I read The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way - 4 Stars - When it comes to Bill Bryson, I tend to prefer his travelogues. Although “The Mother Tongue†is not a travelogue, I enjoyed it greatly. It’s a fascinating and, as is usually the case with Bryson, entertaining account of evolution of the English language. I don’t consider myself a word or language nerd at all, yet I loved all the trivia, such as those that I’ve quoted below. The only reason that I’m giving it 4 stars rather than 5 is that it’s a bit dated. It was written in 1990 before the internet age. I would simply love to see an updated version. All in all, this was a fun and informative read. Having lived in Britain and the U.S., I have noticed the following for years and couldn’t agree more with Bill Bryson: “No place in the English-speaking world is more breathtakingly replete with dialects than Great Britain. In America, people as far apart as New York State and Oregon speak with largely identical voices. According to some estimates almost two thirds of the American population, living on some 8o percent of the land area, speak with the same accent—a quite remarkable degree of homogeneity. If we define dialect as a way of speaking that fixes a person geographically, then it is scarcely an exaggeration to say that in England there are as many dialects as there are hills and valleys. Just in the six counties of northern England, an area about the size of Maine, there are seventeen separate pronunciations for the word house.†I thought that this was interesting: “Webster was responsible for the American aluminum in favor of the British aluminium. His choice has the fractional advantage of brevity, but defaults in terms of consistency. Aluminium at least follows the pattern set by other chemical elements— potassium, radium, and the like.†This made me smile: "... the true story of an American lady, newly arrived in London, who opened her front door to find three burly men on the steps informing her that they were her dustmen. ‘Oh,’ she blurted, ‘but I do my own dusting.’" MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

You posted some of my favorite quotes. I really didn't think that I would like this book and was ready to quit in a heartbeat. I'm so happy that I didn't. Thank you, Stacia. We're always on the look-out for good movies and TV shows. These days, it seems to us, that TV shows are oftentimes more enjoyable. I'm very surprised. TV shows now seem to have more unique and powerful story lines. Right now, we're in the middle of watching "Cordon" based in Antwerp. It's very painful and not enjoyable at all. There are other excellent ones, but my mind is not fully alert at the moment. One that we absolutely loved is Dr. Foster. It's not yet available in the U.S., I don't think. For all of you who like a good British TV series, Doctor Foster is fabulous. Not for all audiences, however! More for mature audiences. It's about a doctor who discovers that her husband's having an affair and the very realistic pain and suffering that ensues. Anyway, my apologies for moving this away from books. I don't usually do this!

Shawne, hope you enjoy it also. Enjoy your car trip and the fall colors. I do so envy you. I love autumn and miss it dearly. I'm compensating for the lack of it in this part of the world by baking lots of autumn-type foods and making lots of butternut squash soups, etc. And yesterday, dh and I had pumpkin lattes.

Shawne, I hope that you enjoy Nomad. I couldn't remember if I'd read Tell No One. It seemed familiar. I just looked it up on Good Reads and I realized that I read it in 2013. I read Stoner - 5 Stars - This book blew me away. I was skeptical and really didn’t think that I would care for it much at all. I thought that it would be one of those books that I would likely abandon. This is not an uplifting book, but it does make you want to appreciate and love life more than ever, and to value the things that should matter the most. It first left me sobbing and later, thinking for the longest while. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star

This is one my daughter's all-time favorites. I plan to read it, hopefully soon.

Pam, what a coincidence! It's a lovely book, the only downside for me in my late 40s, is the small font. My bifocal glasses couldn't even help much. The font was just too small for me. Fabulous book, however.

