Member: RidgewayGirl

For Q..... would you consider Q & A (slumdog millionaire)? It's global fiction. Let me know and I'll bring it along tomorrow.

posted by VictoriaPL at 12:43 pm (EST) on Dec 21, 2009

I think Modo will be staying home where it's nice and toasty.

Did I tell you I went to Petsmart and played with kittens on Saturday? Oh, there was a lovely black 6mo kitten who wanted to come home with me. She almost crawled into my purse. But I do not like their adoption policy at all. I probably will not adopt a feline until after our trip in March. Did I tell you that it's been extended? I'll be there almost two full weeks. And no Key West, but more on that tomorrow.

posted by VictoriaPL at 12:21 pm (EST) on Dec 21, 2009

Oh... I meant to say I have a one-word title for your Alphabet Challenge that begins with A if you want me to bring it...

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:47 am (EST) on Dec 21, 2009

Wow! And it's so nice here.

Did you know that the Borders in the mall is going out of business? Still has a decent selection of books. Everything is 20% off. Boy, I haven't been in the mall in forever. It was packed.

posted by VictoriaPL at 3:25 pm (EST) on Dec 19, 2009

Well it was completely dry on my way into work. But I'm supposed to go caroling tonight, so it probably will get nasty later. At least the party is scheduled for indoors, so the goodie-devouring will commence regardless of sleet and snow.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:14 am (EST) on Dec 18, 2009

I don't know, I guess we'll find out soon enough. If we are snowbound I have several books to keep me company!

What a capable girl you have there! They should give her a merit badge for that!

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:49 pm (EST) on Dec 17, 2009

Thanks for angeling The Scorpion & The Seducer for me at BM!
Happy Holidays!

posted by Juliet982 at 8:19 am (EST) on Dec 17, 2009

I think I read it before I started writing reviews.

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:20 pm (EST) on Dec 16, 2009

Yes, it was initially limited and then they decided to open the balcony and another auditorium for overflow. It was a lot of people! They were desperate to sell books. Every half an hour they implored us to come buy books and SUPPORT YOUR INDIE!

I'm kind of glad that all of my holiday house visits are over. Everything will go fine, I promise you. You are more than capable of pulling it all off with panache.

Is that common for greyhounds? Do you think it's the grass?

posted by VictoriaPL at 1:46 pm (EST) on Dec 15, 2009

I'm happy you are enjoying Naoko! I was a little worried that you wouldn't like it.

The Gaiman signing... Left the house at 10:30AM yesterday. Got back at 3:00AM today. The only thing I had to eat all day long was one breakfast biscuit. And I still did not get my book signed. Neil pledged to stay until everyone's books were signed (talk about dedication!) but it wouldn't have been until about 2AM for us (and then we had a 3 hour drive). But we do have a dog at the house who seriously needed to be walked. And secondly, I absolutely had to come to work today having taken off both Friday and Monday. It has been hell repairing all the mess that has happened while I've been out. So, not a very positive experience.

posted by VictoriaPL at 11:15 am (EST) on Dec 15, 2009

Thank you! I beat myself up pretty good yesterday during raquetball and now I'm rather sore. I took a ball directly in the eye. Luckily my safety glasses protected me, but my cheek is sore from where the frames dug in. Then I rammed my shoulder into a wall and pulled something in my right leg. Guess us old folk can play rough anymore.

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:56 pm (EST) on Dec 13, 2009

I see you finished your ER book. What's next?

posted by VictoriaPL at 1:15 am (EST) on Dec 12, 2009

It is cold. Have some friends coming in from Columbia for lunch. We're going to decorate my tree and then go on a carriage ride downtown FI. I've got a pot of wassail on. It smells so good.

posted by VictoriaPL at 12:15 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2009

You know, come to think of it, she might like Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy. It's not vampires, it's gargoyles. I mean, there is a vampire or two thrown in for flavor. But it does have a romance element to it.

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:42 am (EST) on Dec 10, 2009

I have all those books tagged 'vampire'. Have a look, but from what you've said, I don't think many would suit her.

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:38 am (EST) on Dec 10, 2009

OK, I've let them know how insane I was to organize by color... You should see my TBR shelf. I think it's bowing.

I've been thinking about April in Paris. When you read it let me know, is that the guy that keeps obsessing about his clothes? His suit, especially.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:46 am (EST) on Dec 10, 2009

Well, it was during that summer when I read like 15 WWII books and they all blended together. But I hope you're right!

