, Ingrid cannot know that one will be alive and warm enough to erase a lifetime of loneliness."

Ellen passed her copy of The Unseen onto me, (the first book in a quartet). She had fallen head over heels for it. I finally read it last January and proceeded to fall in love with it too. It was a top read of 2022. I passed the same copy onto Rhonda and she followed suit. She also read the second, White Shadow which put it back on my radar. I grabbed a copy from the library and started it today. 60 pages in and I am really enjoying it.

Isn't LT great? 😁❤️

‘Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>234 msf59: Excellent photo. Those ears!

Still dark. I will fill up the bird feeders today.

>245 msf59: Yes, LT is great, Mark :-)
I enjoyed the Barrøy books, waiting for book 4 in Dutch translation.

>245 msf59: Good morning, Mark. A fourth book in the Barroy series is due out on March 7th. It’s called Just a Mother.

>246 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Glad you like the GHO photo. Get out and fill those feeders. That is a direct order!

>247 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita. I had forgot that you had read and enjoyed the Barroy books. I better get to the 3rd later this year.

>248 lindapanzo: Morning, Linda. Sweet Thursday. Thanks for the info. I would highly recommend the Norwegian series to all my book friends. What a sense of time and place.

I've put The Unseen on my library list. Sounds great!

>250 katiekrug: >251 katiekrug: Morning, Katie. Glad I got you with The Unseen books. They are so hypnotically good, capturing a special place and time and they are not very long, which for me is a bonus.

Did you mean to share your Wordle here? I have never played.

>252 msf59: - Oops, sorry. No, it's supposed to be on my thread. I'll move it. D'oh!

>253 katiekrug: Oh, you could have left it. No big deal. People might have thought I played. 😁

-Joe Heller

>254 msf59: - No, no, don't want to clutter up your thread :)

>245 msf59: Roy Jacobsen is new to me and I'll gladly add the series to my list - thanks!

>216 lindapanzo: Yes, it is, isn't it? It is a good thing he had it too!

>218 msf59: I have not read I Contain Multitudes, but I own it and have it slated to read this year.

>219 msf59: I read Barracoon back in 2020, Mark. I gave it 4.5 stars. It is definitely worth the read!

>234 msf59: It looks like it is keeping a close eye on you. You had better watch out.

>237 msf59: Adding both of those to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendations, Mark.

>245 msf59: Isn't LT great? 😁❤️ That's a rhetorical question, right?

Morning, Mark! You also got me with The Unseen. I noticed when checking it out that the third book in the quartet is currently $1.99 on Kindle. Just saying.

I finished Demon Copperhead in the wee hours of the morning. It was terrific, one of the best books I've read in quite some time, even though painful to read at times. Thanks so much for recommending it and encouraging me to move out of my usual reading comfort zone.

Besides Demon himself, probably my favorite character was Angus. I thought that no one could top Stoner as my least favorite but lots of others gave him a run for the money, including Darci (the only time I was a bit bored with the book was at about the 3/4 of the way through part focusing on Demon and Darci.). Fast Forward was another such character but, in the end, I think I'd go with U Haul but it was a close call.

The characters were so well drawn and memorable. Plus I felt like I had a better understanding of the poverty/pain meds crisis in Appalachia than I would've gotten from a nonfiction book.

In 2023, I hope to read along more often.

>186 Copperskye: It may just have been my mood at the time, Joanne.

>234 msf59: Beautiful, though is it squinting at you with its right eye?

You got me as well with The Unseen and White Shadow, Mark. I see my library has both as well as the 3rd in the series so I've added them to my library list.

Interesting that Jacobsen should come up now. I added it to my library Wishlist a few weeks ago Mark but now I know I'll need to get to it sooner.

Just remembered that it was Deborah, arubabookwoman, who raved about The Unseen but warned that the next two aren't nearly as good.

>234 msf59: What a shot!

Thanks for keeping me company over on my thread while I'm still underpowered, Mark. It's gonna be a bit longer than I'd hoped.

>256 katiekrug: You are always thinking of others, Katie. 😁

>257 vivians: You are welcome, Vivian. We all take turns turning each other onto new authors. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on The Unseen.

>258 alcottacre: Sweet Thursday, Stasia. I hope you can bookhorn in I Contain Multitudes and I plan on bookhorning in Barracoon. I know you like the owls and yes, I was definitely being rhetorical. 😁

>259 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. Ooh, thanks for the heads up on the follow-up of White Shadow. I plan on grabbing it soon.

>260 lindapanzo: I am very happy that you enjoyed Demon Copperhead, Linda and it was very special that you were able to join us on reading it. We also liked your thoughts and observations. I agree with you on Angus (like cattle?) and Darci. Watch my shared reads up there or suggest your own, if you would like to do another one.

>261 Storeetllr: I get that squint eye a lot, Mary. 😉

>262 DeltaQueen50: I am glad I landed a couple of BBs, Judy. My work is done here. Glad your library has them. Yah!

