Friday, March 28, 2014

On the Road Again

Thought for the day:  Did y'all hear about the jurisprudence fetishist? He got off on a technicality.


It's the last Friday of the month, (already!) so it's time for another friendly gathering of The Armchair Squid's famous world renown whole lotta fun online book club, where participants post about the best book they've read within the past month. It isn't too late for you to participate, ya know. Just click on that link to his blog, and and sign on up... and then tell us about your Book of the Month.

Like last month, I still realize not all of you give a good diddle about a book recommendation, so I'll offer a little something else for your enjoyment before finishing up with the book review. Oh, and this will be my last post for a while, too. Although I'm not gonna participate in the A-Z Challenge this year, I AM gonna take the month off from blogging and maybe get some work done on some writing projects. Heck, I might even rearrange some of the dust bunnies around the house, or paint a wall or two. Who knows? (After all, I was born to be wild...) To those of you who will be working your way through the alphabet and a bazillion blogs, have fun! Maybe next year for me. Maybe.

Since the bogus funny billboards seemed to be such a hit last month, I think I'll go with some more of them this month. Remember, these things arose from the fertile imaginations of some mighty creative minds; they aren't billboards you'll ever actually see standing alongside the road. Tough. We're still gonna take our virtual road trip to check 'em out. As always, many thanks to the fine folks at dribbleglass, who so graciously granted me permission to use these images.








Ready? Let's go-o-o-o...























[seniorark]


Well, I hope some of those floated your boat. Now, for the book review. Let's see... which one kicked the butts of all the other books I read this month? Tough call.













                                                          But I'm gonna go with... this one:


According to the description on the back cover: The epic tale of Harry Clifton's life begins with the words, "I was told that my father was killed in the war." A dock worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father and expects to carry on at the shipyard, until a remarkable gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys' school, and his life will never be the same again...

As Harry enters into adulthood, he finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question: Was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line? From the ravages of the Great War and the docks of working-class England to the streets of 1940 New York City and the outbreak of the Second World War, this is a powerful journey that will bring to life one hundred years of history to reveal a family story that neither the reader nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.

Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, here's what I think about it:

I actually won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. (Yep... Lucky, lucky, lucky!) I've read a number of Archer's books in the past, but it had been a while, so I was thrilled to have one of his books fall into my lap again. If you've never read any of his books before, you might want to check him out. He's a master storyteller.

When someone is telling me a story, I generally prefer to receive it in a linear fashion; I don't need a lot of backtracking, rehashing, or side trips. Just tell me the darned story already. And if possible, don't keep telling me the same thing over and over. I'm pretty intelligent, so there's a good chance I picked up on that particular detail the first ten times you told me.

So what did I think of a book that essentially tells me about the same events over and over... and over... again? Actually, I liked it. A lot.


See, this book tells the same story, but from different perspectives. Each section of the book is named for a particular character, and begins with a first-person narrative from that character's POV, followed by a 3rd person part of the story, based on what that character knows, thinks, or thinks (s)he knows. There's also a little bit of head-hopping, mixed in with some omniscient narrator POV.


Sounds confusing, but it isn't. I must admit, when the first retelling began, I was a tad annoyed at having my preferred "linear" story interruped, but the author's mode of story-telling is like a jigsaw puzzle being put together via group effort. Different characters provide different pieces, and just like people, some characters try to force their pieces into the wrong place.


All-in-all, this overlapping mode creates a rich depth in both story and characters. I'm not sure many writers could pull it off nearly as skillfully as Archer does, but I still don't think I'd like a steady diet of this style of story-telling. Archer already has a well-earned reputation for being a skilled storyteller, but I wouldn't recommend any new writers to try his approach. The constantly changing POV and head-hopping probably wouldn't be readily accepted from someone who hasn't already proven his marketing appeal.


I only have two major complaints. One, I have a problem with the genetic depiction of grandfather-to-son-to-grandson transmission of color blindness. From my understanding of this affliction, Archer's explanation is long on supporting the story, but short on facts.


The other problem is the book ends on an "Oh, no!" moment. No resolution. More of a cliffhanger, so the story isn't "done". Luckily, although I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway as a "first read", it isn't a new book. (Just new to me.) I say luckily, because this is book one of the Clifton Chronicles, and three more books in the series have already been released. (Ah, HA! No waiting!) When I finished reading this book, my first inclination was to speed to the book store to get the next one in the series. Too bad it was 2 AM at the time. 