I read; Three Cups of Deceit - 3 Stars - I have not read “Three Cups of Tea†nor do I plan on doing so. Jon Krakauer is angry and I believe that he has every right to be. He was fooled by Greg Mortenson. This very thoroughly documented book is about the duplicity and inconsistencies in “Three Cups of Tea†and its sequel, “Stones into Schoolsâ€, as well as Mortensons’s non-profit organization, Central Asia Institute (CAI) where the funds are heavily mismanaged. As far as reading goes, it was a bit boring for me, hence why I’ve given it 3 stars. I feel sad for the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan, as well as for all those who donated to CAI. A quote that I’d like to share: “When our heroes turn out to be sleazebags, self-deception is easier than facing the facts.†― Jon Krakauer, Three Cups of Deceit: How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography – 5 Stars - We visited Amsterdam for a few days over the summer and made it a point to visit the Anne Frank House. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip and we were moved beyond words. Here’s a picture that we took while standing in line (we were lucky enough to be one of the first in line). I had no idea that there was an Anne Frank biographical novel until we went to the bookshop. All the English copies were out of stock, so we waited till we got back home to place an order. This book is accurate, well-organized, and chock-full of detailed information. I would highly recommend it combined with another Holocaust graphic novel, another favorite of mine, “Mausâ€. I honestly wish that both were required reading for all secondary-school students, although I recommend both books for all ages. Both are an absolute pleasure to read, despite the awful and horrific subject matter. The Pianist - 4 Stars - This book is an amazing memoir of a Jew’s survival in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Szpilman does not sound at all bitter or angry. His writing is in fact rather detached and dispassionate. The reason may be is that he wrote it shortly after the war and was still suffering all the terrible after-effects and shock. The German officer’s diary was fascinating. What an incredible angel of a man. That’s all I have to say. The kindness of strangers so often brings me to tears. In fact, retelling his part of the story to my husband over coffee, had me sobbing. He's one of those special souls that I simply don't want to forget. I saw the movie ten years ago and I think that the movie version may be more powerful than the book, except that I don’t think the German officer part is included, for me that part was extremely moving. I’d like to see the movie again. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Polygamy - I haven't read, but have heard good things about The 19th Wife. All of the following are among my favorites: Nazis and the Holocaust: The Night Trilogy The Invisible Wall - followed by The Dream - not Holocaust per se, but in that time period The Book Thief Maus - brilliant! Stories based in India/Afghanistan/Pakistan/Middle East Sold - not in above countries, more so in Nepal, if I remember correctly - fabulous The Kite Runner A Thousand Splendid Suns - I like this more than The Kite Runner. I would suggest taking a break between these two, otherwise it's Afghanistan overkill and can be a bit depressing to say the least. Not Without My Daughter - non-fiction Books by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Infidel should be read first, followed by Nomad. I haven't read her other books yet. She's superb, but these are non-fiction. I would recommend her books to pretty much everyone.

I had the exact same experience. Read it a while back only because my daughter begged me to. No way would I have ever picked it for myself. You have my full sympathies. :lol:

Robin, thank you for all the info and links. I love Hitchcock movies and am going to look all those links up. :) I just finished Nomad - 5 Stars - Yet another author that I wish I knew personally! This book is an excellent sequel to her first book, “Infidelâ€. Everyone should read both of them, and, mind you, this is coming from me. Honestly, I’m rarely pushy with books, or at least I try not to be! The older I get, the less I seem to tell people what to do. Her two books are an exception. Kathleen, thank you for recommending these to me. A quote that I loved and wish to share: “The veil deliberately marks women as private and restricted property, nonpersons. The veil sets women apart from men and apart from the world; it restrains them, confines them, grooms them for docility. A mind can be cramped just as a body may be, and a Muslim veil blinkers both your vision and your destiny. It is the mark of a kind of apartheid, not the domination of a race but of a sex.†And one of my all-time favorites: "The trap of resentment. It is probably the worst mental prison in the world. It is the inability to let go of anger and the perceived or real injustices we suffer. Some people let one or two, or maybe ten unpleasant experiences poison the rest of their lives. They let their anger ferment and rot their personality. They end up seeing themselves as victims of their parents, teachers, their peers and preachers." I have a few other favorite quotes, but I'll spare you all. Again, recommended reading for all! I hope that she will continue writing and contributing. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Happy Belated Birthday Shawne! :grouphug: Yes, it's certainly not one that I'll easily forget.

