Berly Reads Some More

I love the idea of the 1010 Category Challenge and I did squeak in 100 books last year, but just. So, instead, I have opted for my own 510 challenge, which is 5 books in 10 categories, leaving me 25 to read willynilly (have to leave room for group reads and five star LT recommendations). My favorites so far are:

Shades of Gray, by Jasper Fforde and
The Widow Clicquot, by Tilar J, Mazzeo
The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein *****
The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barberry
The Lonely Polygamist, by Brady Udall
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender
The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

My old threads can be found here:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/80620
http://www.librarything.com/topic/84234
http://www.librarything.com/topic/94307




My Rating System:
***** excellent, go get it!
**** very good
*** still enjoyable
** disappointing
* not worth finishing

Here we go!

How Novel New York Times Best Seller List
12. The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein *****
13. The Weight of Silence, by Heather Gudenkauf ****1/2
18. The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis ***1/2
33. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows ****1/2
39. The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barberry *****
51. The Year of the Flood, by Margaret Atwood ****
55. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett *****

That's What I Said Biographies and Autobiographies
3. The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J Mazzeo *****
10. Open, an Autobiography, by Andre Agassi ****
46. You Know Your Way Home, by Suzanne Jauchius ***1/2
60. Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers ****
66. The Boy Who Harnasses the Wind, by William Kamkwamba ****

Tomestones These big ones could be the death of me!
2. 8496718::The Scarpetta Factor, by Patricia Cornwell ****
6. 2518133::World Without End, Ken Follett ***1/2
31. 5769176::Eon, Dragoneye Reborn, Alison Goodman ****
37. 192360::Night World, by L.J. Smith ***

Indiespensible Books Books sent by Powell's every month or two
1. Wild Things, by Dave Eggers ***1/2
30. The Lonely Polygamist, by Brady Udall ****1/2
40. 9800388::The False Friend, by Myla Goldberg ****1/2
48. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender ****1/2

Dust Catchers Poor, neglected books on my shelves
4. 4731::Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston ****
23. 4130::Breath, Eyes, Memory, by Edwidge Danticat ***1/2

No Stone Left Unturned Detective/Mystery
7. 4701142::Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde *****
8. 5340749::When Will There Be Good News, Kate Atkinson ****
14. 8882081::House Rules by Jodi Picoult ***1/2
33. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson ****1/2
44. 4104266::Child 44, Tom Rob Smith *****
45. 1769540::The Girl Who Played with Fire, by Stieg Larson ****1/2

And First Place Goes To... Literary Prize Winners
29. 7248280::Lark and Termite, by Jayne Anne Phillips ***
47. 5400850::The Knife of Never Letting Go, by Patrick Ness ****1/2
Guardian Children's Ficiton Prize

Never Heard of Her New Authors for Me
9. 239939::Moon Called by Patricia Briggs ****
16. 51371::The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers ***1/2
38. 6506505::The late, lamented molly marx, by Sally Koslow ***1/2
42. 3720169::The Palace of Illusions, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni ****
61. 9749404::The Twelve, by William Gladstone **1/2

High School Reunion YA books (two teenagers in the house...)
5. 3024769::Charlie Bone and the Beast by Jenny Nimmo ****
21. 5474405::Bone Crossed, by Patricia Briggs ****
22. 2969648::Iron Kissed, by Patrica Briggs ****
32. 6254789::Scat, by Carl Hiaasen ****
43. 4900109::Nightworld, LJ Smith ***
49. 173670::The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan ****
53. 9277689::The Red Pyramid, by Rick Riordan ****1/2

Soul Searching Philosphical/Religious
17. 5006483::The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch *****
28. 38872::The Art Of Happiness, by The Dalai Lama ***1/2
59. 9749404::The Twelve, by William Gladstone **1/2

Potpourri Everything else!
11. 6450895::Tempted, PC Cast and Kristin Cast ****
15. 1244072::Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs ****1/2
19. 3283861::The Concubine, by Norah Lofts ****
20. 2510951::If There Be Dragons, by Kay Hooper **
24. 156771::Committed, by Elizabeth Gilbert ****
25. 4110398::Light of the Moon, Luanne Rice ***
26. 35916::Night Tales, by Nora Roberts ***
27. 3625953::Official Taekwondo Training Manual, by Soon Man Lee ****1/2
34. 9756620::The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephenie Meyer ***1/2
35. 4477010::Cry Wolf, by Patricia Briggs ***
41. 192367::The Forbidden Game, LJ Smith ***1/2
50. 6388945::Black Hills, Nora Roberts **1/2
52. 4312439::Lavinia, by Ursala K. LeGuin *****
56. 9315695::The Postcard Killers, by James Patterson and Liza Marklund ***
57. 1769540::The Girl Who Played with Fire, by Sieg Larsson ****1/2
58. 4855947::Atmospheric Disturbances, by Rivka Galchen ***
62. 687461::Wolfsbane, by Patricia Briggs ****
63. 971361::The Confession, by John Grisham ****
64. 9524328::Indulgence in Death, by JD Robb ****
65. 5372923::Schooled by ****
67. 8692829::The Knight, the Bowers Files, by Steven James * Did not finish
68. Blazing Passion, by Barbara Cummings **
69. Agnes Browne, by Brendan O'Carroll ***
70. The Postcard Killers, by James Patterson and Liza Marklund ***
71. Hunting Ground, by Patricia Briggs ****
72. From Fatigued to Fantastic, by Jacob Teitelbaum ****
73. 9787484::Port Mortuary, by Patricia Cornwell ****
74. The Other Side, by J.D. Robb ***1/2

Found you! ...still liked the cover for Cry Wolf... :P

Found you again!

