Pleasant Surprises and a Couple Books

Life doesn't get much sweeter than this! Emily dropped by to visit a week or so ago...after graduating from Yale with her MFA, and before moving to NYC to begin her acting career in earnest. I quickly called Terri and her about ET's visit. She rushed over. And, to make things even better, she brought Jose, the world's most wonderful dog.
It didn't end there, though. No siree. Brendo was in town for a baby shower, and she stopped in. So, there they are...Brendo, Emily, Jose and Terri. I can't tell you want we talked about, but I know we laughed, and were happy.



Every week I receive a computer update on what's happening in the world of independent book selling. The picture is grim. At least 50% of these updates include news of an indie closing. The reasons range from economic, to retirement, to just plain tired. When I read these sad reports, I am humbled, and reminded that, in addition to loyal customers, LaDeDa is still here after fifteen years because of employees like the three you see above. I won't bore you with economic details of book selling as opposed to selling gifty items such as plush duckies in bonnets, but the margins are lighter, and those of us who work here do so for reasons that can hardly be considered financial.

I am fortunate in so many respects. I know that. Working with good people, good friends and good books is a comforting combination, and makes every day better than the day before. OK, I have to stop this...I may be blowing my cover as a twisted, hard-a#*, no-good, cranky, cold -blooded curmudgeon.


***This is Trixie. She stops by from time to time with her buddy, Wayne. Trixie comes in and heads right to my office where she knows the treats are stored. No time to stop and say hello. After her treat, she wanders behind the desk, and leans up against me for a nice, long belly rub. Wayne, who knows something about everything...in fascinating detail...generally settles in for a long chat. Trixie explores, greets customers, and eventually sprawls out for a bit of a snooze. It seems that everyone has a dog that likes me more than my own dog does, but that's another story!








What am I reading? Well, this weekend's book was far better than the last one. A Secret Kept is by the author of Sarah's Key, a powerful account a young girl's attempt to save her brother from the Nazi's in France. That book, too, focuses on a paralyzing secret, so it appears as if De Rosnay has a theme going.

This new book deals with a taboo family issue that resurfaces after a near fatal car crash following two siblings' visit to their childhood home.

Other than the annoying French phrases sprinkled throughout, and a tiny bit of melodrama...this is good stuff.

I am also reading The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. It is grim, but so beautifully written. A father and son are doing their best to stay alive in a world that has been devastated by some sort of catastrophe. Their lives are in danger every moment, and yet they hang on to the hope that they will reach a safe oasis. I think that won't happen. I know I am supposed to come away with some grand thought about strength, and resilience in the face of overwhelming devastation. How would I function - I suppose that is what I am to ponder but all I can come with so far is anger that Cormac McCarthy is antagonizing me, and others in my book group, with his agnostic philosophy, and making us all sad.

But, one reason I enjoy our book group so much is that I always come away with a variety of perspectives on the book we have chosen to read. We'll see what happens with this one.

Hey!

Next Monday, relax.

Tear up that to-do list.

Don't work.

Enjoy the day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Man of God, Son of Thunder by guest blogger Steven Head

Yet another chapter from "Steve, You're Reading my Mind." Last weekend, I watched the first two episodes of "Big Love" the curious, sometimes funny, but always intriguing HBO series about a polygamist family. but, I guess with the Warren Jeffs trial just ending, this subject is on many minds.

Thanks Steve!

In the spring of 1978 I accepted a job with the Utah State Historical Society under the CETA program. Comprehensive Employment & Training Act. That was back when politicians thought doing what is best for the people was more important than party and special interests. But I digress. One of the items in their collection was a large, 4' by 8' or bigger, portrait of Mormon wild man Orrin Porter Rockwell. As I recall he has guns out and wind is whipping his long coat. Impressive.

Up until that point my only knowledge of Porter Rockwell was as a restaurant in Salt Lake. They also had a private club named DB Cooper. The cult of personality was alive even back then but the person had to have more talent than a big behind or a pretty face. The portrait made me curious about Rockwell, enough to discover there was a biography of the man.

With retirement I've been trying to cross a few things off my bucket list and one of them is reading the Harold Schindler bio of OPR, with the secondary title of Man of God, Son of Thunder. What I discovered was a combination biography and early history of the Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons, starting with Joseph Smith in New York State. Orrin hung out with Joe and was part of the Mormon push, and push back, in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois.

