C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Even though this novel is in my second boxset, directly given to me from Prince Edward Island, it appears that I have the edited copy! I don't want gore and hope it is not about an animal. I read what we have at home, so my vote is for "Windy Poplars". If the rest of you have "Windy Willows", is that all right with you?

In my update to Shirin, retracted Washinton Irving's stories on discovering I have a children's illustrated abridged book. That might be the case with "The Invisible Man". I will look at it. I hope message #7 was not missed. It added a few things.

Good morning, Shirin! If you are free to talk about a book every morning or night that we are reading it, that is good. Unless Kerri is dissatisfied with her copy, I think we four are ready to read “Anne Of Windy Poplars”. Leeanne, please tell us when you have it from your library.

I will gladly read all Agatha Christie books, including non-fiction and romance. “Tommy & Tuppence” is an easy yes. There are so few of them and so many of Hercule. I would like to get another Hercule or two out of the way but if you prefer, we can read “Partners In Crime”. It follows in 1929 anyway, after “The Big Four” and “Mystery Of The Blue Train”. Myself, I prefer to save the best for last if Hercule does not improve a lot, haha.

I myself, will be new to the famous Isaac Asimov and collected several of his novels. “Prelude To Foundation” was written much later but the story was designed to be earlier, so I would like to start there. I do not know if Kerri & Leeanne are interested in “The Invisible Man” but Kerri is excited about reading “The Time Machine” soon. I am glad you are too! There are so many references to it in life and entertainment, I can't wait to see what is in the novel!

Yes, Washington Irving authored “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle”. I have a kid's book with drawings containing both stories. Darn, I see they are abridged. I hope to find the full books and sell this one. If I do not, I guess I might read these myself to know the stories.

I am checking FantasticFiction.com for the name of the first book in Rick Riordan's other series. I hope I have it and will check the pile by our bed. Some of our books are tall on the floor and do not fit in shelves yet, hahaha! Hm, I do not see "The Lightning Thief". Ron & I have the DVD and enjoyed it. It includes Pierce Brosnan, my hero from the TV detective show “Remington Steele”.

There is no rush. Happily, we have many books in common. Yes, “The Maze Of Bones”, “The Mysterious Benedict Society”, and Ian Rankin will also be awesome.

I would like to read “Tooth And Nail”, following “Anne Of Windy Poplars” and whichever Agatha Christie you prefer. Then “The Time Machine”! It is lovely to hear from you. Please e-mail when you have sent me mail. I am sure I will receive it easily.

Hi Kerri! "American version" does not include North America as a whole. I am trying to get the world out of the habit of saying "American" without "North" to complete the name of our continent. Expressions like "going to America" exclude us, unless you are referring to the United States.

I have no knowledge of a book named with a different tree, switching its contents. Do you know, Leeanne? Maybe read up about the comparison and avoid plot spoilers. We want to discuss the same book and I think you have a good attention for detail like me, unless the change is minute. Maud is easy to buy internationally even in your second-handstore, isn't she? How close is your store?

I enjoy editing down our list. I am glad you don't need me to keep a record of what started out on it. You might create your own folder in "Meet The Members" for lists.

I mentioned "dark fantasy" for Patricia. I avoid violence or sadness. Just out of interest, I have two serious Canadian fantasy series to finish that I don't expect anyone to have. I left off on the second Jodi McIssac, "Into The Fire" and final Guy Gavriel Kay, "The Darkest Road".

I don't think you are notified at your copy of "Where Nests The Water Hen", where I keep giving my finished review. It had not been written when you visited my update about finishing the book. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

We are up to date under your copy of "The House Of Rising Water". I replied under my reading update of "The Plain Old Man", about a day in the city last week-end that was wonderful. Thankfully, Ron & I safely and missed the blizzard I described before heading out and another that evening, when we were back home.

Are you going to your store or other book sources, or should we proceed with your copy?

I can't imagine typing on a Smart Phone. You can log into Goodreads there as a website. Maybe you would see notifications regularly. It is nice to hear from you. I hope we continue our e-mail saga soon. :) I think I am last to read "Pride And Prejudice" but am glad to have company on the momentous journey if you do not mind repeating it.