Hi Berly!

Nice to see you spruced up the joint!

Laughed again as I read through titles of categories. :-) I'm sorry about some of your reasons for being on LT more often these days, but I'm always happy to see you here, Kim!

Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen ***

The strange tale of Dr. Leo Liebenstein, his missing wife, Rema, and his psychiatric patient Harvey. Leo's wife returns one day with a dog and Leo senses right away that she is a forgery, a simulacrum. With the help of Harvey, who believes himself to be a secret agent capable of contoling the elements, Leo journeys throughout the world in search of his real true love. But is she really missing or is Leo simply going mad? Can overanalysis actually drive you nuts? Read the following excerpt and you decide:

"I saw the blond woman's face in the mirror, and if she appeared to be looking at the same point in the mirror that I was looking at, then actually she was looking at my face in the mirror while I was looking at her face in the mirror, that our faces could be in the same places (in the mirror) depending on just where one was looking from. So she wasn't thinking of, looking at, only herself. Nor was I thinking of just myself. That's just what it seemed like if one didn't account for anticipatable perceptive distortions."

Hmmm....On the other hand. There are little gems sprinkled throughout: "His response was neither random nor spontaneous; it was predetermined by his previous ideas about me; habits of thought are death to truth; I was outside of my habits; and he -- he was wrong." I kinda like that one.

Reminiscent of Kafka's explorations, but not nearly as deftly crafted. A bizarre little book. Strangely memorable.

Well, I like the cover, but if those excerpts are at all representative of the book--no thanks! :-(

Ape -- you would! ; P

Hi Stasia and Doc!

Richard-- Why thank you. (blushes)

Bonnie--Glad to provide the laughs! Did you notice I am not making much headway on the Poor Dust Catchers??

#7: I think I will give that one a pass. Does not sound like my cuppa.

I'm with Bonnie: I don't think I want to read the book, but that cover is very nice.

Yeup...Bonnie's the oracle here. No, no, no.

And the cover gave me vertigo.

#13: I kept thinking that if I looked at it too long I would unswallow . . .

Vertigo! LOL. What was really disappointing was that my book group apparently had two different versions of what book to read which month and so only two of us read Atmospheric Disturbances and we didn't even have a discussion! Actually a shame, because it would be a great book to discuss. Lots of ambiguities to dissect and some beautiful passages to share. Anyone, anyone?

So, I gave up. The pain was winning. I am now on Hydrocodone until the surgery. One week from today. We have the urologist, the OB/GYN and the GI docs all lined up. Cancer guy on call, but not thinking we need him. Whew! Should be a veritable party in there! We decided the laparoscopic approach is out and we need to do the full open, which will be slightly safer in my case, but a much longer recovery. Sigh.

I am enjoying my re-read of the last Harry Potter. Hope to finish it soon and then switch to my Kindle for the hospital. The really big font sizes will be a bonus when I can't focus my eyes post-op!! LOL

Ah, Kim, resolution at last. Your "party" doesn't sound like fun but maybe the recovery will be. Lots of pampering and all that good stuff. I've got some Hydrocodone I could send you...that's what sent me over the edge after my oral surgery. I'll be thinking of you this week as you get mentally prepared.

Well, Kimmers, if anyone can give a successful party, it's you.

Hi back at you!

Sorry to hear about the need for such extensive surgery, but glad everyone is lined up and ready to go!

Berly- Congrats on the new thread! I know it's because your ailing but it sure is nice having you around regularly.

Hi there berly ... I'm sorry to hear about your pain and the need for surgery. You're in my thoughts and prayers that everything will go smoothly and you'll be well on the road to pain-free recovery.

Kim, I am sorry to hear that the surgery is going to be more extensive than you had previously thought, but I am glad that once it is over with you will be free from the pain you are having now.

Sorry I'm late to the discussion, Berly, but best of luck with it all! I like your bevy of medical professionals you'll have on hand, it does make it sound like your getting the best of attention (as you deserve!).

I'd cross my fingers to wish for a speedy recovery for you, but it makes it hard to type.

Good luck Berly! Hope everything goes smoothly, from the run-up to the recovery. If it means life will be better on the other side, it'll be worth it! Just one thing: maybe leave the cocktails off the menu of this particular party, and make sure Happy Hour is just for you and some strong medication - I'm not sure a roomful of hangovers would be a good idea... ;-)

Good luck with next week's surgery, Berly!

Hope everything goes well with the surgery, Berly!