The biography starts in 1831 and Smith's short time in Ohio and ends in Sept. of 1877 with the death of Rockwell, about a month after Brigham Young passed. The span between shows Rockwell's part in the settlements of Missouri and Illinois where Smith was killed. His role as scout and facilitator of the mass movement of Mormons across the plains and to the Great Salt Lake valley. And the part he played as a guerrilla warfare leader against US troops sent to Utah. Not to mention scout and guide for parties going on to California, and as a scout for the same Army he battled against as they took on hostile Indians.

Rockwell was an entrepreneur, especially when it came to saloons, cattle, and freight hauling. He was also a crack shot only too willing to enter into competitive wagers. OPR was an enforcer for the Mormon church which had a good deal of dissent among the membership. Schindler tiptoes around the issue of polygamy, introducing the different wives and children but stopping short of describing the living arrangements. And he makes no attempt to hide Rockwell's fondness for alcohol.

It is difficult to know exactly the kind of man OPR was in real life as Schindler has relied on newspaper accounts, the many diaries of Mormon pioneers, and historic publications. He is described as cordial and ruthless, illiterate and a teaser, devout and an alcoholic. There is no doubt he lived a colorful life, brushing shoulders with prominent figures in the development of the American West. And the person you did not want to see if you were in conflict with Mormon authorities.

Mormon history and personalities may not interest you but I suspect there are people and public figures that inspire your curiosity. You can probably wait and see if Ken Burns will do a PBS documentary on them. Or you can read a book or two. It is a good use of time.

I thought you might like these predictions about the....looks like some big names are back including Stephen Kind, Joan Didion, Susan Orlean, Alice Hofman...

25 most anticipated books for fall

Blueprints for Building Better Girls by Elissa Schappell
Mothers, daughters, friends, wives and lovers—from the late ’70s to the present day—fill the pages of Elissa Schappell’s wise and witty linked short story collection.

What It Is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes
The author of the highly acclaimed Matterhorn uses his personal experiences as illustrations of the psychological, philosophical and spiritual dilemmas that combat soldiers face—in the field and upon returning home.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
This remarkable coming-of-age story, set at a New England college during an extraordinary baseball season, marks Harbach as a writer to watch.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This imaginative debut, set in a magical circus, follows two rival magicians who select champions to represent them in a deadly competition.

Life Itself by Roger Ebert
The popular film critic tells the story of his life. Readers of his popular blog–and his reviews—know that Ebert is a wonderful writer; expect this to be great.

The Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Millard, author of The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey, is back with a compelling narrative about the assassination of President James A. Garfield.
Reamde by Neal Stephenson

In his most accessible novel yet, Neal Stephenson delivers a fast-paced tech thriller that takes place around the world. In a review of Stephenson’s The System of the World, one BookPage reviewer wrote that the author “practices alchemy of the literary variety, turning words into gold.”

The End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina
Mina follows up Still Midnight with another mystery starring Detective Inspector Alex Morrow—who is called to investigate after a millionaire banker commits suicide.

The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt
The author of Will in the World (a brilliant biography of Shakespeare) turns his attention to the great cultural “swerve” known as the Renaissance.

Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean (This will be first on my list!)
One of our best narrative nonfiction writers returns with the story of one of the most remarkable dogs of all time: Rin Tin Tin.

Boomerang by Michael Lewis
The author of many popular nonfiction books including The Blind Side, Liar’s Poker and Next: The Future Just Happened investigates the U.S. financial crisis, and how it effects markets abroad—and vise versa.

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
There’s no magic here; Hoffman takes readers to the year 70 CE to dramatize a historical event: the storming of the fortress of Masada where 900 Jews took a stand against the Romans. She tells the story from the perspectives of three very different women. May be the novel fans of The Red Tent have been waiting for?

When She Woke by Hilary Jordan
This novel from the author of Mudbound is sure to be big; it’s a re-telling of The Scarlet Letter set in the not-too-distant future.

The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian
A pilot who has to make an emergency landing on water (think Sully) survives the crash. 39 of the 47 other people on board do not. Haunted by the past, he moves with his wife and two daughters to a rambling Victorian house in Vermont, where the haunting becomes literal. Look for shades of The Shining.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
Nearly 10 years after publishing Middlesex, Eugenides will publish The Marriage Plot—the story of a love triangle that takes place after the three main characters graduate from college in 1982.