>263 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. I am sure you will love The Unseen when you get to it. White Shadow is not as strong as the first but still a good read. I am halfway through.

>264 richardderus: Hey, RD. We look out for our pals around here. That is what we do best. I hope you are getting some relief.

^Mamie kindly pointed out that the third book in the The Barrøy Chronicles, (The Unseen) is a Kindle Daily Deal for 2 bucks. I snagged a copy of Eyes of the Rigel. Duh!!

^ I read Desmond's incredible book, Evicted in 2019. It blew me away and it ended up being the best book that I read that year. I know several of my book pals felt the same way. I just learned that he has a new one coming out in March- Poverty, by America. Mark your calenders, folks.

>268 msf59: The topic is an important one and Desmond is a master. I've been waiting for this one...

>204 msf59:. I am sure there will be a video of the Mariam Darlington event. I will send you a link.

>268 msf59: Thanks Mark. I just put it on reserve! I thought Evicted was outstanding, I was blown away too!

Happy Friday the 13th, Mark!

>268 msf59: BB for me.

>269 alphaorder: You are right about Desmond being a master and he seems to have made it his life's mission to spreading the word. It is amazing how ignorant most of us are, when it comes to the poor and the struggling. I will watch for the Darlington video. Thanks, Nancy.

>270 mdoris: Hi, Mary. I am not sure there were any of us that we not moved and enlightened by Evicted.

>271 figsfromthistle: Happy Friday the 13th, Figs. Glad I landed a BB. I am sure many of us will be reading this one.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday the 13th to you!

>249 msf59: I didn’t take care of the feeders yesterday but did today, and already have a Carolina Wren, a Downy Woodpecker, and two female Cardinals visiting. A male Cardinal is in the Crepe Myrtle.

>255 msf59: We’re going to get a cold snap tonight – well, cold for us. 33F tonight, and 23F tomorrow and Saturday nights.

>273 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. We are waking up to a light coat of snow on the ground. We will be back to normal winter temps through the weekend and it warms back up on Monday. Thanks for the feeder report and stay warm.

-Eastern-screech owl.

I took Juno for a walk at a local forest preserve. Two different owl species had been reported there. I managed to see the tougher one. The screech owls come in two colors- gray and red. This was my first time seeing a red morph and this is only the third time that I have seem them in the wild, although I have heard their eerie calls at night, a number of times, while camping. They are very small- only 5-6" high and I got lucky that this one, popped out of it's cavity to bask in the sun for a while. BTW- Juno was perfect throughout. Sitting like a good girl. I did miss out on the barred owl, that had been seen there regularly. I tried again yesterday, to no avail. I will be back...

>275 msf59: - Fabulous pics, Mark! Lucky you! And good girl, Juno!

>275 msf59: Wow! That’s amazing! And Juno! Impressive. “Who’s a good dog? Who? Juno’s a good dog!”

>275 msf59: Love those pics of the Eastern Screech Owl! Beautiful composition! And good to hear the report of Juno’s good behaviour!

Karen O

>275 msf59: read photos, Mark! I have never seen one of those before.

Have fun with Jackson today - I know you will!

Hey Mark, Happy Friday.

I got a copy of Line of Beauty today. So whenever you think you might want to bookhorn it in, let me know. I might not be able to keep up, but I'll at least start with your. NO Rush, got plenty of other things awaiting my attentions. LOL

>275 msf59: Lovely owl. I just love the life in the colors and tones of those pictures.

>276 jessibud2: >277 Storeetllr: Thanks, Shelley & Mary. Glad you like the owl pics and yes, Juno will be joining me on more walks. I love it when she sits and waits for me to do my geeky birding stuff.

>278 klobrien2: Thanks, Karen. I could have taken a little bit more time on taking the photo but Juno was waiting and I don't like to disturb the owl for more than a few minutes.

>279 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. You may have not seen a screech owl but I would be surprised if you have not heard one.
I had a good day with Jackson.

>280 mahsdad: Happy Friday, Jeff. I am glad you got your copy of The Line of Beauty. You want to shoot for June? We can always change it.

>281 quondame: They are beautiful aren't they, Susan? Glad I get a chance to see them, even if it is rarely.

^Jackson Day went great. He is much more mobile these days, so snapping off a photo is not always easy. When I sat him down on the counter and picked up my cell to take a photo, he started shaking his head- He wasn't up for it, (I wonder if he may want to start charging me). I finally got a couple of keepers. He also took his nap in my lap. Probably one of my favorite things in the world.

Yes, that is my copy of White Shadow next to him. I squeezed in a little reading.

>219 msf59: Hi Mark, you asked about Barracoon. Here is my review from 2019:

On one hand it seems strange that Barracoon, which is based on the 1927 interview of Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last slave ship to the US, took so long to be published. But maybe that is all to the good as such an account would have been a hard sell back in those days. I well remember a newspaper article I came across from around that time period which was about how the amount of lynchings were down from previous years. Most lynchings were of black men according to the article. Attitudes were a bit different then.