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:23 pm (EST) on Dec 9, 2009

I read that. Can't remember a thing about it!

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:05 pm (EST) on Dec 9, 2009

So what did you mooch duplicates of?

posted by VictoriaPL at 10:54 am (EST) on Dec 9, 2009

You write such good reviews. Next year I'll buckle down and work on my review writing.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:56 am (EST) on Dec 9, 2009

Feni's doing pretty good. We've starting daily physical therapy with him and it seems to be helping. We've been able to wean him off his steroid, which is a good thing because he's put on 6oz since he started taking it.

Funny you mention it, Belladonna and I discovered that we both requested the same two ER books.

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:00 pm (EST) on Dec 8, 2009

I went out at lunch and splurged on a hardback of Stardust for Mr. Gaiman to sign on Monday. From the time I walked into the door every book in the place was calling to me and I had no time to browse. It was a horrible feeling.

I've forgotten what it's like to have a wet, angry cat. Feni is so funny when he has to do his business in the rain. He'll inch over to the very end of the carport's coverage and go there. Being a house dog has made him such a wimp.

posted by VictoriaPL at 1:48 pm (EST) on Dec 8, 2009

It took two hours solid of calling the store, but we got in to the Gaiman appearance! We're in the overflow section for the reading but we'll still be able to attend the signing. I'm excited! But bummed about missing out on coffee. Will another day work?

posted by VictoriaPL at 12:07 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2009

Did I tell you we're planning on going to Key West? To the Hemingway House? Where I will read some of A Moveable Feast, although I really should read Farewell to Arms since it was written there... and eat conch fritters and key lime pie and dodge the key deer than run across the road? I'm so excited! Of course, the rest of the week will be attending to my dear Mother as she has her knee replaced. So, it evens out.

Let me get back to you about the 14th. I may be in GA at a Neil Gaiman signing. I'll know more this afternoon. Cross your fingers for me, only 100 people will get in!

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:53 am (EST) on Dec 7, 2009

Hi:

I just joined the Books off the Shelves group and I read your thread. Looking at your OAP's (love that!) I saw three that I should read also: Invisible Man (was in my 999 and didn't make it), When the Sacred Ginmill Closes and The Golden Bowl. Of course after I make a dent in these books I will probably go crazy at the Friends books sale in April!

posted by jonesli at 12:16 pm (EST) on Dec 6, 2009

I saw that. It is thrilling, isn't it?

Refuse... with pencil and paper.... *shakes head* We are getting old.

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:40 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

Yes, it is an interesting selection of books. I think it's better than it has been in a few months. I only requested the two. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:32 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

oh, THOSE two books. Forgive me, it's been a long day. And that was a long list! What did you request?

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:24 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

So they are. I'm half tempted to just request everything and see if I can net something, it's been so long since I've won. But then I'd have to review whatever I got and that could be bad. I'm curious to know which two made you think of me...

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:20 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

Do you think it will snow?

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:41 am (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

He's the fearsomest! His nibbling extends to non-book, non-food items too, but they weren't so relevant to LT.

He's pure evil, but I love him.

posted by starfishian at 8:26 pm (EST) on Dec 3, 2009

Oh my gosh, I will have to check out the hot reviews! That's exciting. I'm glad the rain has stopped, too, but I'd really like summer weather. I'm not a big fan of winter. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.

posted by bermudaonion at 7:20 pm (EST) on Dec 3, 2009

Thinking of the 1010.... I noticed we both have Megan Abbott on our wishlists. Want to give her a go next year?

posted by VictoriaPL at 10:11 am (EST) on Dec 3, 2009

I've got to re-read Magyk at some point. Especially since I have the sequels to read. I'm so glad they're enjoying it!

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:56 am (EST) on Dec 3, 2009

I've checked the page and I've reviewed all the ER books I've received.
I don't know what I did to offend the almighty algorithm.

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:11 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2009

Nope, I haven't gotten an ER book since March.

posted by VictoriaPL at 7:07 am (EST) on Dec 1, 2009

I don't really go for the modern 'paranormal romance' vamps. I'm assuming Vampire Academy and Twilight are too juvenile for her. I haven't read any Sookie and Anita Blake and I parted ways a long time ago. There is one Dark Shadows novel I've been wanting to read called Angelique's Descent but I can't recommend it because I haven't read it. I'll keep thinking on it.