Zone One by Colson Whitehead
In the wake of the plague, Mark Spitz is working to clear Manhattan of the infected ones—though the only zombies left in the area are not the dangerous kind but the “malfunctioning” sort who are basically catatonic and mourning their former lives. Then it all starts to go wrong.

Nanjing Requiem by Ha Jin
Set during the notorious Nanjing massacre, Nanjing Requiem fictionalizes the experiences of a real-life American missionary, Minnie Vautrin, who stays in China during the 1937 Japanese invasion in the hopes that she can help the community she has lived in for more than a decade.
IQ84 by Haruki Murakami

Murakami’s 1Q84 (a play on Orwell’s 1984) was first published in three volumes in Japan. Critics have called this story a “magnum opus,” and readers have made it a bestseller in Japan. Now Americans can see what all the fuss is about. Added convenience: Knopf will release the trilogy as one single volume (it’ll be 928 pages!).

Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz
Tony Horowitz—author of Blue Latitudes (and husband of Geraldine Brooks)—shares the story of abolitionist John Brown and his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859.

Blue Nights by Joan Didion
Didion’s haunting memoir of her husband’s death and illness, The Year of Magical Thinking, was a surprise bestseller. Now she chronicles the life of her daughter Quintana Roo, and ponders aging and death once again.

The Next Always by Nora Roberts
Perennial bestseller Nora Roberts launches the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy with The Next Always. This series is especially intriguing because it is inspired by the real Inn BoonsBoro, which Roberts bought and restored in 2007.

11/23/1963 by Stephen King
After a high school teacher discovers a portal to 1958 in a diner’s back room, he sets out on a mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco (The Name of the Rose) will inspire plenty of paranoia with his latest work of historical fiction, which investigates conspiracies throughout history.

Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
Though Catherine’s eventful life would be a gripping read no matter what, we have high hopes for Massie’s version: His 1981 book, Peter the Great, won the Pulitzer and is pretty much the best bio ever.

Mrs. Nixon by Ann Beattie
Beattie was a literary phenom from the start, hailed as the voice of her generation by no less than the New Yorker, which published many of her stories in the 1980s. Now she tells the story of Pat Nixon, the wife of our most infamous president.

Thanks for stopping by...and don't foret to register for the signed bookd giv away on the right side of the blog.

GRRRRRR!

Today, I am cranky. Crankier than usual. Over the weekend I was duped on several levels, and it all has to do with the book you see pictured above. Enticing cover, huh? That's what I thought? That drew me in first, followed by the back cover blurb claiming the book was an "exploration of the controversial Waldorf School movement." BIG FAT LIE!

Where to begin? I ran into a Waldorf teacher last year, and was intrigued by the system of education that is really a lifestyle. While educating the mind, Waldorf schools promote physical and spiritual wellness by introducing concepts not honored (and often forbidden) in public education. Much of what Waldorf leaders believe are things we might consider New Age, or a natural lifestyle....vegetarianism, midwifery home birth, non-traditional religious ideas.

Anyway, the book has little to do with the school, other than much of the action takes place in a
Waldorf building. Other than that, there is nothing I would consider enlightening about the school's philosophy.

Dupe #2. This book holds great promise in the first few chapters, and although a new novelist, Rebecca Coleman can write. The main character's here-and-now story is woven with flashback chapters of her childhood in Germany where she learned to be a good girl by reading stories of Der Struwwelpeter, a character who lurks, watching for and punishing bad little boys and girls. There is some nice literary history, and descriptions of the Bavarian countryside in the the beginning.

But, as the novel progresses, the flashback chapters dwindle, and once, Judy, the Waldorf teacher takes up with a 16-year old student, I found myself saying more than once, "Jeeze, this could be a Harlequin romance." Well guess what, it is a Harlequin romance disguised as one of the company's imprints, MIRA. Instead of the usual mass market size, this crummy book, with the escalating sex scenes, and no redeeming values, has been disguised with all the trapping of a quality trade paperback.

