Tall Tales from Kansas

I now owe the grand sum of $2.40 to the Lawrence Public Library

I just returned my latest books to the library.  I was late.  Late in returning them both by a week.  I now owe the grand sum of $2.40 to the Lawrence Public Library.   I couldn't help it.   The experiences of May Dodd as recounted in her journals were not to be rushed.   I had to close my eyes every once in awhile as I read.   Not to sleep mind you, but to visualize what I was reading.  1,000 White Women gets a good recommendation from me. 

I did not close my eyes one time while I was listening to the tale of George Amberson aka Jake Epping.  He is the man who goes back to 1958 to undo the work of Lee Harvey Oswald on 11/22/63.  If you are not a Stephen King fan I am not going to try and convert you.  What I am going to tell you is that reading this book is a feast.  I ain't talking no fast food novel.  I mean a 7 course meal served up on china with the good silver and linen napkins.  Thirty hours of listening have never gone by so fast. 

Stephen King is a master at creating memorable characters and GREAT dialogue.  The time travel aspect of this book is intriguing, but what keeps you hooked are the people you meet as the story unfolds.   This book has joined my list of all time favorites.  I wish I could remember which of you told me about it. 

 
What to start next?  So many possibilities. 

my forgetfulness will just outpace my listening timeline

I was first introduced to Kinsey Milhone back in the mid 1980's with A is for Alibi.  It was one of the first books on tape I ever listened to.  I just finished #22 in the series, V is for Vengence.  I am already mourning the fact that there are only 26 letters in the alphabet. 

For me Judy Kay will always be Kinsey Milhone.  So imagine my surprise when I found out today that she has only read the last 8 novels.   I don't remember the transition from one reader to another.   How could that be?   Turns out I don't really remember the plot line for A is for Alibi either.   Oh happy day!   I can listen to them all over from the beginning again after Z is for Zealot (or maybe Zero) has concluded.  With any luck my forgetfulness will just outpace my listening timeline if I don't get too greedy. 

the world through the eyes of Smithy Ide is worth seeing

I must report back on this book. This one that I told you about two weeks ago. 

The main character, Smithson Ide, is one of those persons you want to have as a friend.  He views the world with an open curiosity.    This non-judgemental perspective opens the door for experiences that might otherwise be missed.    But don't make the mistake of calling him naive.  If you can listen to this book - do so.  It's read by the author and listening adds an extra layer of enjoyment on top of the story. 

While I was returning it, I picked up my next books.  As you can see Mulv Car (that's me) has 2 selections waiting.   I'll be reading One Thousand White Women, and listening to 11/22/63.   It might be just a wee bit until you hear my opinions.   11/22/63 is a long listen, 31 hours on 30 CD's.   But I have it on the highest authority that it is not to be missed. 

monsters, running, vengence, and hot flashes

I finished The Monsters of Templeton last week.   Loved the ending.  Unexpected in a completely out of left field, yet totally right sort of way... which made me look more fondly on the book.  It has been my "by the bed before I go to sleep" read  for the last month and I would occasionally find myself skimming through the things that happened long ago, to get back to the storyline of the present day characters.  Overall I liked it.  If you get lost easily in a book and don't like jumping back and forth between characters and time frames it will not be for you. 

Currently listening to The Memory of Running.  Totally engrossing.   I can't wait to get back in the car to catch the next installment.   It's read perfectly by the author.  Final judgement pending but I can't imagine it will by anything less than 2 thumbs up. 

V is for Vengence is next in line for the drive time story hour.  I am a huge Kinsey Millhone (main character in this alphabet series by Sue Grafton) and am ready to tag along on her next adventure. 

Somehow the Edamame dip made it home with me from the library too.  Have you tried it?  It's made of soybeans.   I eat it because it's good, but if I over indulge I tell myself it's ok since it's probably lowering my risk of osteoporosis as well as the incidence of hot flashes. 