Kim, it's great to have that surgery scheduled. It won't be fun, but it will be the start of things getting better. I hope it is as smooth as possible for you. Lots of hugs.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by JK Rowling

A re-read just in time for the movie release. No need to review this one -- it's a great series and this is a very satisfying end. I cried, again, when some of my favorite characters died. Wow! So many details I had forgotten! Might just have to start at number one all over again...

Sorry I haven't been here last few days. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row. Line up car pools, get laundry done, pay bills, etc. etc. I'm in pretty good shape now. I have a few new movies on my I-pod to watch, two books on my Kindle, and an audio book in case I can't focus the eyes right away. ; ) Also, my son helped download some silly games to play. He is only ten but he told me beer pong is fun to play -- thank goodness it's not the real thing! We went to The Big Boo at his school last night. I dressed up as a Can Can Girl with a big ol' feather in my hair. Very fun. I swear he is the luckiest cake walker ever: last year he won three cakes, and this year he won two! He shared one with his friends at school, which was really nice and meant that I won't eat that much at home. Trying not to eat all the candy before the Trick or Treaters get here tomorrow night. : )

Happy Halloween!!

Kim

I'm sending prayers and all good wishes that your surgery is successful and your recovery is speedy.

Is there anyone who can let us know how you are doing after the surgery?

Kim, I'm making travel plans for the route my positive thoughts are going to take to reach both you and Bonnie. I think I can send them south to Portland first then across Idaho, through Montana continuing east until they hit New York, stay awhile with Bonnie, then catch you again on the return trip. Deep breath...blow out...ummmmm...here they come! :-)

Hi, Belry, just caught up on your thread - I must star you from now on! Such interesting books.

Good luck with the docs this coming week. Sorry laproscopy is out. I hope your recovery
is as comfortable as possible.

On the subject of HRT, you might consider a patch. I've had a lot of success with them. Feel free to PM me for details.

It sounds like your ducks are all lined up including the post-surgery media blitz. Good thinking on the audio books. I couldn't read for two days after dental surgery because of those dancing words.

Lots of positive energy heading your way. I hope I have some left for me after a double whammy (you and Bonnie R.) this week. Wishing for great skill on the part of your surgeons and a quick recovery for you.

#31--Hi Linda! I had not gotten that far in my advance planning. I will see if I can convince someone to be my LT scribe and send updates. ; )

#32-- Bonnie, thanks for the positive thoughts. When they wing by here on the way to New York for Bonnie R, I will add mine to them for her!

#33--Hi Judy! Thanks for starring me. I will PM you to hear your sage advice about patches. I can use sage, because you were an English major and all English majors are sages!!

#34--Donna, don't deplete your resources too much. Save some for yourself. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Thanks you guys!

So, I have loaded on my Kindle My Life So Far, Jane Fonda's Autobiography, and no surprise here, a book on Menopause, Natural Hormone Balance. My audio book is by Ellen DeGeneres, which may not be the best choice post-surgery when it hurts to laugh!

We had a very successful book drive at my daughter's school, where I am the head volunteer librarian. Two classes had 100% participation, meaning every child brought in at least one book and we had to move all the donations into an unused room because they were overtaking the floor and table tops in the library. Nice! As a reward, every child who donated a book got to attend an afterschool showing of Monster House with popcorn and candy. Very Halloween appropriate. I think 28 kids attended out of possible 42. Not bad! (Remember, her school is a small one geared to kids with identified learning disabilities like Asperger's, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing, ADHD, etc.)

Hi Kim, I lost you with the thread change but I've found you now. We really do need a M*A*S*H unit here in the 75 group. I'll be sending some get well wishes your way too. Too bad about the laparoscopic surgery but whatever helps. Good idea about loading the iPod. I thnk I'll see what the library has and do the this afternoon. I never thought about that. Good luck to you my friend.

Ha! Ha! Kim--you're so quick! You sound well prepared for reading entertainment. I just watched Jane Fonda on Oprah and really liked what she had to say. I bet that will be a good read post surgery. I'll bethinking of you, come Wednesday morning.

In case you missed it, here is my Halloween Card to one and all!

http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/bws8Shell.swf?ihost=http://ak.im...

That is a fabulous Halloween card, Berly! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Happy Halloween, Kim .. bet you looked really cute as a Can-Can girl. Thanks for the wonderful card.

Which Ellen Degeneres audio book do you have? I find her very entertaining and enjoy her talk show whenever I get a chance to stay home and watch it.

Here is a pic of the book drive results. Not bad for 42 kids!!

Wow, impressive! i wonder how they'd be at bake sales ;-)

Bonnie R--Glad you found me again. I know, we do sound like a *M*A*S*H* unit don't we? Pitiful, just pitiful. And yet, we just keep marching onward and THAT is inspirational!!

Bonnie--Yes, I think Jane has LOTS to talk about. What an interesting life. I remember doing her fitness video and cursing her when she said "Do you feel the burn?" LOL

Hi Darryl. Thanks for popping in. You have the MOST interesting books on your thread. They are a tad too sophisticated for post surgery brain fog, but I have a couple in mind for later. ; )

Why thank you Caroline!! My feather tended to droop a little, but my bust and butt held up, so my brief career as a Can Can girl was not a total disaster!! The DeGeneres book is The Funny Thing Is.... I have never read anything by her, but love her as a comedienne, so I have high hopes.