I read: I Feel Bad About My Neck - 4 Stars - I love Nora Ephron and wish that she was still alive so that I could continue to enjoy her witty and funny style of writing. Funny is something that I seem to crave these days. This is only her second book that I’ve read. It’s a quick read and a particularly enjoyable one. Every parent should read her chapter “Parent in Three Stagesâ€. I desperately needed that! and Not Without My Daughter - 5 Stars - I’d like to first point out that I was born in Iran, in case you didn’t know already. I spent the first six years of my life there. We visited frequently until shortly after all the troubles started. I’ve never been back and I can’t possibly imagine doing so. I’d rather keep the sweet memories that I had and not tarnish them with negative ones that I so often hear about. When the movie, “Not Without My Daughter†came out back in 1991, I remember hearing that many of my fellow countrymen boycotted it. They resented the fact that Iranians were portrayed negatively. My cousin was one of them and he and I got into a bit of a heated discussion about this. My point, and one that I still adhere to, was that this was Betty Mahmoody’s experience and she should feel free to share it. Personally, I thought that the movie was wonderful and it brought out all sorts of emotions in me. Mind you, I only saw the movie that one time and it was enough. My memory is now a bit jaded, but I’m quite sure that the book is far better and can do more justice, as is usually the case. I wasn’t even sure if I should bother reading this, but then I found a used copy at our monthly book swap and decided to read it after all. I’m delighted that I did. It was compelling and I could hardly put it down, except when it got to be too painful at times and I needed an emotional break. I would like to mention that I have never met any Iranians that are anything like Betty’s former in-laws, but doesn’t mean that they’re not out there. The family was a crazy one to say the least: extreme, fanatical, superstitious, and never mind disgusting with their hygiene (but let’s not go there!). Her husband was an absolute tyrant and her life had become a living hell. Not all Iranians were shown in a negative light. There were some incredible kind-hearted individuals also, those who helped and befriended Betty in whatever way they could. Those parts made me cry. I think it’s quite short-sighted for anyone to delude themselves into thinking that she portrays all Iranians as bad people. She most certainly does not. She didn’t even portray Islam in a negatively. Yes, she has a problem with extremism and fanaticism and which reasonable-minded person wouldn’t? But the reader soon sees that it’s not Islam that she has a problem with, more so the way it was enforced in that oppressive regime. Betty’s courage and bravery are to be admired and left me full of awe. I simply cannot imagine having that sort of strength. I’ve known friends and family members who’ve escaped the country much the same way that she did. None of them were escaping a brutal husband. Most did not have a young child to worry about. Finally, every single one of them spoke Farsi. The ones that I have known escaped due to religious or political persecution. I’m not trying to minimize their struggles, just saying that hers was quite unique and had its challenges also. All in all, this book was an incredible read. I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel. I like Betty so much, that I wish I knew her personally. I just saw on amazon that her daughter, Mahtob, has a book coming out soon. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Thank you all so much. I've been very busy and haven't had time to read everyone's reply. I am going to make notes and share them with her. Thank you! :)

I've never suffered from them myself, but my daughter has this problem. I've suggested magnesium and regular yoga-type moves. If you have any helpful suggestions, please share. Really do appreciate it.

Stacia, yes, I can just imagine how difficult it must have been for them.

I've had mixed feelings about reading this since I've already seen the movie and have read parts of it in a bookstore already. I may give in and read it eventually. My dd has a copy. I love graphic novels. Shawne, I think that many of us feel somewhat lacking when it comes to history, especially world history. It's challenging to attempt to cover everything! All we can do is continue learning and reading up on at least the things that interest us. I'm often embarrassed at how little I know about Persian history. Mind you, I can't fully blame myself. I only spent 2nd and 3rd grade in Tehran and those were at an American /International school.