Bottom line: Don't count on this book being a stand-alone. It's like the first taste of chocolate. Once you get a taste, you're probably gonna want some more.



*********************

Well, that's all folks! Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.  See y'all in May, but don't be surprised if I pop into your blog for a visit or two before then. Yep, I was born to be... oh, never mind.


109 comments:

  1. I hate to admit that I can relate to the senior version of "Born to be Wild".

    You've provided your own cliff-hanger by informing us that you won't be back until May. Hopefully your haitus will be a productive one, with some intermittent delightfully wild adventures....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! I hate to admit it, too, but at least we can still laugh about it. (And on the inside, boyohboy, I'm still a young fox...)

      Thanks. Hopefully, I'll make some good progress on a number of writing projects, but will set aside plenty of time for the "wild." (I might even cut the tag off that new guest bed mattress we bought...)

      Delete
  2. With our current Prime Minister far too prone to being photographed in speedos I have often wanted a temporary sight affliction so can't go past that one.
    I don't need more bookie temptation - and think I can probably resist that one.
    And as a merlot swigging baby boomer I LOVE Born to be Wild. Mega thanks - and enjoy your time away from us. Be productive and/or happy.

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    1. A radio and print journalist who's fairly well-known in the amateur radio community horrified one and all when he wore Speedos at the hotel pool where we all were staying. Let's just say he didn't have the body for it, and leave it at that. (He coulda filled TWO suits... "My eyes! My eyes!")

      "Born to be Wild" is one of the few songs I have to increase the volume whenever it comes on the car radio. It's a roll down the window, wish I were driving a convertible, sing-along kinda song. Love it!

      Thanks. I plan to do both... be productive AND happy. Take care.

      Delete
  3. Who wouldn't want to go to a "deodorant-optional" club!?! You always find the best faux billboards! Excellent book review! You have a knack for zooming in on important details without giving too much away. I'm also impressed that you make the time to do so much reading. Good luck with your writing projects, and try not to work too hard!

    Julie

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    1. I'd much rather read than watch TV, so I do a lot of it in the evenings. Not a big deal though. Reading is almost as much a part of me as breathing. And just about as automatic.

      Work too hard? Nah, not a chance. We'll be in touch, I'm sure...

      Delete
  4. I hope you have a lovely month off writing and getting organized, I need to take a little time off to find a new place to live... :)

    I love the billboards gave me my smile for the day :)

    Have a great weekend Susan :) (I won't be doing the A-Z challenge either... I want to start exercising again)

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    1. Thanks; I'll do my best. Good luck with your house-hunting. (I won't wish you luck with the exercising, because you don't need it. You've already got the determination.)

      Delete
  5. The book sounds good. I'm with you on the preference for a linear story but every once in a while, somebody really talented manages to chuck that idea out the window and make it work anyway. The Rashomon style you describe seems to be a popular one but you're right, definitely not for beginners. I think the fact that you're eager for the next installment is a strong review in itself.

    Billboards - I like the UFC one best.

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    1. The book is good. I still prefer linear over round-about, but he pulled it off beautifully.

      Delete
  6. Too bad that Speedo billboard isn't real. Something like that should be posted in all gyms and pools. It has never been a good look and never will be.

    Enjoy your month off , get some work done, and bask in all the wonders of spring (I assume it has come to the south).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'm with you on the Speedos. Even with a build like Hercules, it isn't a great look, but unfortunately, the men most likely to wear those things look more like Danny Devito.

      Thanks. Will do. Yes, spring appears to have sprung here. Fear not... it'll reach you eventually.

      Delete
  7. Love the billboards and the little movie. Good luck on catching up with life this month!

    As for the book--cliffhanger endings and non-linear, repetitive story arcs are kinda the worst combination I can imagine--and yet you make this book sound SO GOOD! I love a recommendation...but not sure I could manage this one. (out of my genres as well...)
    Veronica :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'm glad you liked the billboards and video clip. (It cracks me up every time I watch it.)

      The book is quite addictive, especially if you're a fan of epic historical series. If not, probably not so much.

      Delete
  8. Great billboards...sounds loke a good book...BUT the video was what really caught me. What a hoot and sadly so close to reality.