Post NaNo.... I think I'll spend December snuggling up with trashy chick lit before I start my 1010 challenge.

posted by VictoriaPL at 1:38 pm (EST) on Nov 30, 2009

You already have a 'best of 2009' list! Oh my, another list for me to make.

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:36 am (EST) on Nov 30, 2009

Hard to believe anywhere could be colder than western Canada - I'll look forward to reading Bad Land.

Our cat is a rescue also, but the dogs and she have not adapted to each other at all. I think they're all too old and set in their ways, perhaps. The cat lives upstairs most of the time and ventures downstairs only when she's certain the dogs are outside. She's a big fan of hardcover books - so great for scratching her chin while I'm reading!

posted by starfishian at 9:26 pm (EST) on Nov 29, 2009

50K! Woo Hoo. Ben and Jerry's all around! I'm not even going to look at it for atleast a week.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:48 pm (EST) on Nov 29, 2009

Hi RWG,

I liked Those Who Save Us very much, but less so in the beginning, and more over time. It definitely had some flaws, but when I lined it up against some of the other books I've read recently, I actually felt like picking it up regularly. I'm still battling with whether it deserved 5 stars, as I was thinking 4 for most of the book. Funny that we saw it so differently - we do generally like the same things.

How is Bad Land? - I have a copy, TBR. I actually don't have a copy of Nettie Johnson. I added it to go on my Wishlist, but didn't change the collection it was in. I'll be curious to hear your thoughts. because it looks very tempting.

S.

PS Who is the kitten? She seems to enjoy books as much as our cat!

posted by starfishian at 12:10 pm (EST) on Nov 28, 2009

Are you able to salvage the shoe?

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:27 pm (EST) on Nov 24, 2009

I am totally not ready for the Swedes. I think Fenimore and I will just lock ourselves in the study and let D handle it all.

As for NaNo, I hope to approach 43K tonight but it's not going well. Modo hasn't thought of any zingers lately. Maybe I need to feed him a higher quality bunny chow.

How are you doing? I'm sure you're ready for your D to be home. Will you fixing all the fixings on Thursday?

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:17 pm (EST) on Nov 24, 2009

Did you know the library now has Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters? I know you're just dying to read it!

posted by VictoriaPL at 11:15 am (EST) on Nov 23, 2009

It's a miracle but I just reached 40K. There's hope after all.

And I found time to read too! Do you like Ira Levin? To me, the man is just totally readable. Both books I own by him I have devoured in one sitting (each).

posted by VictoriaPL at 11:45 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2009

Did you not want the magazines? *confused*

posted by infiniteletters at 2:14 pm (EST) on Nov 19, 2009

Hey Kay! How are you?

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:15 pm (EST) on Nov 18, 2009

So good to hear from you! I was a tad worried. Never fear, I know a smattering of American Sign Language in case your voice does not make a hasty return.

The NaNo has stalled. I'm just wasting words chewing the fat, mostly.

Did I already tell you that Lis and Jack went on a road trip to FL for one of her races? They watch Shark Week on The Discovery Channel and Lis thinks Jack doesn't want to get in the ocean because he's scared of sharks or because he can't swim, but the truth is that he doesn't want to get his gun wet.

Let's see, what else.... Oh, Jack and Sam attend an abortion rally to scope out the scene and see if they can get a lead on Heckle & Jeckle. And Sam doesn't understand why it's inappropriate to hit on a girl named Sally while they're at the protest.

I did write the scene were Jack kisses Lis in the frozen seafood section of the grocery store, of all places for the man to lose his cool. I'm pretty pleased how that turned out. They were buying the ingredients for gumbo. I've never fixed it myself but now I want to.

Oh. And I made Lis a Big Sister. Her Little Sister is a farm worker's daughter named Maria. Lis is from Los Angeles so she knows Spanish fairly well and she's helping the girl with her English. You know, going into this I thought Lis was going to be a therapist but lately she's been feeling more like a social worker.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:13 pm (EST) on Nov 16, 2009

I started Kate Atkinson's Case Histories while I was on the treadmill today. I think I could get lost in her, thanks for the suggestion. Hope you're feeling better!!

posted by VictoriaPL at 6:42 pm (EST) on Nov 15, 2009

Ack! I forgot about sending the magazines! Did you still need them?

posted by infiniteletters at 12:19 pm (EST) on Nov 13, 2009

I'm over at NaNo.

posted by VictoriaPL at 12:24 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2009

and they are mooched! Thank you so much!

posted by SunnyLola at 9:18 am (EST) on Nov 10, 2009

You're on! 12:30 to 1:30 it is. Be careful out in the rain.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:59 am (EST) on Nov 10, 2009

Thank you so much, I will mooch them asap. And please do feel free to read the romance novel - I hope you enjoy it!

posted by Lind at 5:10 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2009

That was tasty!