#42: Wow! That is a great bunch of books.

Hi, Miz Kim -

Left you a message on your profile and wanted to stop by here to double team that you got it. Great success for an excellent outcome and a swift recovery. You are definitely in my prayers for gifted medical care during and following your surgery. You are surrounded with love, comfort and joy.

R

I am off for my pre-op visit. Oh joy. : P See ya'll later today.

Kim

I'll be your LT scribe. I follow Stasia's footsteps because she is so wonderful at this task.

Prayers and hugs to you.

Kimmers...I am mojo-ing the bejabbers out of your surgeons, forcing them to make this the *perfect* operation and for it therefore to **solve** this problem poimanently.

xoxo

Kim, in case I don't get on here tomorrow, just wanted to say "all the best" for Wednesday.

#48 Linda--Thank you so much! Stasia has already stepped up to the job of LT scribe. You could spell her or something--I'll let you work it out ; ) . I am just so honored that someone would do this for me and Ruthie offered too. I cried all three times because you guys just made me feel so loved. THANK YOU!!

Richard--Thank you for the mojo and I really like the sound of "poimenently!"

Janet--Thanks for all the well wishes. I am just so happy picturing you at home now. : )

So the pre-op visit went well. They only drew a little blood and left most of it for me. I check in at 9:30 Wed morning, surgery at 11:30 (West Coast time). Should last 4-5 hours. So send good thoughts any time during the day, I'll take them all!! Will probably be in the hospital 5-7 days.

I am still just trying to leave the house in good shape. Get all caught up on laundry, pay the bills, clean sheets on the beds, etc. My hubby is the best, but its tough holding down his job and mine at the same time!

I started reading I Curse the River of Time by Pers Petterson. I enjoyed Out Stealing Horses so I have hopes.

I will be interested in seeing what you think of the Petterson book, Kim. I have not heard of that one before.

Prayers to you.

And, you are loved...

This is a miraculous group, filled with kind, caring people. Bask in the light that is sent your way.

Good luck, Kim! We'll see you when you're back online afterwards.

You'll be in my thoughts, Kim!

Beaming love and excellent outcomes to you, dear Kim.

Rest assured that oodles of caring thoughts and prayers will be winging their way to you today, tomorrow, and throughout your recovery. That's a long hospitalization in this day of cut 'em and kick 'em out! I hope it passes quickly so you are home in familiar surroundings before you know it. Sending lots of love from Missouri...

Hi, Kim! Just wanted to let you know that Bonnie's been out of surgery for a few hours and is doing well. One down and one to go... :-)

Best wishes for a successful surgery tomorrow! We'll be anxiously awaiting word.

Berly- Good luck with the procedure! Sending positive waves, along with a nice gentle hug!

Thanks you guys. I had a delightful last day out. Lunch with some friends and a pedicure ('cuz you know how important it is for your toes to look cute when they stick out from underneath the hospital gown!!).

My hubbie will update Stasia tomorrow evening and then she can let all of you know.

I am so glad to hear Bonnie is out and doing well!! As you said, one down and one to go!!

xoxo

got ya... !

I will be watching for an update...
you will be in my thoughts..

#63: I will be starting a thread tomorrow for Kim just like I did for Linda. So be on the watch for it.

*sending waves of support and virtual hugs*, Kim. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Stas: You're the bestest.

Nope, just addicted to LT :)

Hey Berly- i have no idea about time differences between you and New Zealand but it's Wednesday night here now, and I think they say the thoughts that travel the furthest are the bestest and usefullest! Best wishes for surgery. Remember your toes are looking great!

*crossing fingers for Kimmers*

We're rooting for you Kim.

Thinking about you, Kim.

The "How's Kim Doing?" thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/101708 . I will be posting updates to it as I know anything. Sorry, I should I have put the link in here earlier.

Okay, back to my regular thread! Yeah. It makes me feel less like a sick person to be here. : )



I just finished Agnes Browne by Brendan O'Carroll. A quick snippet of the life of a widowed mother of seven in Dublin. She is strong-willed and loving. Bawdy and naive. It made me laugh and made me cry. Just a sweet little jewel. 4 stars.

Yay!

That one looks good....

And here you are, at home at last. All is well with the world.

Yikes! Seven children? I can relate, being the youngest of six. Sounds like a fun read, Kim! And welcome back to your own thread. ;-)

Welcome "home" to your usual thread. glad things are on the mend and you're back to books! Having only one child (so far) I can barely imagine more. But 7! Sounds like sci-fi to me! :-)

Kim- It's great to see you back here, my friend!

Nice to see you back on your own thread. :)

It sounds as if The Mammy is worth reading!

Just because you're back to your old thread doesn't mean you get to have sex, you understand!? :)

Welcome back, Berly! Glad to see all is well (or at least a lot, lot better).

Also good to see you're keeping the reading up. :)

My, gosh, I lost track of you and your thread and missed all that you've been through. Glad that you are back and on the mend.

Kim...
So glad you liked the book. It is great to see you posting. I hope each day brings renewed strength.

