pontalba
-
Posts
6,272 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Books
Posts posted by pontalba
-
-
/groan/ Wuthering Heights.
Have fun!Yes! Please tell him so. lol I'm hoping for a sequel.
-
Felis, all good points. And great questions.
I don't think the girl's bosses would have been too interested in Mitchell if he wasn't their man. As I recall the MI6 guy told the other one that the asset would be deniable, on his own but they'd pay. The plane ticket was for the man that delivered some papers (I think) and was only in the area for a day, maybe two at the most.
Mitchell knew he was on his own, that there was no help for him at the embassy. (lousy IMO)
And, yes, MItchell was a liar from the get-go. I felt that it was his inexperience that led to his "honesty" about his parents to the work place. I thought that he was only used as an asset because he happened to be in the right place at the right time, and could fit without much muss or full. After all, for MI6 to insert someone new to the area, without the deep knowledge that Mitchell possessed would have been difficult.
It is true, I was a bit confused at some connection points, but I came away with the def impression that Mitchell was the asset. I'd love to hear what the author says about it. When/if you hear, post it here, ok?
-
That's really interesting about the cemeteries, they are beautiful! And I like it that the tours are done on a voluntary basis and the cost goes towards the upkeep of the cemeteries
Oh dear, I only read the title of the book (I Could Pee on This) and then went straight to the poem. And thought to myself, this is a poem about a rather ... interesting sort of person! And pontalba sure likes her books a bit on the odd side...
Then I took a closer look and saw the reference to cats...There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, even stuff that doesn't involve drinking...lol The architecture is fascinating, as is the history. French, Spanish, American....and that's just the governments.
lolYes, well, there is something to hanging upside down from the ceiling. But for someone a bit more, er, athletic than I.
-
Today I received I Could Pee on This (and other poems by Cats) by Francesco Marciuliano and immediately sat down and read it cover to cover.
rating: cute
A sample:
Busy, Busy
It's 8 a.m. and time to rest
It's 10 a.m. and time to relax
It's noon and time for repose
It's 3 p.m. and time for shut-eye
It's 6 p.m. and time for siesta
It's 9 p.m. and time to slumber
It's midnight and time to snooze
It's 4 a.m. and time to hang upside down
from your bedroom ceiling, screaming.
Just a book of poems that could fit a cat's logic. It is cute, and adorable.
Seems to me, as a cat lover, to capture the minds and motivations of cats inner mind.
If you are a cat lover, read it.
Recommended for cat lovers only.
-
I've rated Asset by Jonathan Orvin 4 stars instead of the 3.5 I'm really thinking. Mostly because I feel it deserves to be rounded up and not down. My complaints are few.
The story is a hair-raising ordeal of an "asset", one Sam Mitchell of the British MI6. We are pretty sure he is an asset, but there is some indication that he is just a low down liar. Of course the two are not necessarily incompatible.
Asset is the story of his infiltration of and (possible) escape from what boils down to the Russian Mafia. Not guys one wants to be on the bad side of, and he is big-time.
The characters were rounded and complete, Orvin is expert at creating almost unbearable tension. Realistic motivations were eventually given for the actions of Mitchell and the ones that helped him along the way. I appreciated the descriptions of the workings of the political and military establishments of the area, they were detailed and most interesting.
Orvin describes Mitchell's physical surroundings and travails in sometimes excruciating detail. Not that it wasn't warranted, but I felt it could have been tighter. I would have appreciated a bit more connective tissue. I felt Orvin's way of supplying more tension was to make parts of the connections between characters/segments deliberately obscure. I thought he went a little far in that quest although all was made clear later in the story.
Once into the rhythm of the story it was very exciting and I'll certainly look for and read more of his future writings. His ending was both realistic and well done.
Recommended. -
Uh oh ...
I've come down with a flu so I should have plenty of time to read over the next days. I'm half way through Disordered Minds by Minette Walters (which I'm really enjoying so far) and then it's time for Dangerous Liaisons.
Ugh! Hope you feel mo'bettah verra soon!
I'm still reading Asset....didn't get much chance to read yesterday.
-
I suppose to some extent I may be comparing Basil Rathbone with Benedict Cumberbatch....for me Rathbone was the original Holmes. The later ones like Cumberbatch and Jeremy Brett were far more.......emotional that either Rathbone or Doyle's Holmes. I believe they, the later ones, were possibly more true to life, and more rounded individuals. But that wasn't the original. Only my opinion.
-
About to fix some flatbread with cream cheese with chicken. Yum.
-
We don't have tv piped into the house, we only watch dvd's and stream on it, so, that said, (run on sentence... hee hee) we did see a bit of the American Sherlock when were out of town in our hotel room. I have to say, it isn't half bad. I know....the idea of an Asian woman playing a British male doctor is, well, lets say interesting. heh
However, on some level it works. All of this from watching half an episode. lol Well I liked both of the actors, that helped.
Kell said: .... utterly faithful to the spirit of Holmes.
Well, I don't entirely agree. But I do love the series, computers and all.
Incidentally my husband says....."isn't art and literature about stretching oneself?"
I have to agree with him, he who reads all sorts of genres, and doesn't limit himself.
I know I've stretched myself art and literature wise since knowing him.
-
Hey there Felis! I'm so glad to hear your opinion of Asset...I'm really enjoying it.
I read about it on another forum, and checked it out. Glad I did. I'm about half way through.
I haven't read Mikhail Bulgakov yet though.
And, btw, Welcome to the forum!
-
Drambuie on the rocks.