The story we will read next is “Anne Of Windy Poplars”, fourth in our wonderful Canadian booksets! Kerri & I are game after our current books. What say you, Shirin? Leeanne is keen and will tell us when her order has arrived from her city library.

Leeanne is disinterested in “The Time Machine”. Would anyone else like to join Kerri & I on this huge classic science fiction ride in the near future? Hee hee, that pun was unintended and is delightfully timely! Ack, there is still another reference to time. It is how our world is! I begin to see how important this novel is.

Leeanne will happily join us sometime for “Around The World In 80 Days”. I would like to postpone that adventure because I like to read in order and have “5 Weeks In A Balloon”. It is fortunately unabridged and hopefully translated with good taste.

Leeanne is reading the Maureen Jennings PDF shortly and will have no trouble obtaining the first two novels from her fine city's library. I would like to give Leeanne a chance to finish the first novel. If she likes it, there is only one book ahead of the third mystery, “Poor Tom Is Cold”. There is plenty to read before we proceed.

Leeanne, do comment under Maureen's novella and novel headings as you progress or whenever you finish a story. I would love to see your reactions and opinions freshly, without reading what we wrote. Then we can comment on the updates we see.

Shirin & I read the wonderful Ian Ranking together and have synched our Agatha Christie journeys. Shirin, would you rather read the next Ian Rankin or Agatha Christie next? I am open either way and invite you to break the tie, assuming you feel likewise. We are also interested in “The Angel’s Game” by the late Carlos Luiz Zafón.

Patricia wanted to read “The Starless Sea” with me. I am open to it any time. Patricia was also keen on reading dark fantasy with all interested members.

This is your group. Please make and use folders whether I read the same books or not. I also invite you to create folders in your name, under "Meet The Members". I find it ideal for making notes, lists, and telling us news from your home regions.

Members: the fourth paragraph in message #2 is filled with old & new classics I look forward to reading this year. Let me know if you would like to join me in any of them.

God bless you for all of your kind words and support, Kerri. You were there when we laid Spirit & Marigold to rest a month apart (although thankfully she did not ascend quite so soon after him). Flowers grew quickly for Marigold in the middle of the summer she savoured. Spirit took a spot on a side of Love that already had perennials. It gives brightness to a sad place.

Your well-wishes for McCartney to heal and improve are appreciated with our gratitude. Donna Eden's energy techniques are helping and essential oils to try are on the way.

Which "Murdoch Mysteries" differences are you referring to? I would love to talk about them and can't see what you were replying to. I am going to move discussions to our "Items Of 2022" buddy-reading folder. Let me know which message box in this folder inspired your reply. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thank you, Kerri. I was re-reading of hard dates around June and message #29 got missed. I sometimes separate book topics into a message next to personal updates. That one was pretty poignant, so I think you or Shirin would reply if you saw it.

McCartney has difficulties this week that we are certain are from arthritis. However, positive energy goes into caring for and loving a kitty with mobility or eating challenges. I pray there is relief for him soon. Ron & I hoped not to worry or go into daily energy healing mode for loved-ones this year but thank the good Lord we have this wisdom.

Good morning to all my friends! I say we read "The Time Machine" the next time everyone interested is free to chat along with it. It is high time I acquaint myself with this giant science fiction reference. A fan of Michael J. Fox would positively delight in it, I should say!

Anyone interested in buddy-reading "The Time Machine", jot down a note about when you expect to have a copy and to be available for a read-along. "Anne Of Green Gables" #4 is on tap anytime folks have a copy and are free too. Your friend, Carolyn.

Good for you! When you give me dollars without a currency, is that because you are referring to Canadian funds?

I have figured out by rereading this that you were talking about a purchase for yourself. I need an unabridged "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" but am glad you have "Around The World In 80 Days" for yourself. Since my copy includes "Five Weeks In A Balloon" and it is Jules Verne's first novel, I will start there.