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    1. That video really gets me, too. I love the original song, but like you say, the parody paints a too-close-for-comfort view of our new reality, which is probably what makes it such a hoot.

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. Glad ya liked it. Always good to share a smile or two.

      Delete
  10. I haven't read any Jeffrey Archer but have seen them splashed all over the place, supermarkets, bookshops, anywhere and everywhere. I might well give him a go now on your recommendation. Thank you.

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    1. If you enjoy epic historical novels, you'll love Archer's books. One of my all-time favorites was "Kane and Abel."

      Delete
  11. Like Sally, above, I have never read an Archer book but see them all over. I will now probably give this one a try. The Speedo billboard, if real, would be a public service.

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    1. Cool! I hope you like it. And I agree about the Speedo billboard. It would DEFINITELY be a public service.

      Delete
  12. I am so passing this on. LMAO
    I didn't even read your book review. Was there a book review?
    *still laughing*

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  13. Isn't it wonderful to be surprised by a new way of telling a story? Sounds like an interesting book :)

    See you in May!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes! It really is wonderful to experience new ways of telling a story, and brand new ideas... kinda like YOUR book. Loved it!

      Delete
  14. Hi Susan .. born to be wild I am .. as my dust bunnies have gone: Hooray!! I'm a set for the A-Z .. well I need to write them .. but I'll be done in the next couple of days ..

    Enjoy the writing time, excursions to the wall, or to find that one duster you possess .. generally enjoy the Spring Cleaning month .. cheers and see you anon - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, another born to be wild-er! We're everywhere; we're everywhere!

      Good luck with the A-Z. I know you'll do a great job with it; you always do.

      Cheers!

      Delete
  15. Ooh, I'll add that book to my Goodreads!

    I really laughed at that Speedo ad!

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    1. Cool! I hope you enjoy it.

      Sounds like we're all in agreement... those Speedos have gotta GO!

      Delete
  16. Those billboards are hilarious. I can't even select a favorite, because they are all so darn funny.

    I haven't read this book, but I agree with you on reading a series after it is all done. No waiting! Of course, I read plenty of series where I have to patiently wait for the next book... but, that's another story.

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    1. I'm glad you liked the billboards.

      Are you familiar with the "Left Behind" series? (It's based on the book of Revelations.) Anyhow, a friend gave us the first two books when the entire series was almost finished. We only had to wait a couple months for the last installment. The only way to go! I would have been totally annoyed if I'd had to wait a year or whatever for each book to be released.

      Delete
  17. lol wrong kind of screw
    Too pointy in view
    Procrastinate now
    Can do that some how

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    1. Procrastinate is my middle name.
      Okay, it's not, but it should be...
      I'm quite good at it, all the same.

      Delete
  18. Until May, then. I shall be counting the...uh...months. Best wishes,Susan!

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  19. Enjoy your break, I'm just getting back from mine, and it was wonderful! I loved your review, but really hate a book that doesn't end - says the lady who's writing a series. Although, I think, at least I keep telling my self each of my books has a beginning, middle and end and that the books just have the same characters. Great review!
    Have fun, relax, and write, write, write!

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    1. Thanks. I think we all have to take a break and shake up the routine every now and then. Maybe I can even drag my derriere out of this desk chair a little more often.

      Yeah, there's a big difference between stand-alone books with the same characters and an "ending" that leaves the reader hanging until the next installment in the series. If I had to wait a long time for the next book in this series, I would've been a little annoyed. (Heck, I even hate "to be continued" episodes on my favorite TV shows.)

      Yes, ma'am. Write, write, write. Gotcha! I'll try. The have fun part, I've got down to a science. Take care.

      Delete
  20. It has been a long time since I have read Jeffrey Archer. Now, I will have to look for this one at the library!

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  21. What a great review! I see Archer's name all the time on the bestseller list but just shrugged his stuff off as dime-a-dozen bestseller-guy. Which is unfair. This story sounds like Rashomon, the Japanese classic that tells one story from multiple points of view. The point being that perspective is (almost) everything.

    We will miss you this month! Happy writing, though.

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    1. I think he's one of the writers who deserves to be on the best-seller list. Some just seem to hang around on there because of name recognition and a fan base that'll lap up whatever they dish out, but he's a really great story-teller.