So, why didn't I stop once I discovered the grand deception? What else it there to do while waiting for Easy-Off do its job? Actually, I was quite invested by the time I caught on, and I really hoped that good taste and good writing would win out in the end. I believed that the adult would come to her senses, or that the school would figure out what all the funny noises coming from Judy's classroom after hours were, or that the boy's parents would question the callous swagger with which he walked. But nope, none of that. Just scene after scene of Zack murmuring "Judy, Judy, Judy." I'm not kidding..."Judy, Judy, Judy."

So, here's the deal...the first person who emails me at bdenor@lsol.net can have this crummy advance reader copy. I'll wait patiently for the notes to begin to roll in.

Thanks for stopping by.

S is for Sad by guest blogger Steven Head

There are elements of Blog followers who know I am a big mystery fan. One of my favorite mystery TV programs is Masterpiece Mystery, which just finished the Zen three show series at the end of July. It was great to see fresh faces, other than the guy from the BBC's Couples, in a detective series based in Rome. I especially like how the writers answer the question, "What kind of name is Zen?" with the explanation, he is from Venice. Okay ...

The hard-boiled detective in Zen, a police detective with a reputation for integrity. Finding himself squeezed by politicos, prosecutors, and his own department, Zen needs to be nimble and quick. And like his hard-boiled brethren, he has a working relationship with the career criminal class. Through a combination of luck, following the leads, and analysis, he consistently solves the crime, restoring balance between good and evil, and lands on his feet with reputation firmly in place. If you missed it, look for it in re-runs.

Based upon the PBS website, it appears we'll have to wait until 2012 for any first-run mystery episodes. I wish it were not so, which is why S is for ... In late August and September the Inspector Lewis re-runs will begin. Lewis was the understudy of the long running Inspector Morse series that ended production when John Thaw passed away. I prefer the cerebral and cultured Morse to the working class Lewis, although the new upper class sidekick is an acceptable substitute. Give it a watch if you have not indulged.

October through December programming has not been identified but it is likely one of the Classic or Contemporary series, or even fund raiser fodder, will fill that time slot. But as long as we're talking mysteries, let me share thoughts on others members in the Masterpiece Mystery series stable. The new Poirot episode were satisfying as David Suchet continues to portray the lead role very convincingly. I am not as pleased with the new Sherlock Holmes, finding the portrayal by Jeremy Brett as my favorite not only on PBS but of all time, including Basil Rathbone.

I always watch the Miss Marple episodes but must confess the swirl of characters and false leads takes my attention away from the who-dun-it, finding pleasure in the delightful period clothing, country manners and mores, and selected guest actor performances.

I had hoped fresh episodes of Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn adventures would return this year, but was disappointed. Robert Redford did three episodes at least a year ago with excellent casting and brisk storytelling. I can only hope my waiting will be rewarded in 2012.

Lastly, I have not received any fresh information on Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire and cable TV. The pilot was shot and edited, and my understanding is everyone is waiting for A&E, or one of those channels, to give the thumbs up or thumbs down on doing a season of episodes. The casting is promising and the production crew has a good reputation. Perhaps in the next few weeks all will be revealed.

Keep turning the pages and supporting your independent bookstore.

Here's a little picture of the set-up at Merchandise Mart in Chicago. I try to get there for a trade show once a year, even though it is gruelling, and there aren't too many vendors that are small bookstore appropriate.

The 8th floor is the fun one...temporary vendors. Hundreds of suppliers from around the world set up booths showing their new merchandise. I get so overwhelmed with all the colors, flashing lights, friendly faces, and store owners who appear to have an endless stream of money. I was making my one purchase for the day...a couple cases of "Elf on the Shelf" along with several units of the new video that accompanies the book, when a pushy (and that's a kind term!) store owner budged in, tossed her card at the sales rep, and said, "I'm going to make this easy, send me 30 cases." Then she walked away.

On floors 13 and 14, you'll find the permanent showrooms. These are the high volume suppliers. The pace is slower, and most showrooms treat buyers quite nicely. It's party time all day on those floors. Margaritas, chocolate martinis, pizza...you name it. They want us to stay long and spend big. Other than the Elf stuff, I didn't order anything. I fear impulse buying, and buyers' remorse. Instead, I grabbed tons of catalogues, made some appointments with reps to come in and see me...and we'll see what develops from there. I did come up with a few new lines, that I consider risk lines for us...but I'm going to give them a shot anyway.