-
Dear Pontalba,
I've just posted a note on Introductions, it refers to your post about Asset by Jonathan Orvin. I'm so sorry, I quoted you as 'Nobkovian.' A bit dim of me, 'Sorry.'
S'ok, fine by me. Yes, I'm enjoying Asset. More later on that.
-
Peahen said: Tell us about your favourite breakfast EVER! Bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon from vendor in Grand Central Station
Ahhh! My husband can relate to that!I've only been to NYC once, and loved it. Have you tried Two Boots? /yum/
AIE: Meant to add...had toasted oatmeal bread with butter and peanutbutter, and hot tea.
p.s. I know y'all know it's hot, but down South...if one doesn't clarify one is brought a glass of cold, iced tea. bleech!
-
Another novel I've just come across is Asset by Jonathan Orvin. Set in Russia, I've only read the prologue so far, but man, this author can make the reader sweat! Very suspenseful so far.
-
In addition to Point Omega and The Messenger mentioned earlier, I've started our newest acquisition.....Asset by Jonathan Orvin. Wow, packs a punch in the prologue!
-
I thought I'd post a litle about New Orleans. I came across this link tonight and figured I share.
There are other pages to this website that tell about New Orleans.
-
Cheese and beetroot
I remember my father trying to persuade me to eat beets ( we just call 'em beets) when I was about 5. He didn't succeed. Haven't tasted them yet at 62.
I'm drinking hot, black coffee with an Atkins chocolate bar on the side. Actually husband and I are splitting an Atknis bar. :DD
-
You're quite welcome, post a review when you've finished, ok?
-
I've started Don DeLillo's Point Omega and am thinking about something else as well, to be decided.
-
Hi Peahen.
You might like Robert Littell's The Stalin Epigrams In fact, take a look at his other books, he writes a great deal about Russia.
And welcome.
-
Great review Inver. I've read both of her books and loved them. I really appreciate the twists and uncertainty she builds, and look forward to more of her books.
-
I am reserving judgment until I know more - it's the only thing we can all do.
Me too...it is all a bit unbelievable though isn't it and lots of questions to be asked and answered.
Exactly.
What a tragedy. Miserable business.
-
Another trip in the States... And frankie starts to wonder... and takes a look at pontalba's details under her avatar. The location doesn't say anything to frankie but it sounds British to her, yet she goes, she googles... and finds out pontalba's from the States!
I'm sorry, I assumed you were British for some reason. I guess if the location doesn't reveal someone's non-UK-ness in very definitive terms (and frankie's poor in geography), frankie generally assume everyone's a Brit I would heartily recommend Deaver!
You could start with the first book in his Lincoln Rhyme -series if you like. He also has some stand alone novels and a few other series but I've not read any of them yet.Do you mean from your own shelf?
Now that's wicked!I know where you are getting at, but I'd like to say that Deaver is 'female-friendly' in my opinion. But maybe you meant that Goddard is more easily approachable for women, too, in comparison.
Sounds good to me, I'll have to keep an eye out for his books. Thanks for the details!
I might go with Past Caring first, if I get the choice, otherwise I'll just go with whatever I can get my hands on.Thanks for the review! I've seen a copy of this book in the library and I've been on the fence. Whether to read it or not. Your review was very persuasive
I'll have to write the title down on wishlist.I understand why someone would say 100man is like FG, because of going back and forth in time, telling one's life story, and meeting real historical characters and mingling with them, but other than that they are different. Well, both are funny, both have had some pretty unbelievable and amazing things happen to them, but as a character, Forrest Gump is so much more likable. Well not likable, but one really sympathizes with him and wants to be his friend, where as the 100man is more of a funny pal kinda guy. If that makes sense. I love Forrest Gump the book, every time I read it I keep being surprised how funny the book is. But it's not for everyone, so I'd better stop hyping the book
ROTFALOLTIC! Yikes. If I did live in the UK, that would be a lot of trips! Didn't think. But, yes, I am just north of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Yes, I will def acquire a Deaver or two. Thanks for the rec.
Yeah, our own shelves. /sigh/ That's why we need you guys to orgainze us. hee heeRe 100 yo man...and FG...well, yes...the reasons you mention are certainly true. But it was more than that for me. There was a certain flatness to the prose, and I think it's entirely possible it is the translation. And, ok, I promise that the next time I see FG at the library sale, I'll peruse the pages.
-
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa a lowish 4/5
Although it is touted as "highly original, infinitely charming, and ever so touching" by Paul Auster, I can't fully agree. Charming, yes. Touching, yes. The relationship between the housekeeper and the professor that only retains memories for 80 minutes, and her child is nothing short of wonderful. It is the "highly original" I cannot really agree with. Yes, it is original, in a way. I suppose I just have higher expectations of what that phrase should mean.
For me, the best part is the making of a family where there was none. The professor has been cheated by an automobile accident that ended a brilliant career, neither the housekeeper or her son have had the benefit of a father figure in their lives. It's a perfect fit. Just how all this comes together is the heart of the story.
Recommended.
Post Yourself
in General Chat
Posted
What wonderful pictures you guys!!
Love the BCF advert. lol
frankie, your 173 cm equals 5.67feet. So, you are about an inch taller than I am. At 5'5.5" that'd equal....about 167 cm. But that is about average over here I think. Not tall, but not short either. Now, when I put on my 5-6 inch heels.....Yes!
But my husband is 6'1.5", (or about 186.5 cm) so I'm still not as tall as he is in my heels! 
drat! 
I posted a pic back aways, and have none newer. The one back there was taken about 18 months ago.