      Thanks! But I'll be around. (And unfortunately, getting a-rounder and rounder all the time.)

      Delete
  22. Enjoy your hiatus--we'll miss you!!

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    1. Thanks. I will, but remember, I'm always just an email away. Take care.

      Delete
  23. yes, we will miss you. Plenty of chuckles but I know in your "wild" month, you'll be gathering stories so we actually have a lot to look forward to. I'm going to attempt A-Z this year. Call me crazy. Hope the weather cooperates and you have fun. I've read Jeffrey Archer books and he's a good writer - this one sounds decent. Ciao!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Aw, sweet of you to say, but I'll still be on an electronic leash, so to speak. Anybody who wants to yank my chain can get in touch with me.

      Okay. I'll call you Crazy if you'd like, but I'm sure you'll have fun with it. The Challenge is a great way to meet new people and pick up a few new followers. I had fun the one year I did it, and I'm sure I'll be crazy enough to jump back into the fray one of these years.

      Ciao! Take care. I'll probably pop in on you to make sure your sanity is holding...

      Delete
  24. You just talked me (easily) into reading this series. I'm going for it, giving myself a treat after slogging through a long piece of nonfiction. This is exactly what I need.
    Those billboards are hilarious! Have a fun & productive writing spell; seeya later.

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    1. Good! I hope you enjoy it. I know whatcha mean. After I read a taxing nonfiction book, I need a mental breather, too.

      Glad ya liked the billboards.

      Thanks. That's the plan, anyway. Like Arnold Schwartzeneggar said, "I'll be Bach!" (Probably for the next Cephalopod gathering.)

      Delete
  25. That actually sounds pretty interesting. I like stories that show you the same event from different perspectives, like The Sound and the Fury. I did a little of that in House.

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    1. It really was interesting. I really hadn't planned to get hooked on another series, but oh well. A good book's a good book.

      Delete
  26. I'd definitely read this! Thanks for the great review. going to add this to my TBR :)

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    1. Cool. (Those TBR lists just keep getting longer and longer, don't they?)

      Delete
  27. Love the billboards!

    Your description of Archer's book reminds me a bit of Iain Pears's An Instance of the Fingerpost, one of my favorite reads of all time. But instead of shedding light on a murder, Archer's multiple POVs shed a light on Harry's life. I'm intrigued.

    I'm taking April off from blogging as well, although I intend to do some A-Z visiting during the month to cheer on the stalwarts.

    VR Barkowski

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    1. I'm glad you liked 'em.

      We're even... now I'm intrigued about"An Instance of Fingerpost."

      What can I say? Great minds think alike. Enjoy your break!

      Delete
  28. I've read a couple of his books. You're right he is a good story-teller. He has a terrible reputation in the UK (mostly because of his political shenanigans), but he's no different to many of our politicians.

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    1. Hmmm, I wonder if his political shenanigans have affected his book sales.

      Delete
  29. Hilarious billboards.

    I've been meaning to read Jeffrey Archer. I somehow overlooked him in the library, and I lost my copy of Kane and Abel.

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    1. I'm glad you liked 'em.

      "Kane and Abel" was probably my favorite, but I've never read any of his books that I didn't like. Give him a try!

      Delete
  30. I love the Fisher Price one! Enjoy your month off!
    Two years ago, I took off the month of April and made a kick-ass start on a manuscript I was calling Grunsday. This April, the finished book is hitting the book stores! Hurray!

    Of course, promoting its release means I can't take off the month, just like I couldn't take off last April because I was promoting my last book.

    This makes two years in a row of launching a book at the time of year when none of my followers stop by.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. That Fisher Price billboard is one of my favorites, too.

      Hmmmm, maybe you should arrange for your NEXT book to come out in March or May, so you can take advantage of an April respite, too. I don't know if I'll stop by to cheerlead your release, but I promise to buy it on day one. (Or maybe I should wait until the eighth day...?) Good luck!

      Delete
  31. TAKE TWO:

    SUSAN ~
    I loved the billboards (again). Top Three? I'd have to say "Fisher-Price", "Women's Boxing", and #1... "Procrastinate NOW!" (that's a slogan I can... fall behind).

    >>... "but don't be surprised if I pop into your blog for a visit or two before then."