Chicago was nasty, nasty hot; something in the air had me sneezing, and gave me watery eyes. I drove home through New Glaris - beautiful part of Wisconsin - and intended to give Brendo a surprise call in Madison. But, did she really want me...sweaty, tired, gooey eyed - dropping in on her at work? I decided to spare her the embarrassment.

Book stuff? I have plenty to say about The Help, but will leave that till next time. Just started This Glittering World, by my email friend, T. Greenwood. Tammy wrote a book called Two Rivers. After reading it, I emailed and begged her to come here on the flimsy TR connection....and the fact that there is an Italian restaurant in her book named Luigi's. She politely declined, saying that California authors seldom make a Midwest loop. but, since then, she emails periodically, and sends me hard copies of her newest releases. Fun!

Most authors have websites, and many of them will answer emails...and maybe even send you a little surprise. Try it.

*****Check out this bit of news..... Little, Brown publishers sent an e-mail to buyers announcing a mysterious, last-minute addition to its fall lineup. Untitled by Anonymous is described as a 320-page, nonfiction, hardcover book with photos that will retail at $26.99. Order the book now, the publisher said, to ensure delivery by its November release date." The e-mail called this book 'the inside story of life with one of the most controversial figures of our time.' "

So, what's your guess? Bernie Madoff? That seems the most likely candidate, but I would be disappointed if LB had cut a deal with Casey Anthony. It's only a matter of time before someone does. And that will be a sad, sad day.

Gotta go soak my still tired feet!

Stop by next week.

Dog Blog Time!

Finally, You Know Who (YKW) has stepped away from the keyboard. Now's my chance. I gotta tell ya, there is a lot of hoopla about a book called Unlikely Friendships. People are gushing and saying things like "ahdoooorahhhhhble" and "so sweeeet." I'm telling you, if YKW talked to me in that ushy gushy voice, I'd pack my bags and hit the road. In my bag would be my plush red pepper tossing toy, a tomato, my blue blanket, and a copy of this book. Gotta have something to read on the road...never leave home without a book, that's what I always say.

I guess the whole fuss started a couple years back with Owen and Mzee, the baby hippo and the old tortoise who fell in love in an African wildlife sanctuary. At first, Owen didn't like that Mzee was coming on to him; after all the age difference was huge; Mzee was 105. I don't have enough toes to figure out how much that is in dog years, but I am pretty sure that YKW comes close to that same number (sure hope she doesn't read this.) Well, the two of them fell in love, and wrote a couple books.

After that it was the dog and the elephant love story, and now this book appears with lots of stories about how different animals from different countries, of different sizes, different colors, and different families get along. Doesn't surprise me one lick. Hmmmm. Looks like my peeps in the animal kingdom have the right idea.

Hey, my guy, Chet, from the Chet and Bernie books, has his own blog. You can write to Chet and send him pictures at www.chetthedog.com. Chet is just like me. A real friendly dog who is a pretty good writer. Some guy named Spencer Quinn says he helps Chet out, but Chet and me, we know better.

YKW has been harrumphing around about a book called The Help. Says the cover claims it could be as good as To Kill a Mockingbird. Now, I've never seen a mockingbird, but I will say that if they are as annoying as the little brown birdies that won't let me nap...well, I'm all for that book. But, YKW says there's no messing with her favorite book, and even though The Help was good, people better back away from the comparison to that bird killing book or she just might bite you in the ankle. Hang in there, I'm pretty sure she'll be spouting off about it soon.

See ya. If you stop by my house and I bark like crazy, don't take it personally. That's my job!

Your furry friend, and blogger buddy, GB the Dog (aka Mrs. George Burns)

Adam & Eve by guest blogger Steven Head

People...it's 90 degrees outside...and gooey. Who drinks coffee on a day like today? That's what I said to myself when I walked in this morning, and so I didn't brew any java. Three guesses what my first five customers wanted. Right! Oh well, lesson learned. Sometimes it doesn't pay to think...doing is better.

