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Colleen last won the day on March 16 2014
Colleen had the most liked content!
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Book a Week 2017 - BW 42: Happy Birthday Robert Pinsky
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
I didn't realize you were heading to Paris, Jenn. Lovely! Enviable! I tend to do a good bit of traveling here & there, but it's been a fistful of years since I was in Europe. Live vicariously for us, won't you? And in return, I shall live vicariously for you while in the nearly-comparable destination of Columbus, Georgia. Ahem! I do always find that every place, with a few notable exceptions (Wells, Nevada comes to mind) has something to offer. Columbus, with its river walk, historic district, and a handful of surprisingly good museums, proves the case. Look forward to hearing more about Parisian book shops and so on ~ and of course you now have to tell us the name of the comic book series!- 144 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW 42: Happy Birthday Robert Pinsky
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Yes, it's a great vibe. Fortunately for all of you, I'm primarily gleaning so won't be adding exponentially to your own lists. :p Such a fun read! Eleanor Estes was a favorite of mine, too. I'm low on time ~ need to make travel arrangements & hopefully fly out Tuesday night. Yes, my guy got the "go" and graduates Friday! I was honestly a bit taken by surprise since going straight through is rather rare. Super impressed & amazed, but from a logistical standpoint...ack! Thanks for the good thoughts, all.- 144 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW 42: Happy Birthday Robert Pinsky
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Anxiously awaiting a call. Apparently they haven't yet been released to use the phones ~ of which there are only a handful, so it takes a while for everyone to get a chance. So nerve-wracking. Thank you for asking!- 144 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW 42: Happy Birthday Robert Pinsky
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Gotta love a book discussion that runs the gamut from Mr. Putter & Tabby to War & Peace!- 144 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
So glad you're in a safe place, physically & emotionally, Rose. Fwiw, I am a not-prudish adult who even in ideal circumstances doesn't want to read about sex. The very phrase "steamy vampire sex"makes me laugh, lol. Love the video, Jane. A good friend & I have Iceland on our mutual bucket list. I'm another Hemingway non-enthusiast (though It's been a long while since I gave him a read), but this talk of Nick Adams stories piques my interest. Have never heard of them and for that matter, didn't even know he had a Northern MI connection. Definitely want to check it out. In response to your resounding recommendations (lol), I started my Carson McCullers reading with The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Last week I put in an inter-library loan request for Afghan author Atiq Rahimi's The Patience Stone, assuming it would be some time in coming. It's already here! So I may read that soon & also watch the movie version. On a personal note, I'd appreciate good thoughts for my oldest son & his classmates today & tomorrow as they finish the penultimate days of Ranger school. On Sunday they'll find if they receive the "go" to graduate on Friday. Some will have to recycle (re-do) swamp phase. Some will be dropped (sent home) after 62 days of grueling training. It's nerve-wracking to bide the hours, thinking of these soldiers and waiting for the call. Hope for the best, prepare for the, er, alternative!- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Thinking of you, Rose. Tough call, I'm sure, but best to seek shelter elsewhere.- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
I clicked on the link with trepidation ("Just what I need; another list!") and am happy to report that it doesn't work for me ~ the list, not the link, lol. As compelling as I found Krakauer's Into Thin Air and Piers Paul Read's Alive, I wouldn't read them "for" Nepal or Uganda. Ann Patchett's Bel Canto for Peru? No. I wonder what awards some of these received? ("You're all winners in my book!" (pun intended).) Yep, I'm with you, having studied Russian language & history. And like you, I wonder, too, if he would have moved were it not for the circumstances. Just saying that I wouldn't describe him (or anyone) as "Soviet". What great lines ~ both from the author and from you, Heather. How have I gone all these years and without identifying myself as a "free range personality"? Ha! Love it. Fits well with "I am large, I contain multitudes." I'm picking up all manner of good quotes here today! Does anyone who's read Carson McCullers have a recommendation as to where I should start? I was so sure I'd read some of her work, but upon perusal, it's not ringing a bell. So which to delve into first: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, or The Member of the Wedding?- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Bother. I just multi-quoted & responded to a number of comments, only to have the post rejected by The System. For sake of ease, I'll skip the quoting and just offer up my tidbits: ~ Eliana, hope your meeting went well, and thanks for the clarification. I hear you, don't disagree, but am thinking more along Penguin's line. That being, for this particular challenge, setting matters to me. (I don't like referring to it as a challenge, but can't think of another, better word. Venture? Endeavor?) ~ Sidebar re Krzhizhanovsky: I don't agree that he's ultimately Soviet. That's a political term, and our application of it to individuals was/is political in nature. I think I'd say he was Russian, though the Kiev birthplace can present a challenge, you have a point there, Jane. ~ I read some of Walker's book when I was in my El Camino de Santiago phase. When our (intact) family was last in Europe, in 2012, I declared that I'd do the pilgrimage the year I turn 50 (2019). I then immersed myself in the subject for a time. Despite my own penchant for humor & sarcasm, Walker's tone wore on me. Came across as trying too hard, or somewhat immature; I can't recall what it was exactly. At any rate, I'm less certain now of the walk, through no fault of Walker's. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Maybe I'll do another marathon instead. Although Hawaii 5-0 sounds appealing, too. ;-D ~ thinking of you, Rose!!! ~- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Feeling rather dense because as many times as I read this, I'm not sure what you mean. I absolutely don't see this list/challenge (or any other) as a means of box checking, and I hold loosely any notions of what does or doesn't count for this or that. But of course a book has to have some connection in some way to the given place. Sorry to be thick, but I'm not sure I understand you...? : ) -
Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Words can not express my love for My Father's Dragon. I first read it with my oldest son (now 22) when he was a very small person. Reread with each of the next four sons ~ with many readings in-between. Did I mention I adore this book? Makes for a great gift along with Elmer & the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland, too. I think I need to read it again. Seriously!- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
That does sound lovely! I did some ESL training back in the day, when I intended to put it to use in Slovakia. Ended up in Switzerland instead, lol. I'd enjoy getting back to ESL tutoring, but I need actual paid employment and I've yet to come across options there. Still, it's such a pleasure to share books & language with others. I do believe she has a number of "Danish" stories, but like you, it's been a long while since I read those collections.- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
I want to respond to various quotes but this thread is moving too fast for me. Thanks for the international suggestions, Eliana. Also love the takeouts from Catch-22, a book I gifted my oldest son a handful of years ago. I should suggest when he finishes Ranger school that he give it a reread to better appreciate the sardonic wit. So many other great mentions here! I have nothing revelatory to contribute. Am quickly reading through Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Mom's Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Home Front. Rather specific to the moment and not the sort of thing I'd typically read, but I need the comfort & company. Along those lines, Rose, I am thinking about you. Yes, it's hard to be the only grownup ~ sorry to say, I know the feeling all too well. Hugs!- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
Oh, Rose ~ how hard. I'm sorry. As you likely know, late summer was a fire-and-smoke laden for much of WA & OR ~ worst conditions I've ever seen here. The terror of fire bearing down is unimaginable. Stay safe.- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
I was pleased yesterday to come across a $8 excellent condition copy of some Carson McCullers. The volume includes The Heart is A Lonely Hunter, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, and The Member of the Wedding. This Georgia start to my States tour will keep me satisfied when I head to Columbus soon. I am still waffling as to how to tackle the World Tour list. My library happened to have In the Shadow of the Banyan Tree (Cambodia) and Broken April (Albania) readily available so I checked out & perused them. Both are enticing. But unlike you mega-bibliophiles, I'm not stellar at reading multiple fiction books at once. I like things interrelate. Maybe I should start with a book from the nation of Georgia, lol.- 222 replies
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Book a Week 2017 - BW41: Bookish Notes and Birthdays
Colleen replied to Robin M's topic in The Chat Board
I have a few possibilities for Jamaica on my World Tour list, and this one is at the very top. I'm partial bc of the author's name; wondering if he pronounces it like my Kai. It's not currently in our library system, but I requested they purchase it so I imagine it will be soon. Probably long before I get around to reading it. Haha! It really does. I'm amazed you stuck with it! Right?! I wonder the same wrt to some of my youthful reading & viewing habits. "The Amateur's Guide to Quilt Guild By-Laws", lol ~ could be a hot commodity, lol!- 222 replies
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