Wow! Hi everyone! It made me smile to see all of you here! Thanks. Everyone except Ape, that is. You had to bring that up, didn't you? (#81) : p

I am reading Wolfsbane by Patricia Briggs.

Hey, Kim! Just checking in on you.

I am up late (3 am here) awaiting the return of my oldest daughter who went to see the midnight opening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows....I didn't stay up, but woke up in the middle of the night so I thought I should see how it was....

I thought you were up early instead of late :)

You had to bring that up, didn't you?

I don't usually have any say in the matter!

So, my daughter gave an unqualified thumbs up for Harry Potter. She said it was scary, and funny, had a love story and made her cry. What more could you want? She even said it was the best one yet. I hope to take the younger ones to see it sometime this week.

Midnight screening- now that's commitment. I went to a midnight screening of Moulin Rouge years ago, I was surprised how fun it was!

Yes, she had quite the time of it. Luckily they got there early enough to be under the overhang where it was dry. They made friends with several high school students next to them who held their place in line while they ventured round the block for dinner. She went with 5 or 6 friends and they took pictures, etc. etc. I am sure it will be a "memory." Just like I remember waiting in line for Star Wars!

My son and his friends also went to a midnight screening last night. Some wore HP costumes and they all had a great time. First time ever that I didn't wait up but I did have fun waking him for school at 6:15.

Kim- We are planning on seeing Harry, late tomorrow afternoon. Of course, we took my kids to all the earlier films but they are no longer around, so we go anyway. Big kids at heart!

I used to go to midnight screenings when I was in college because then they'd end at the perfect time for us to grab a late night/early morning snack, but alas, now I'd prefer to be in my nice warm bed at midnight.

We went and saw Harry at 11:00 am local time to celebrate my birthday, and yes, it was very good! And no crowds--kids were all still in school, but I wouldn't want to be there tonight or over the weekend!

Happy Birthday, Roni ..smart move going to the early morning movie today. We drove past the cinema this evening and there were lines like you wouldn't believe.

#91 Iread -- I can't think how I could pull off a midnight screening of a movie just now, unless my oldest was babysitting, but then any movie that was big enough to have a midnight screening would probably be one she would want to got to!

#93--Yes, Coppers, I see the evil gleam in your eye as you remember waking your son up this morning after scant few hours of sleep...I know because I was laughing secretly myself!

#94--Mark, yes, I had you pegged for a big kid!

#95--I took my oldest to the midnight showing of Twilight a couple of years ago and I have to admit, I am content to wait a few days to see a movie now.

#96--Roni!! Happy Birthday! And yes, you planned wisely and beat the weekend lines. Good job.

#97--Hi Cameling!!

62. Wolfsbane, by Patricia Briggs, four stars.

A different feel from Brigg's Mercy Thompson Series: slightly darker, more magic, set in olden times. And yet, there is the same good vs. evil plot, a strong lead woman, and star-crossed lovers. Aralorn has returned home for her father's funeral, only to discover that he is not dead, but enchanted. She must find the evil doer and discover the reason behind the magic. Is her father the true target? Or is it Aralorn or her shape-shifting wolf companion? I enjoyed this book thoroughly and now I have to go back and read the first in the series! (Obviously it was a good read even out of sequence, but if you have a choice I'd read Masques first and then this one!)

Kim

Simply popping in to see how you are feeling today.

Happy Birthday dear Roni!!!!

Sorry Ape--the cover on this one wasn't as provocative as the last one I read. Not my fault!! : p

Hi Linda--You posted the same time I did. Pain level is good, but the hormones (or lack thereof) are giving me the blues.

Hey there Kim, Just stopping to say hi and hope you're feeling better:)

My friends and I went to see the midnight "Rocky Horror Picture Show" screenings for years. ...It's just a jump to the left...

Kim

YOu will experienced this post surgery. Did your doc. prescribe hormone replacement?

Hi Brenzi!

Richard darling-- I love the Rocky Horror Picture Show. A recent episode of Glee was a take off on it and I was trying to explain to my daughter about how we used to go the theater with newspaper, and a deck of cards, squirters and all kinds of stuff. The theater was always a mess afterwards and I think that is why they stopped showing Rocky Horro.

Linda-- Yes, I am on HRT, but only the estrogen and it is probably a lower level than I was producing beforehand. I hope my body adjusts soon! I hate this low feeling. I just want to cry all the time. Grrrr!

Popping in to make sure all is well in Berly-land.

I went to the midnight showing of the last Star Wars film (in the original trilogy). That was both the first and last time I did such a thing, up until my hubby and I went to the midnight screening of HP #6.

>106 Berly:, that is a horrible feeling, know that it wont last forever though. Keep at it! :-)

101: Haha! That's funny because that cover caught my eye...I didn't realize it was the same author. :D

I am glad to hear that Harry got a thumbs up.
I will want to see this one, but I am not in a hurry...

Kim

So sorry you are experiencing the blues..this is natural, but not fun.

Hugs

LT is a great blues-buster! I just got a happy fix by reading Bonnie's (Brenzi) thread tonight about a visit from friends. Hint: it involves the gifting of books!