The book was short and the account of Cudjo's life was so interesting. What struck me most was the attitude of African Americans to the Africans. It was a lot different than the homogeneous mass of blacks brought to mind when slaves and slavery are referred to in works like These Truths. The Africans seem to have been treated as the lowest of the low by all facets of society which didn't turn out well for Cudjo's children.

>275 msf59: Mark, what an excellent sighting! I love screech owls, and can just imagine how difficult they are to spot in the wild. And with that coloring as well. Gorgeous.

>284 Familyhistorian: Thank you very much for the Barracoon review, Meg. I plan on reading it in the coming weeks.

>285 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. At first, I thought you were talking about Jackson. LOL. Yes, as common as the screech owls are here, they are very small and very reclusive. A sighting is special. Do you have them in your area? Because you may be able to hear them at night.

Hi Mark! Happy Saturday to you.

>275 msf59: Congrats on siting the red morph. Beautiful pics, too, by the way.

>283 msf59: Much cute-i-tude. Glad the day went so well.

I’ve got a Carolina Wren on the suet feeder, many finches fighting for the sunflower seed, and probably two dozen Cardinals in the Crepe Myrtle, all vying for positions at the feeders. It’s fun to watch. I think I had a White-Breasted Nuthatch at the suet feeder when I first came in, but am not sure.

4- Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook 3.7 stars

When I first picked this off the library shelf, I automatically thought this graphic memoir was about North Korea. Once I started it, I quickly found out, that it was set in South Korea, during the terrorizing reign of the Fifth Republic. A military regime, which I remember nothing about. This made it worthwhile. It kicks off with the banned book club but it mostly deals with the author’s involvement in a group of young people rising up and protesting against the totalitarian regime. I will have to read more about this- how democracy took the country back and stayed in place. Recommended.

Morning, Mark! That Jackson sure is a cutie, and he really looks like his mom.

>275 msf59: Stunning. What a treat to see it Mark.

>283 msf59: He is certainly looking robust Mark. Move all the breakables up.

>288 msf59: Glad that was a good one for you, Mark! I was glad I read it last year.

>283 msf59: Jackson is adorable, as always. You remind me of a time when Mia was just a little older than Jackson is now, when we were playing and I pulled out my phone and tried to take a pic or two. She told me, "No. Put the phone down!" and wouldn't let me do it.

In bird reporting, I put out some seed a week or so ago, hadn't seen a ton of activity, but know birds and squirrels have been eating, as it was nearly empty this morning. I peeked outside while I made my coffee, and I had a few juncos eating the shells on the ground and a whole flock of grackles in my backyard which were a lot of fun to watch.

>288 msf59: Maybe I should add Banned Book Club to The WANT! List™. Yeah, I shall. Just give me a moment.

I looked up South Korea's Fifth Republic on line and was surprised that was in the 1980s. How little I know.

Not a book thing, but I read that Missouri's legislators amended their rules to require females to have their arms covered when on the floor. And that means elected female members of the legislature. Jesus boom! I thought that was the "Show Me" state, and its lawmakers don't want to be shown.

>289 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. Yep, most of us agree that Jack leans toward the Freeburgs. I am happy with that.

>290 Caroline_McElwee: "Move all the breakables up." That made me laugh. He doesn't seem to be destructive yet but I am sure that could change any time. He has been walking for awhile. Glad you like the screech owl, Caroline.

>291 bell7: Hi, Mary. Looks like Jack and Mia have something in common. I wear glasses to watch TV, at our house. He doesn't like that either and makes me take them off. Thanks for the feeder report. I love those. My feeders have been hopping today. Have not seen a junco today.

>292 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. Banned Book Club is a good read. It definitely enlightened me on the Fifth Republic, which like you, I knew nothing about. Pretty sad about that amendment in Missouri. How about passing something important. Jeesh...

I would like to join you when you read Line of Beauty. By-the-way, when are we going to read Singapore Grip by J. G. Farrell?

>282 msf59:. June sounds good to me

>294 benitastrnad:. The more the merrier (Line of Beauty)

>283 msf59:. So cute! He's growing up!

>286 msf59: Morning, Mark. Eastern Screech Owls are very common in Virginia. We haven't seen any yet (not surprising), but I also don't think we've heard one either. We hear barred owls all the time though.

>294 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. BTW- Thanks for the Christmas letter. I always appreciate those. I have added you to the list for The Line of Beauty. My year is filling in fast- why don't we read The Singapore Grip in September?

>295 mahsdad: It is a date, Jeff.

>296 banjo123: He certainly is, Rhonda. I enjoyed White Shadow and look forward to the third.

>297 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. Screeches seem to be everywhere east and out west they have western screech owls, which I have not seen yet. I love the sound of barred owls. I am glad you get to hear them.

>288 msf59: Intense story! I'm very impressed by the art.

Happy Sunday...new thread day?

>299 richardderus: Morning, RD. See you over on the new thread, my friend.