So what color is this van? I read somewhere that several SKs drove white/gold/yellow VW Bugs. Tell me, is there anything hanging from the mirror?

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:04 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2009

Okay, okay, I admit I took an hour away from NaNo to watch the premiere of V on ABC. I miss Diana. She was such a fun villain and the sheer volume of glitter hairspray they used on her was dazzling. No one could chew the scenery like Jane Badler.

posted by VictoriaPL at 10:24 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

That is interesting.

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:09 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

You're the best! Thanks so much. So nice of you to leave a note (never mind the awesome "gifts"!). I'm doing okay, thanks. You can't expect to send and mooch as many books as I do, without having the odd bad experience. Encouragement and support from people like you really helps. I'll send you some info about the two situations by e-mail. I don't want to go into too many details on the forum, because "two wrongs don't make a right".

Thanks again, doll.

Michelle

posted by michellereads at 6:27 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

I think Modo added our luncheon to his calendar. He's such social butterfly! It's difficult for me to keep up. The other day he and Fenimore were conspiring to make a run for it. Luckily, Feni's an old dog and easy to catch!

posted by VictoriaPL at 4:50 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

Good luck with that! A very good friend (?) suggested to me that psychotherapy might help... :-)

posted by SunnyLola at 10:43 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

I have Mirror Mirror in my TBR but I think it may be next year before I get to it. I loved Wicked and Son of a Witch.

posted by SunnyLola at 8:17 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2009

ooooooooo!!!! was it The Drowned & The Saved? that's the only title I remember because I considered asking for that one instead of Tender at the Bone. I guess I'll go take a look...

posted by SunnyLola at 8:15 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2009

Thank you so much for angel-mooching for me.
http://bookmooch.com/detail/0316013269 Julia & Julia
http://bookmooch.com/detail/0767903382 Tender at the Bone
I am immensely grateful!
lola

posted by SunnyLola at 8:11 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2009

I did receive a No. Rejection is so hard *sniff*.

I received my copy of the Lace Reader last night. I'm so disappointed. A previous owner had removed a price label from the dust jacket, and in doing so, ripped part of the title off. Additionally, at some point moisture entered the picture and the blue of the flyleaf paper has leeched into the next two pages. On PBS there's not really a place to mark condition. You just have to agree that your book is in 'general good condition'. I guess that's an advantage BookMooch has going for it.

posted by VictoriaPL at 9:00 am (EST) on Oct 30, 2009

Congrats on your ER book! I'm beginning to think I've done something to offend Abby. I haven't gotten one since March.

Have a good time at the party! Eat an ear off the bunny for me.

posted by VictoriaPL at 8:51 am (EST) on Oct 30, 2009

I finished the second book in the Three Pines series, Dead Cold. I think the eccentric characters grew on me a little. The second book was an improvement over the first, imo.

posted by jonesli at 8:18 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009

Off to the dentist - my permanent crown (#3) has arrived and will be installed this afternoon. Did I tell you it was gold this time? I told D that just because he bought me gold in October, this is no excuse for skimping come birthday and Christmas!

posted by VictoriaPL at 3:38 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009

Oh! Rabbit cake? Is it carrot cake? You should apply a nice shade of green icing! Modo says Hi, by the way.

posted by VictoriaPL at 2:01 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009

Ha! That is hilarious. Obviously less so if it's available in child-sizes, but still.

Nope, the bathroom is not done. We watched Fringe instead. Six episodes in one go. Yeah, it's a little addictive. We're still applying primer, should finish tonight. Aiming for a Saturday finish date.

posted by VictoriaPL at 1:59 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009

The way I see it, if buying books when I already have too many to read is the worst problem I have in life, then I'm probably doing okay!

The Keep verdict: I'm ambivalent. It had the potential to be better, but at some points it felt like the author gave up trying - and then the editor couldn't figure out how to fix it. I feel it's best kept for a beach read or some other time when you don't want anything too profound. As far as it being the atmospheric, spooky Halloween read I was looking for, it missed the mark.

I'm off to read your review of The Spirit Catches You.

posted by starfishian at 11:05 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2009