pontalba

Great theme Julie, and great idea for curtailing book buying! lol Now, if I could get hubby to go along with that method. He is as bad as I am, or is it I am as bad as he is?? The deal breaker would be this...what do you get for said points? A hot fudge sundae? A new book [sorry, couldn't resist!]. When I first saw that post, I misread and thought you said for every pound lost...must be the way my brain is working. A diet is forecast around here starting next week. But I'm ready! /fingers crossed/

That's a neat idea Julie! I usually, too, pick up what strikes my fancy. I actually have been thinking I'd get back to Neal Stephenson and read Cryptonomicon. I read Reamde several months ago, and really meant to read Cryptonomicon then, but was sidetracked (as usual). Maybe if I put it down in writing, I'll manage to do it!

I found two more Jim Thompson books, The Grifters and Pop 1280. Thanks Roland.

Oh, a good story line does make a difference. I haven't seen either of those films, but, for example...I'd been curious for ages about the Kill Bill films. I started watching the first one, and finally had to turn it off. For me, the story just didn't carry it.

William Macy is such a good actor, I usually like him, but actually hated him in this film. Yeah, the chainsaw, and the first shooting in the snow on the side of the road. I thought the accents were exaggerated somewhat, although I know a lot of Scandinavians live up there. It's the same for down here in New Orleans. Many film makers think everyone down here either speaks with a long drawn out Southern drawl, or with a Cajun accent. Funny thing is, New Orleanians, many sections anyhow, sound more like a New Yorker, specifically a Brooklynite. P.S. If you listen to Harry Connick, Jr., the singer/actor, you'll hear a typical local accent.

Fantastic post Frankie. What a wonderful experience re the author. I hope you go on New Year's Eve, it'll be a wonderful experience. Love the fact Hemingway makes both best and worst lists...gives me hope. I've only partially read A Farewell to Arms, and couldn't finish. I'll certainly pick another one up now.

Gee Whiz, VF, why don't you say what you really mean? I hate it when there is blood and gore all over the place in a film, it isn't necessary, and is rather stomach churning. I love the films where the suspense is so thick you can cut it with a knife, far more effective. There was a film we watched a while back on DVD, Fargo...there were a couple of scenes that almost made me turn it off, not necessarily bloody, but so brutal that it took my breath away. Definitely an ick factor at work there.

I've only read A Plea for Eros by hustvedt, and while I agree the writing itself is lyrical, I wasn't enthralled with the story. I think it would take a reread to appreciate, for me at least. However, my husband read The Summer Without Men early this year, and thought it was wonderful. I haven't gotten to it yet though I know I will eventually. Probably sooner now.

Raven...I finally got to read The Death of Grass, and wanted to thank you again for the recommendation. It's one of the best, certainly comparable to Triffids.

Oh, I'm glad you're on it Julie, let me know how you like it. I do like his style, and I'd have to bet he has a load more stories he could tell. That sounds familiar now that you mention a nomination. It caught my eye. I'll check it out. Definitely! Killer was my first Thompson, and certainly won't be my last. We went across the lake today, and only could stop at one book store, and they didn't have one Thompson!. No bookstores in the Mall we visited either! Amazing. So, I'm going to pop over to Amazon and see what they have. I seem to remember seeing the film Grifters many years ago, but have no real memory of it.

I've finished a few in the last several days. Coroner's Journal by Louis Cataldie, M.D. is a true rendition of a man's life as a coroner for the State of Louisiana. The book was going to press when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the coast, so a sort of prologue was added by Dr. Cataldie regarding the God awful conditions at that time. This is only a small part of the book though. It chronicles, basically, man's constant inhumanity to his fellow man. The waste of it all, and possibly a little bit of hope. Dr. Cataldie attempts to bring some light to the subject, and manages this in a great conversational style that, in spite of the subject matter, manages to be breezy. Next was The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson. Great. Noir. This is a must for any fans of noir, of unreliable narrators, and/or the human mind. Thompson's style is plain and direct, deceptively so, I might add. Written in 1952, it was ahead of it's time as far as the mechanics of a sociopath's mind. Just finished The Death of Grass by John Christopher. A short and not sweet apocalyptic novel written in 1956 that has many elements of an old favorite of mine... The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Grass is however told more from the viewpoint of the character Coker (of Triffids). Imagine of a disease killed all the grass, slowly over the continents, implacably moving on, evolving. The cover of the book compares it to The Lord of the Flies, but for my money the Triffid comparison is much closer. A bit slow to start, but makes up for it later. Highly Recommended. I wish I could remember where/who recommended Grass, but I'm sure glad they did!