    Well, I should hope so! The next BOTB is in a few days ("April Fool's Day") and I've got a strange one lined up. You won't want to miss it... maybe.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. (I obliterated your deleted take one.)

      Glad ya like the billboards, and I'm not surprised by your top picks. Sounds like I WILL be surprised by your next BOTB though. If you're calling it "strange," no telling WHAT you might have up your sleeve

      Delete
  32. First, I just loved, loved, loved the "road trip." Second, great details on book review. Third, I am not one for reading for leisure. I read mostly to gather information and - God help me - self-help books. I know I should read more simply for the pleasure of reading. My sister used to read romance, my ex use to read crime and suspense. I have read a few great books. My fave author, to date, is Pearl Buck. Have a fabulous hiatus. Cheers!!

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the road trip. Yeah, I read a lot of non-fiction books, too, but I'm an unrepentant bookworm. Always have been. And I've found that there's much to be learned from a well-written novel, too. Pearl Buck is a fabulous writer. It's been a lot of years since I read any of her work, but I really enjoyed it.

      Thanks. Will do. Cheers back atcha!

      Delete
  33. Dear Susan,
    I laughed a lot about your funny posters - and will take out 'Trivial Pursuit' for the evening... I understand you well that one needs a life beside blogland - and the sun shines (showing cruelly fluffs, opaque window panes and some wrinkles I see only in March). Have a nice free time, be inspired when writing, and I'm glad when you are back here!

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    1. Dear Britta,

      Ah, that's good to hear. Your ankle may not be letting you jog outside yet, but laughter is like jogging on the inside.

      Thanks. I'll try. Take care.

      Delete
  34. I love Jefferey Archer books. And liked how you told about this one. But I do think the first person POV would be a problem for me. Thanks for the post. And well done on getting it on Goodreads! I never win on Goodreads!

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    1. The entire book isn't written in first person. Just brief sections, and the then it goes to more of a 3rd person narrative. Hard to describe perfectly, but it works.

      Thanks! I've been a verrrry lucky duck about winning books.

      Delete
  35. LOVED the billboard signs--they were AWESOME!! Thanks for the laugh!!

    Sounds like an amazing book I might enjoy reading. Thanks for the review!

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    1. I'm glad you got a kick out of the billboards. Sounds like you fit right in around here. Which reminds me... thanks for signing up as a new follower. Welcome aboard!

      Delete
  36. I don't come by here often enough, and I should you are seriously funny. I also keep mening to join the Squid's book club and forgetting; maybe next month.

    That video at the end 'Bored, tubby and mild', just about had me on the floor.

    As for billboards, the 'Speedo' one has to be my favorite. What is it with Speedos lately? I've been seeing them referenced all over the blogosphere lately.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Seriously funny? I like that...

      Yes, you should join the book club. If you already write reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads, it's an easy cut-and-paste.

      I've posted that video a couple times before, but I just can't help myself. That darned thing is so... me. And Speedos are so not... anybody. Yuk.

      Take care. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  37. Some funny billboards there. I had to think about that fetish joke for a minute.

    Maybe A to Z next year? We'll be looking for you.

    Lee
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

    ReplyDelete
  38. Loved all the fake billboards!

    Rearranging the dust bunnies...I like that expression. I don't like doing it, just the expression, mind you.

    Looking forward to your coming back in May!

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    1. Glad ya liked it. I'll drop in on ya from time to time.

      Delete
  39. Sadly, that senior version of Born to be Wild is becoming more and more relevant.

    Enjoy your time off the blog, but do stop by mine when you get a chance. There's something there waiting for you. ;)

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    1. Sadly, I think that senior version of "Born to be Wild" was written about ME...

      Cool! Here I come...

      Delete
  40. Billboards gave me a smile. And thanks to your book recommendation I've got another book on my TBR pile. :)

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    1. Glad ya liked the billboards.

      Ah, yes, the TBR pile, AKA the leaning tower of paperbacks. Ah well, if we must have a weakness, I can't think of a better one to have.

      Delete
  41. I love the billboards. I wonder what they were thinking when designed.

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    1. Glad ya like them. What were they thinking? I dunno, but I like the way they think. They came up with some funny stuff.

      Delete
  42. I was laughing out loud. Awesome.