Unbroken

Do you know Louis Zamperini?  If you not, you are going to want to meet him. 

Laura Hillenbrand does a superb job of telling this hard story in a way that is captivating and educational.   There is so much history that I just don't know about.  I had not previously read anything about WWII from the perspective of an American POW in Japan .   This book has left me wanting to read more.   I wish Chris's dad were still alive so I could ask him some questions.  He served in the Pacific theatre in WWII. 

I heard the story was complex and might be hard to follow in an audiobook format.  I did not find that to be so at all.   Highly, highly, recommended. 

Lewis and I have our favorite chair ready

In preparation for the beginning of a cold weekend Lewis and I have our favorite chair ready to snuggle up in and get started on this new book. 

We might have to get started tonight.  In fact,  let me just head down to the kitchen and get that tea pot turned on.  Now where did I put those lemon iced shortbread cookies I was saving for just this occasion?

Book Report by Carol

 I finished listening to A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.   It's a story told in an unusual format.  Each chapter is from a different period of time in the lives of the 2 main characters.  The order of events is not sequential.  I wasn't sure how I would like that, but it's intriguing to know how some aspect of the characters' life is going to turn out before they do.  There were a couple of small parts that dragged and if I had been reading instead of listening I would have skimmed them.   The book also takes on this odd futuristic vibe near the end that seems out of synch with the rest of the story.  BUT I found it an enjoyable read and would try something else by this author. 

The End

since the last meeting of the literary guild

Went to the library today.  Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE the library?  I think I have but it bears repeating.  Going to the library makes me happy. 

You get your books for free and I really like picking up a copy of BookPage to find other books I might want to request.   I have heard from many people that Unbroken is a winner.  CD #1 is loaded for listening on the am commute tomorrow. 

Here is what I have been up to since the last meeting of the literary guild: 

State of Wonder:  Good read.  Unexpected.  Engrossing.  Recommend.
Visit from the Goon Squad:  Haven't started.  Got from library on CD.  (Dana I will return your book at long last!)
The Pain Chronicles:  I should finish. I think I will learn something from it.  Struggling.  Too much like required reading maybe?  Verdict still out. 
Cutting for Stone and Sara's Key:  Still on nightstand. 

Discuss amongst yourselves.  Report in with feedback. 

forewarned is forearmed

Before I left for Budapest I was trying to decide between taking "A visit from the Goon Squad" and "Cutting for Stone" with me on the trip.  Then I went and got all engrossed in "Turn of Mind" which kept me totally occupied on all flights associated with that trip. 

 
When I got home, "Before I go to Sleep" was ready for pick up at the library.  I just took a peek at the first page and before I could help myself I was hooked.  I read it super fast.    Highly recommended.  It's one of those books you just gobble up because you have to find out what happens.

So while I was reading those 2 books, my original two books morphed into 4 books that are now awaiting my attention.

 
Does this happen to you too?  I think it's a great little problem to have.  I am completely prepared for a freak snowstorm that might hit in the middle of October.  Yes I realize the high is going to be 80 degrees here today.  Just remember, forewarned is forearmed. 

I suddenly have this insatiable desire

 
The relationship that began between Frank Bruni and myself on August 31st has only grown deeper in the last 10 days.   I love listening to someone who describes food so perfectly you can taste it.  His struggles with weight, and the completely illogical reasoning he employs at times when trying to lose those extra pounds, are also something I can relate to. 

 
In the meantime, I talked Chris into making meatballs tonight for dinner.  I suddenly have this insatiable desire for pasta with red sauce and spicy meatballs...

 
It might have something to do with the description of all the different types of pasta Frank experienced while living in Italy and the ensuing discussion regarding how particular sauces cling to the various shapes in differing degrees.   It took everything I had not to whip up a box of kraft macaroni and cheese while I was waiting for dinner to be ready.

 
I settled for a nice glass of wine and tried not to tap my foot or drum my fingers impatiently as I waited for the garlic bread to come out of the oven.