I hope tomorrow is a feel-good day for you, Kim.

Hey, Kim, thinking of you and hoping tomorrow is a great day for you.

Hey Linda--Natural or not, it is NOT fun. Hoping the blues pass soon.

Hi Donna! Yes, LT is good for the soul. : ) And the gifting of books doesn't hurt either. A friend just dropped off The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I am excited to read it, but want to hold out also because it is the last in the series.

R--Thanks so much for the well wishes.

The weekend is very nice, because I am not stuck home alone. The kids are running around and my hubby is here to keep me company. I am looking forward to a week of this, since all the kids are off from school: they hold conferences Mon and Tues, Wed is just off and then we have yummy Thanksgiving!!

We have been invited to a friend's house, which is great because I am not up to throwing a big bash yet. We are just going to make two favorite dishes: yam souffle and mushroom rollups. Without these, it is just not Thanksgiving!

Kim- Hope those blues get lifted soon! We like our smiley, cheery Berly! I was planning on starting Hornet's Nest about the middle of next month. Want to join me? I read the 2nd book back in June. I'm ready.

Mark--Yes. Let me know when you want to start. : )

Kim- That's great! We'll just start around the 15th, give or take. Mark your calender. Have you seen the film version of The Girl Who Played With Fire?

*Pats Kim on the back* I hope you rid yourself of those 'down' feelings soon. I know how it feels and it's not exactly my idea of a fun time...

Hi, Kim -

Life goes on, eh? Glad that this weeks activities will be distracting and people will be around you, good food, family, friends, all of your LibraryThing buddies stopping by to say hello and send love.

I have missed being in touch and am looking forward to coming up with a remedy for that.

My birthday is coming up this week. (Wednesday, Nov. 24th) It is fun to have a B'day at Thanksgiving time. I have my fingers crossed for an iPad. I picked up the new Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 yesterday at the library, and may have to resort to the eBook version it is so huge and heavy, there is no way I will be able to read it in bed!

Caio, Bella!

You are adorable, remember?

Your fellow uterinely challenged Murrikins salute you in your painful transition period. (oops, bad choice of words....)

Also us old broads.

Thanks guys. Totally exhausted today. Was willingly dragged to the theater last night and say Harry Potter. I thought it was great!

Today, had my oldest drive my middle child (and me) to the orthodontist for an emergency fix (not for me, silly people!). Then all three kids came with me to the grocery store to restock the joint. Successful trip, but too much out and about. Tonight, I have my daughter's teacher conference, if I don't keel over. The blues have been better today--I haven't had time for them!

Tried to read The Finkler Question, but I wasn't enjoying it and I have heard good things so I decided to postpone that read until I am more up for it. Bought total trash instead: People Magazine and The Confession by John Grisham. They should work better!

Go the trashy reads! I hope the blues fade away soon, many *hugs* from me.

(And yay! for Harry Potter! Yet to see it, although my Lego obsessed boy got the Hogwarts Castle in Lego for his 8th birthday on the weekend, and the PS3 Harry Potter Lego game. His conversations are all starting with "I wish *I* had magic..." now. He's still a bit too young for the movies beyond the first two or so at the moment.)

trashy reads can be restorative.
Carry on..

What Kath said , Kimmy. I'm planning on seeing the HP movie this weekend with my nieces.

Hope your hormones start balancing themselves again so you're back to your happy perky self again.

Nothing wrong with comfort reads right now, Kim. I keep telling Linda the same thing :)

There are definitely times when only comfort reads will do, and this sounds like one of them.

Hope the hormone levels soon adjust and you start feeling more like yourself.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Harry Potter film.

I thought they did a really good job on the Harry Potter film, and am looking forward to the last one this spring. I had to pick up the book afterwards to re-read.

Hi Kimmers! Whammying good healing vibes your way. *smooch*

There is nothing like the combo of better living through chemistry and a pile of good trashy books. Enjoy, and feel better soon.

Yesterday was a #*@&)# day, but today is better. Talked to my doctor who is upping my hormone replacement levels. Much needed because I have been crying my eyes out and suffering from panic attacks. Just awful!!

Today, my son and I made yam souffle, his favorite and tomorrow morning the girls and I are making the mushroom rollups. In the afternoon we head over to a friend's house. Wasn't that nice of her to do all the hard work?! We are also bringing the pies: pumpkin, apple, cherry and a berry. Something for everyone.

The trashy reading is working. ; )

Wishing everyone (who celebrates it) a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Kim- Sorry you had a rough day yesterday! Hope that's the last of it! Glad the trash is working and you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Kim

Hugs to you my dear!!!! I'm so sorry you had such a rough day yesterday. It sounds as though you over did it a bit my dear!

I'm thankful for you and thus want you better...real soon.

Happy Thanksgiving.

yam souffle ... hmmm... sounds interesting. Any cheese in it?

Happy Thanksgiving, Kimmy and may you have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

I cant quite get my head around yam souffle- Im sure Id like it though. Good luck with the big day. Thanksgiving that is! And good luck with the medication changes, panic attacks are truly awful- I hope they go away for the holidays!