I know I haven't been too regular of late...concerning the blog that is. No excuse other than I have a huge case of the lazies. It happens. It will end someday. But, believe me, this is the life. Every so often I reflect back on my teaching days, and jump for joy (you ought to see that!) when the alarm doesn't ring at 5:40, and when I am not staring at 60+ essays to grade, or pithy little poems to critique. Teaching was a great gig, but moving on was wise for me. And now, making life even better than ever....I have a personal reader. Yup. Good ole Steve has read a book that has been on my to-be-read pile for almost a year...and he went ahead and read it for me. Gotta luv that guy for being so thoughtful. I read Abundance by Sena Naslund years ago - the fictionalized account of Marie Antoinette. The title refers to her indulgent life, but also to the abundance of ambition, turmoil, and general unrealistic expectations placed on a couple far too young to run a county.

So...here's Steve's expert commentary.

(Hey Steve, it's a Twilight Zone moment that you lead with a reference to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I watched that movie for the first time last weekend.)

A few weekends ago I caught a mid-1990's interview with James Berendt on Book TV, talking about his Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Berendt talked about the Clint Eastwood movie based on the book, but a good deal of the writing had been dropped given time constraints. The library had an audio version and it was only a few days before I checked it out. So when a book entitled Adam & Eve came along it seemed appropriate to read it while listening to Good & Evil.

Sena Jeter Naslund, author of Adam & Eve, has a number of books out including Ahab's Wife, Sherlock in Love, and Ice Skating at the North Pole. But I had never read any of her work so all was a surprise to me. A&E starts with the our central character, Lucy, in Amsterdam on her way to meet Thom Bergmann, her husband. As she approaches the meeting place she watches as a grand piano, being hoisted up the outside of building, breaks loose and crashes onto her mate. That is what I call a dramatic opening.

Through a series of coincidences Lucy finds herself transporting a religious artifact in an aging private airplane she pilots from Cairo to Paris. The plane develops mechanical problems and she crashes on a beach, although on the way down she notices a solitary human figure. This is where the Adam & Eve part comes together. We learn the man is named Liam with a history of mental issues. Believing he has been transformed to Adam, living in the Garden of Eden, he longs for an Eve. Cue the entrance of Lucy to assume this role.

All goes well in Eden until it does not. I will not share the details since that would be giving away too much. Let's just say Lucy gets the artifact to Paris, which leads to another mini-adventure, and all ends happily ever after, more or less.

Since the book is set in future, 2017 to 2020, it might be considered science fiction. Parts of it suggest mystery. There is a good deal of discussion of religious topics. And in some ways it is a love story. So categorizing this book is a problem.

Adam & Eve is entertaining and thought provoking, although for me the ending is not completely satisfying. If you are a fan of Ms. Naslund, this book may be for you. Even if you are not, you still might want to give it a try.

Celebrate America!

Loose Ends by guest blogger Steven Head

I was happy to receive Steve's first, official Retirement Report from Nebraska where he has been hiding since leaving Manitowoc. So, Steve has finally spilled...he is working on a mystery novel. Over the years, I have been the happy recipient of several of Steve's skillfully written short stories, one, with blush-worthy passages, takes place in a bookstore. Steve had a thread going for a while...vignette's with people doing inappropriate things in unexpected places. They all made me chuckle, but beneath the outward silliness, were some sad characters worthy of readers' sympathy. If you've become a Steve fan over the years, I am sure you are hoping along with me that his book will find a publisher and that Steve will find his way "home" for a signing, and much anticipated reveal of who he really is.

Hey Steve...for some gaming variety try Eggz or Alu's Revenge!

Now...here's Steve

Earlier this month I worked my last 'planned' full-time day. Some may think I am retiring. I choose to say I've quit working until either the money runs out or I die. The decision does give me a great deal of free time and with it the need to develop some goals. I know only too well how a day can be lost to Freecell, naps, and munching. And that day can stretch into a week and then a month.

My first goal is to loose the 20+ pounds I gained when I returned to work following my sabbatical in 2007. Besides the challenge of controlling calories and regular exercise, there is the issue of a bathroom scale that lies. I can never count on it to give an honest report first thing. At least 3 tries are required to get a consistent reading. I could get another scale but through close observation over a period of years, I have learned scales are pathological liars.

My other goal is to finish the second draft of my mystery novel by the end of the year. The expectation is the second draft will be much better than the first. While I am keeping the same characters and location and suspicious death, everything else is open to revision. I have a new respect for authors that weave a story tightly together. It is like looking at a painting and thinking "I can do that", only to discover it is much harder than it looks.