    Let's see, best book I read this last month... That's tough. I only got through 7 rather than my usual 9 to 10, so I'm feeling like the pickings are slim. It was probably The Elite by Kiera Cass.

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    1. Woo HOO! Made ya laugh... and without even mentioning cheese!

      Ah, ha. Another book to look into... thanks!

      Delete
  43. I haven't heard of him. I've paid attention to your recommendation though.

    The billboards are funny. :)

    I hope you have a great break!

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    1. Thanks for paying attention!

      Glad ya liked the billboards. Thanks again. I'm gonna try...

      Delete
  44. Wow -- the Archer book sounds really good. I've never read any of his work, although I've had him buried in my TBR stack for years. You just bumped it to the top of the queue. And I loved some of those billboards.

    sorry I haven't been around that much lately -- I've been away from blogging for a while, but I do miss it. I want to get back to doing it more regularly! Oh, and reading, too. And writing. And making music. And all those movies I'd like to see. And maybe even sleep. *sigh* I just need another 20 hours each day...;)

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    1. Well, hey there, stranger! It's always good to hear from you, but I understand the whole time conspiracy. I swear, there's fewer hours in a day now than there used to be...

      Delete
  45. Let me know what color you paint the wall. :)

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    1. With all the pollen we have around here lately, the most logical color to paint anything would have to be yellow-green...

      Delete
  46. Congratulations Susan! You won the Rula Sinara Giveaway Please contact Rula via her website!

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    1. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been on an unbelievable roll lately!

      Delete
  47. I can't complain about books recently. I've been on a good run. Jeffrey is something of a character here in GB. He tends to keep a low profile now after he did time inside. I will have to check him out as a fiction writer. What I've heard so far is that as an author he is very different to his political persona. That's enough reason for me. :-) Thanks for the recommendation.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Me, too. I've been a good run lately, too, that is. I've read some amazing books this month. (Um, reading is ALMOST the same as witing, right?)

      Sometimes, it's hard to separate a writer, or other kinds of artists and performers from their "real-life" personnas, but since I don't live in the UK, I've not been as exposed to Archer's "other side" like you have.

      Greetings back atcha.

      Delete
  48. I know that you are on a blog break, but you were my letter "I" in the challenge:)

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  49. May is around the corner. We are waiting. Hope all is well.

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    1. Yeah, April is really flying by! (Like every other month...)

      Thanks. Be back soon. I hope all is well there, too.

      Delete
  50. I've just 'followed' from Old Broads, Susan - better late than never.
    I noticed you haven't posted for some time, and hope you're all right.
    Great post and uplifting. I love the fun and laughs.
    Love Jeffrey Archer. See you soon.

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    1. Hi-ya, Fanny. Thanks for stopping by. I do appreciate it, and welcome aboard!

      Yeah, all is well here. I'm supposedly taking the month off to get some work done on my next book. Can't say that I've done that, but I've gotten lots of other stuff done, like rearranging the dust balls a time or two, and smearing the dirt around on the windows with some Windex, that kinda stuff. But, gee, It looks like I picked up six new followers while I've been gone. Holy moley! Maybe I should take a month off more often...

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  51. Okay, this is strange. I remember commenting on this post when it first came out but I just stopped by and noticed there's no comment from me. (I don't remember what I said but I'm sure it was terribly witty or insightful.) I just didn't want you to think I hadn't been by.

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    1. Dontcha hate it when that happens?! Yeah, it's happened to me, too. And of course, those long-winded comments of ours that mysteriously disappear are always Pulitzer-worthy, too, right? (Right!)

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  52. I'm glad I'm catching up now while you're on hiatus. There's no place like home! xo

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    1. Hi-ya, lady! So good to hear from you in the blogosphere again! Yep, home's the best. We love to go on our little adventures, but it's always great to get back home again.

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  53. Hey Susan! I'm on Day Two of stopping at everyone of my blog followers' blogs and commenting! Yay! So far, so good! (I'm happy to know I haven't missed any new posts of yours! I've been apologizing to just about everybody for not stopping by in such a long time!) I hope you've enjoyed your month away, and I'm looking forward to reading your posts again! :)

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    1. Hi-ya, Becky! Good for you... visiting all those followers takes a LOT of time. I'm sure everyone will be glad to hear from you again.

      Yep, this hiatus has been super, but it's gone by much too quickly. Thanks for stopping by.

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