Have a great Thanksgiving, Kim! I am glad to hear that friends are doing the bulk of the cooking so that you can take the day off.

Happy Thanksgiving, Kim!

I make a yam dish that's topped with a pecan crumble and is better than pie, so I can imagine that souffle must be really good! When you you feel better, recipe please?

Hope you are doing well. In fact, better and better each day.

I have joined you and probably millions of others in being a proud owner of an iPad. My B'day was Wednesday, Nov. 24th. I am not really surprised to have received it, however, I am terribly happy that I did. It will be a day or two before I have my OS upgraded and will be able to sync the iPad. Watch out, girl Here I come.

You are in my heart, Kim.

Happy reading trash. I can help with finding some good, trashy ones if you just say the word. tee hee.

Hey Kim, speaking of being overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by trying to catch up on the threads. I can cross you off that list now. Hope everything starts to work for you; I can't imagine crying your eyes out AND panic attacks. GAH! Keeping you in my prayers.

ditto what dear Bonnie said above.

Kim--I hope the new meds work, and you start to feel better soon. This weather certainly doesn't help the blues either.

Hey Kim! *Waves* Just stopping by to say hello. :)

drive-by *smooch*

Expect contact from me soon. Heads up.

Hope you are feeling better and getting out a bit.

All you need is love, da, da, da, da. dah. All you need is love ... ..

>145 womansheart: LOL Woofie! That was the right one to pick!

Hi one and all. I have been reading your nice comments, but haven't felt up to posting myself. Still fighting complications from surgery and really wiped out. I have read two light books, which I will review in more detail at some point, I hope! The Confession, by Grisham and Indulgence in Death by JD Robb. I enjoyed them both. Grisham's was thought-provoking and darker than I remember his other works. (Death penalty issue.) Robbs was a continuation of a series and I missed the earlier ones. Not a problem for reading the book, but I wasn't quite sure when the book was set. Lots of technology incorporated into daily society: droids and wrists links,etc.

Here is some wordplay my Dad sent me. Good for a laugh or two:

1. Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.

2. A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.

3. Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

4. Practice safe eating - always use condiments.

5. Shotgun wedding - A case of wife or death.

6. A woman needs a lover just to break the monogamy.

7. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

8. Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.

9. Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

10. Condoms should be used on every conceivable occasion.

11. Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.

12. When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.

13. A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.

14. Q. What's the definition of a will? A. It's a dead give away.

15. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

16. In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.

17. She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.

18. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

19. If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed

20. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

21. The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

22. You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

23. Local Area Network in Australia - the LAN down under.

24. Every calendar's days are numbered.

25. A lot of money is tainted - Taint yours and taint mine.

26. A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

27. He had a photographic memory that was never developed.

28. A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.

29. Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

30. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

31. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

32. Acupuncture is a jab well done.

Edited to add numbers so I can tell you that #11 is particularly appropriate to this group and #31 is seasonally apt. ; )

No pressure from me about not posting, Kim, I know exactly how you feel! Also, love your puns! I wish I could think of a suitably clever response to them, but alas that's a huge step too far for my brain at the moment. Hope you are keeping well/doing better.

Haha, thanks for the giggles, Kim! :)

knead-to-know *oof*

I look forward to seeing you, Kimmers ma petite, but not ever at the expense of your comfort and well-being.

*smooch*

Just checking in on you as I head through the threads, Kim. Sorry to hear you have been feeling low. I hope things look up for you soon.

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Lyrics from *In My Life* by The Beatles

My life has changed since you are in it. Take care, Luv.

Hi Kim

Simply stopping by to say I hope you are having a good day.

Hi Kim, I love the first one best although they're all quite good. Here's hoping you shake the complications and soon.

So, I am alive and well! Recovery is just going slowly and I am still very tired. All my energy has been going into making Christmas happen for my family as normally as possible. I had to enlist my oldest to carry packages for me as I still wasn't supposed to lift anything heavy and I did a lot of shopping on the internet. : ) My Christmas cards are New Year's Cards, but they will go out!! My middle child was in several choir concerts downtown Portland and she loved it, beaming from ear to ear. We off today to my in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner. I have missed you all and hope to spend more time here after the holiday hoopla!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

xoxoxo

Ah, there you are, Kim. Just in time to receive some big Merry Christmas hugs and wishes. You've got the right priority...family comes first. Dashing over to check out the new family pic. Happy holidays to you all!

Donna--Hi! Having trouble posting my New Year's Card picture...the file may be too big. I'll let you know when I get it up! : )

So happy to hear from you, Kim! Hope you have a nice Christmas. :)

Hi Kim...hope the bad weather hasn't messed up your holidays. May your wishes all come true when you wake this Christmas morn. May all of us in this world struggling to achieve the peace we were promised on this wonderful day, have a New Year in which that struggle ends.  Blessings and best wishes
Christmas Glitters Graphics

So glad to see you're still on that road to recovery Kim, even if it's a slow one. Merry Christmas to you and your family :)

Merry Christmas, Kim! So glad to hear from you. I'll be thinking about you while I'm wandering around Powell's. You take care! :-)

Merry Christmas Kim!

Have a wonderful Christmas, Kim!