Which takes me to a television mystery I do not admire. Over the past 13 weeks I have watched AMC's The Killing patiently, fully expecting to discover who killed Rosie Larsen on June 19th. The opener was intriguing as the characters and the murder were revealed. But by the fourth episode it felt more like a soap opera and less like a murder investigation. I knew there was a problem when the second to last episode spent the entire hour looking for the lead detective's missing son.

The writers and producers for this series have violated a number of rules, breaking faith with the viewer. Multiple red herrings, new information out of nowhere late in the game, and magical leaps of logic by the detectives. Although to call them detectives is an overstatement since they appear more like children running to catch fire flies than professionals hunting a murderer.

The season finale promotion by AMC was how the last five minutes would have everyone talking the entire summer. My reaction to those last five minutes was anger and expletives and the promise to myself not to invest any time in season two. If you have not seen this series and are interested, it repeats starting on July 19th.

With the end of June comes Summerfest and anticipation for the Tour de France. I will not be attending Summerfest this year but I will be watching the Tour on the Versus network. Live coverage begins on July 2nd as 22 teams of cyclists travel throughout France and neighboring countries over a 23 day period. Competitive cycling is like most other sports. There are prolonged periods of boredom when nothing special happens, too many commercials, and human interest stories that are not very interesting. And the brief moments demanding attention like the breakneck race to the finish line, high speed descents down mountain switchbacks, and head-over-heels crashes.

One thing that sets cycling apart from stadium sports is the countryside. The coverage is provided by a squad of dare-devil motorcyclist at road level and birds eye helicopter views. Countless picturesque small towns, castles, fields, rivers, mountains, and miles of roads make it as much travel show as sports competition. But it is a race with leaders, tactics, mechanical breakdowns, and ceremony. Give it a try, you might like it.

**********What am I reading? Just finishing The Bird Sisters, set in Spring Green, and looking forward to moving on to The Little Women Letters, and The Help (don't be so shocked...no I haven't read it yet!) In editing this post, I noticed that some words are highlighted and underlined. If you click on them, they take you to sights that neither Steve not I intended. Can't explain why. Blogger is up to something that I will have to check out soon. sorry for any inconvenice with the pop outs.

Hell Is Empty by guest blogger Steven Head

Here's your Monday post a few days early. (Thanks Steve. How did you know I was taking Monday off, and didn't have a post ready to go? Spooky! I'll send your box of books out next week. Watch for it!)

It is June which means warm temperatures are back AND Craig Johnson should have a new book out. Over the weekend I picked up and finished Hell Is Empty, the seventh in the Walt Longmire series. Reading this book reminded me of a roller coaster ride, but without that long slow climb to the first summit. The opening chapter crackles with danger and in short order it delivers, not letting up until the final chapter.

Hell Is Empty builds upon an episode in the first book, The Cold Dish, where an exhausted Walt manages to carry two wounded men down a mountain during a snow storm. What makes the task memorable is the Indian spirits that cajole and support Walt during that process. In the new book one of the prisoners (Raynaud Shade) Walt is transferring also hears the voices from 'the other side'. Shade is aware Walt has his own connection with the spirit world, issuing taunts and reports of what the voices have told him of their shared future.

Dante's Inferno also plays a role in this book. Introduced as a reading assignment taken on by one of Walt's deputies, the paperback Italian-English translation and specific Inferno rings become plot elements in the story. The other supporting player in this drama is Virgil Old Buffalo, a character introduced in book 4, Another Man's Moccasins. Virgil is a giant of a man wearing a full bear skin, head and all, who comes along at just the right time to help Walt.

Hopefully this is enough of a teaser to prompt you to pick this book up, although if you have not read any of the earlier books they are equally entertaining. Johnson is a skilled story teller who creates characters that ring true. Perhaps that is why FX television has commissioned a pilot for a series based upon the Walt Longmire character. The latest report from Craig spoke of location filming in New Mexico, so keep an eye out for this series.

This weekend I will be traveling to one of Craig's book signings where I hope to learn about the story behind the latest offering, what is coming next, and a report on the television series. Craig will be appearing in Milwaukee at Next Chapter on June 13 at 7pm and again in Madison at Booked for Murder on June 14 at 6pm. I recommend the trip. He is as entertaining in person as in print. Craig's website is craigallenjohnson.com if you need more information.