Julie, somewhere you mentioned Coroner's Journal by Louis Cataldie, MD, I found it, and am about half way through. I love his style, and so far the book. Especially the first bit that was written right after Hurricane Katrina. Wow. Hard hitting stuff. So, anyhow, thanks for the rec.

I'm a bit more venturesome in trying books I'm not sure of, if the price is right. If it is under 3 USD, and am vaguely interested, I'll click it. Plus, one can sample. I have to laugh at your remark re couples with their phones.....we are that couple in the corner easy chairs with kindles, occasionally reading passages to each other, and getting peculiar looks occasionally.

Weirdness prevails. I can't find the book. We had a massive clear up a few days ago, and I have to think it was caught up in that, and "filed" somewhere that I can't locate. I sat here at the computer and read it in about a half hour. I'm afraid only the most bizarre have stuck in my brain. hee hee When I find it, I'll post an update. In any event, I finished 1222 by Anne Holt last night, or rather early this morning. A cerebral mystery, there are murders, natch, and a wonderfully different detective. I'd say it is a sort of Agatha mystery, but better, possibly a cross between Ten Little Indians and The Orient Express. This is, as far as I can tell, the 8th or so in this Norwegian series, and the first to be translated. So the detectives personal situation is "in transit". This book was obviously a turning point for her character. It stands alone quite well though, and I'll certainly buy more as they are translated. I've seen on Amazon that her first in the series seems to be coming out in English in June of 2012. I'll buy it, for sure!

I finished The Scottish Prisoner last night, in only a little more than 24 hours. I'd almost like to start it all over again. Gabaldon has beautifully fleshed out a goodly chunk of the time Jamie spent as a parole in the Lake District. I'm not a follower of the Lord John series, although I have a couple here in the stack. I read what I believe is the first one, and was underwhelmed. This one, I have to think because of Jamie's presence, is superior. Possibly now I may enjoy the rest of the Lord John series more in light of some developments regarding his character in this book. Gabaldon herself says that the Jamie/John mixture is about 50/50, and I believe that is accurate. The story brings out more of Jamie's Irish connections, and tells more of the Irish/Scottish similarities. Things I, at least, was unaware of till now. The story carried me along, just as the original Outlander series does. Highly Recommended.

Finished The Scottish Prisoner last night.....loved it. Presently about half way through 1222 by Ann Holt. Norwegian mystery, high in the mountains, hurricane force winds....

I read this a while back, and thought it was pretty good. Dry in places, but considering the crime, I was glad for that dryness of description.

Frustrating, but certainly something that'd happen to me! I've started The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. So far so good. Funny!! Love her sense of humor.

I ran across this tidbit through a newsletter I receive from Criminal Element. A neat way to hear of new mysteries, detective stories, both book-wise and television. It seems a prequel to Inspector Morse is coming next year, and has Colin Dexter's approval. Endeavour: The Secrets of Inspector Morse Looks to be interesting, and the Jag is a constant evidently. I couldn't find a thread that would suit, but if there is one, please combine.

Sequel?? /panting in anticipation/ googling....... Found something... http://www.reelz.com/movie-news/12619/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-director-offers-details-on-sequel/ Haven't read the whole article yet, but looks interesting.

It was fantastic. Serkis was amazing, I fully agree. Lithgow was wonderful as the father. I loved the bit during the ending credits showing the progression of the virus. Interesting way to do it. I notice Lithgow is taking smaller roles lately, some really cameos. He had a teensy cameo in New Year's Eve, as Michelle Pfiffer's boss. [know I mangled her name...grrr, to lazy to google] .

Odd Jobs, Portraits of Unusual Occupations by Nancy Rica Schiff was a purchase today at a local consignment store. I'd never have picked it without actually seeing the book. Verra strange occupations are available on this here planet. Condom testers, Potato Chip inspector, [crisps to you Brits! hee hee] Dog Sniffer, a Men's Room attendent that is a lady...the list goes on and on. Worth it for the pictures alone. I just finished Hunter: A Thriller by Robert Bidinotto. Often first novels in a series leave something to be desired, too much explaining of background details takes place, and not enough action. That is not the case here. It is a true thriller from page one and continues to the very end. The author accomplishes what few first time authors are able. He shows, he doesn't tell. I appreciated that quality. Of course he is an accomplished newspaper man to begin with, but this is not written in a "reporter-style", it is a well developed novel, with rounded, well developed characters that I cared and worried about.

I finished Hunter: A Thriller by Robert Bidinotto today, it is only available in e-book form. A good thriller, as advertised good characters, fast moving story.

I am really glad to hear how nice Amazon is on this matter. Gives one hope. Even though it is in their best interests. heh We both have kindles, and love 'em.

Finished I Am Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley and Cat Telling Tales by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.