Robin, thanks for the reminder. I keep meaning to see this. I read: Through the Pilgrim's Eye - 4 Stars - This book will only be of interest to Baha’is. It was a remarkable read and the stories are truly wonderful. The only reason that I am not giving it 5 stars is the lack of photos. It would have been nice to include photos. I’m a visual person and would have appreciated some photos! I look forward to reading Volume 2, when it comes out. and All the Shah's Men - 4 Stars - My dad has been telling me stories of the 1953 coup in Iran for years. At the time, he was in his early 20s and a student in Tehran University. This book does a thorough job of answering the question as to why Iran hates Britain and the U.S. In a nutshell: it was due to the 1953 coup that was led by the CIA and the British government in order to remove Mohammed Mossadegh, the democratically elected prime minister. Mossadegh “inspired people around the world who believe that nations can and must struggle for the right to govern themselves in freedom. He towers over Iranian history, Middle Eastern history, and the history of anticolonialism. No account of the twentieth century is complete without a chapter about him.†Some things that I learned from reading this and from conversations with my dad and others who were around back then: • Churchill was great for WW2 and all that, but when it came to Iran and its oil, he was absolutely despicable. He called Iran’s oil “a prize from fairyland beyond our wildest dreams.†• The British Foreign Secretary at the time observed that without oil from Iran, there would be “no hope of our being able to achieve the standard of living at which we are aiming in Great Britain.†Mossadegh made Iranians aware that they were getting royally screwed by the British who were taking Iran’s oil and giving them a tiny pittance. • Truman was wise and far better than Eisenhower, for Iran anyway. Eisenhower’s foreign policy turned out to be dreadful, since he was so easily manipulated. • The 1979 hostage crisis and gigantic overall mess most likely would not have occurred without the 1953 coup and that was merely the beginning. Stephen Kinzer does a brilliant job explaining how the coup changed the entire course of history in the region. “It led the United States to support Iraq in its long and horrific war with Iran, in the process consolidating the Iraqi dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Within Iran, it strengthened the most militant elements in the revolutionary coalition and turned the country into a center for the propagation of terror. They began financing and arming Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Middle Eastern factions known for their involvement in political kidnapping and assassination. They sent agents around the world to kill scores of Iranian dissidents and other perceived enemies. American investigators implicated them in both the 1983 suicide bombing that killed 214 American marines in Beirut and the 1996 attack that killed another 19 marines in Saudi Arabia. Prosecutors in Argentina asserted that they ordered one of the most heinous anti-Semitic crimes of the post-Holocaust era, the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which took ninety-three lives. With their devotion to radical Islam and their eagerness to embrace even the most horrific kinds of violence, Iran’s revolutionary leaders became heroes to fanatics in many countries. Among those who were inspired by their example were Afghans who founded the Taliban, led it to power in Kabul, and gave Osama bin-Laden the base from which he launched devastating terror attacks.†My dad and Stephen Kinzer would definitely see eye-to-eye. I may even convince him to read this. The book is fabulously researched, thought-provoking, and Kinzer really knows his stuff. It also helps that the writing style flows. This is a truly powerful read. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

This is what I do. There's no way that I can pick out glasses by myself. The ladies in my eye place are the best. My daughter comes along also and I love her feedback. We both get one pair of new frames every two years. My prescription doesn't change in a major way and I rotate two-three pairs of glasses - wearing a different pair every day. Sounds a bit complicated and odd, but it's fun. :)

I read 101 Weekends in Europe - 1 Star - I cannot even begin to explain how much I love Europe. I am crazy about it and dream of visiting there almost every single day. I also deplore the fact that we live so far from it. We live far from anywhere and anyone really. If money wasn’t a factor, we would visit there at least once a year, if not more. I bought this book in a London train station, thinking that it would help with regards to planning any future trips. The pictures are nice, yet the book is really quite basic and left me longing for more. It lacks any sort of personal touch, opinions, recommendations, that sort of thing. Some blogs and other sites will be far more helpful. I think I’ll refer to Rick Steves books. I’m also open as to favorite European destinations! MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Me too. I used to be a huge Jackie Collins fan.

Shawne, "The Siege" is on my wish list. :)

My computer was having lots of problems for most of the week. I couldn't do any DVDs, so I swam instead and used the rebounder. Love both of them anyway. I'll soon be doing a Hamelin D'Abell walk.

Robin, as always, thank you so much for this weekly thread. :grouphug: I just finished City of Thieves - 4 Stars - At the beginning, I honestly thought that the book was true and that it was based on the author’s grandfather, but I then realized that it is in fact fiction. It felt a bit odd to find things to laugh while reading a World War II-themed book, but Benioff manages to make it light and he does it brilliantly. There were parts that were very sad and disturbing, obviously there would be since this is about Russia during WWII, yet the book manages to not be overly depressing, while remaining engaging and entertaining with all its silly and funny twists and turns. I absolutely loved the friendship between Lev and Kolya. There is lots of language and other stuff like that, for those who may not care for that sort of thing. It didn't bother me, but just letting everyone know. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Thank you, Rieshy and Laura. I get them a few times a year max. They're awful. Laura, I agree. I love purposeful and functional exercise. Hope your husband's back feels better soon.

Hi everyone. I've missed you :grouphug: . I'm trying to get back into it after an awful few days of a never-ending migraine. About to do a Jane Fonda Walk and already did some rebounding.