Merry Christmas, Kim! Enjoy your family and please remember your "other" family will be waiting here for you!

Happy St. Stephen's Day! Or Boxing Day! Whichever you prefer, Kimmers, may it be a happy, happy occasion, with a speedier recovery at the end of it.

Hope you had a great Christmas with your family, Kim, and glad to hear that recovery is coming along, even if slowly.

Okay. Made it through the shopping. Made it through Christmas dinner, which got moved to my house (don't even ask, long story and did not make me happy). Tomorrow is my oldest's eighteenth birthday party, and then New Year's Eve. We are out to dinner and then an early show of Pink Martini Band, home in time to do popcorn and kid's wine/champagne in bed with the family as we watch the ball drop.

Yes, I have been reading. No, I will not be reviewing them, but at some point hope to put together the list with simple ratings. I will do that before I start a new 2011 thread. : )

Happy New Year One and All. May 2011 be filled with good health, prosperity, great friends and awesome books!! Big Hugs.

Kim- It's great to see you! Happy New Year! Hope to see more of you in '11! Wait...that didn't sound right. Hugs!

*smooch* to party-hostin' surgery-recoverin' book-readin' Berly!

Yay! It's Kim! Thought about you as I was wandering through Powell's. :-) Hope you got some good books to cuddle up with on New Year's Day. See you next year! hope it's a start of a fantastic year for you--or at least a whole lot better than last one!

Kim

Sounds like you are very busy...I hope you aren't overdoing it...

Happy New Year.

Kim, I am glad you will be joining us again in 2011. Like Linda, I hope you are not overdoing things!

Hi Mark! Hugs back at ya!

Hi Richard! Thanks for the smooch. : ) xoxo

Hi Bonnie! Shoot! You were at Powell's again and I missed you?! Give me a heads up next time girl!!

Linda-- Hi there. Yes, I totally overdid it. I am napping whenever I can just to keep up.

Stasia-- As per usual, so nice to see you!

All right, just getting all my ducks (or books) in a row, as it were. Here are the latest reads in no particular order:

Hunting Ground, by Patricia Briggs - Favorite new author of the year. Have to like supernatural stuff to enjoy her.
From Fatigued to Fantastic, by Jacob Teitelbaum. As we all know, a rough year for me physically. This is a great resource!
The Twelve by William Gladstone. The end of the world and second coming of Christ. Great premise, bad book. Do NOT read it!
The Knight, by Steven James. Didn't even finish it. Gross, graphic details. It got really high marks on LT reviewers, but too much for me.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba. High marks for this one! The writing is a little too simplistic for my taste, but nonetheless, a great read about a boy in Africa who is fascinated by electricity and builds a windmill to power his house and village. By the way, he only had a science book for reference because his parents could not afford to send him to school!
The Confession, by John Grisham. I really enjoyed this one! Despite the grim subject matter of wrongful conviction and the moral exploration of the death penalty, this was a real page turner.
Agnes Brown, by Brendan O'Carroll. A sweet story of a single mom of seven kids in Ireland, who just will not let life get her down.
The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund. Hmmmm...not the thriller I thought it would be. Not bad. Just okay.

Phew!! That catches me up and now I can start 2011 with a clean slate. I only read 72 books this year, but given that I lost a month to pain meds and didn't read for most of November, I am going to call it good and think it is close enough to 75 to be a success!!

Can't wait to hang out with you all next year. : )

Not to worry, Kim! Deborah and I are going to come down together some time and we'll give you plenty of warning so that we can all meet up. Here's a LINK to my 2011 thread in Club Read if you want to keep chatting. Happy New Year!

Hey Berly, Happy New Year to you and your family. Let's hope it's a healthy new year too.

Myspace Happy New Year Comments & Graphics".

Happy New Year, Kim!

Stasia--I just left you the same message at 1:06am!! Great minds and all that...LOL.

LOL! I tried to call you to wish you the same :)

I had my phone turned off since we were at a concert. Pink Martini. Very fun, eclectic. Portland based, but they perform internationally. Big band sound and they added a bell choir, a boy's choir and a chamber choir tonight. Now I am at home with the youngest two. Almost time to get out the champagne (Martinelli's Sparkling Cider (or kid wine, as we call it)) and popcorn and watch the ball drop. Talk to you in January! LOL

Pink Martini? I will have to see if I can find clips on YouTube.

Hey, don't mock that kid wine! I like it too :)

They have a new Christmas Album out this year and played several of their songs tonight. One was in Hebrew, another in German, I think there was a Dutch one, and a Turkish one, too. Like I said, eclectic!! I have been a fan since before they were BIG.

Cool beans!

In your honor, I will take a sip of Kid's Wine tonight. No mocking here!!

Works for me, Kim! Official Happy New Year now!

Okay, I am up and running for 2011. Come say Hi!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/106127

Ha! I just realized I never enterred two ebooks I read. Indulgence in Death and The Other Side, the first by J.D. Robb and the second a collection of short stories including one by Robb. The short story was a continuation of the characters in Indulgence, which was kinda fun. That brings me to 74 books. Yeah Me!!

Yeah You!