I will happily read "The Time Machine" as soon as we are genuinely free to buddy-read actively. My last paragraph in "Under The Dragon's Tail" explains what I mean by that. A conversation stays alive and finishes best if we leave notes daily while reading and converse back & forth afterwards for as long as we wish, with no longer than two days in between each person's responses. Does that make sense to all of you too? Loving this novel better as I suspect we will, I think shall help. :-)

What fodder for conversation a science fiction classic and Mike Fox connection will have! I am happy to read "Anne Of Green Gables" volume IV (you read Roman numerals, right?) as soon as the rest of you wish to. Leeanne is busy in school but I have her e-mail address and will ask her when she expects to be free. Love to you all, Carolyn.

Someone, Carol, mentioned a New Zealand holiday coming up and of course I want to know about and honour that! What are the words for respecting it? I will start with: Happy Waitangi Day, Kerri and your family! Love, Carolyn and our family.

I think Shirin is visiting the topics soon and it would be nice for her to reply along our progression first. As I thought might have happened, she thought the conversation was over after she started a new book. That is often when we are talking in earnest. We all start new books privately for my bedtime and both of your habitual reading.

In this case, there were only two comments apiece before we finished "Under The Dragon's Tail". I hoped our flurry of chat would take place afterwards but it fizzled and Shirin outright stopped looking, while you & I got busy with my birthday and Jesus's birthday. We also disliked this one but I hope to address that I myself have no trouble continuing a conversation even though I have started another book. No one does, because we disuss past books all our lives, if that makes sense.

When choosing another buddy read, we had better carve out a time when we are free to write several mini updates. After we finish that book, let's be sure to let a conversation take its course afterwards. Replying longer than two days apart kills a conversation so choosing a time when we are free to add real time back & forth for however long we wish, is preferable. Do you ladies agree?

My awesome friends, here is my review, fresh out of the oven! Just so you know, Kerri, I wrote one for "Chappy" at least a week ago and left it on your profile. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My dears, I hope your week is good and that 2022 is starting out already happy for all of us. We have had challenges but I have a good feeling about this year nonetheless. Hugs!

Avoidance of the "Murdoch Mysteries" television show is needless. Maureen Jennings only had 7 books before the television series was made. The one afterewards is about William in old age. I hope you take my suggestion to look at "Fantastic Fiction". Series and other releases are laid out clearly at a glance, better than anywhere I have seen. Goodreads is the worst place to look, so you know!

"Heartland" is completely different. As you said, the horse series came from a whole series of books and continued past a main character. "Murdoch Mysteries" is original, with only a few novels to possibly provide episodes for the first season or two.

That is as clear as I can make it. There is almost nothing to spoil if you watched the show now and I heard William married someone very different in the novels.

Over and above that, the actors give it a separate life by being funny and sexy. Seeing and hearing the characters is very different from those we read about. You can't compare them. The books seem terribly old-fashioned so far. The television vibe is pleasingly, refreshingly modern, pushed as far as their chosen time period could allow!

I hope to move past my assertion that no lie made sense. Conjugal relations (as Charlotte MacLeod would put it) were unheard of between these spouses. She disliked her marriage enough to leave it and the judge would not find divorce overwhelming or foreign. In his job, it was a viable, simple option.

She married him because she didn't expect to meet anyone else, not for a money cliché. The judge's nephew might have married her or she could go off on her own. This was not poor historic England. She had family. Canada and indeed cities are vast enough that she need not go far.

I suggested it was interesting to discuss the portraits of sexuality being a theme in various forms but that proposal was met with crickets. I hope we are generally comfortable with most topics. I did verify in advance that no one had any reason to shy away from any adult topics.

I wonder if you both feel this would have gotten three stars, without William's scenes and reuniting with a baby. Yes, may Maureen's novels focus on the good stuff in the future. Two novels from now, which comprise William's family, they are absolutely tantalizing. This is it from me except in reply.

Kerri, do you have topics to raise? If not, Shirin can finish anything of interest to her. I only hope everything I contributed is looked at. It has been a long wait to continue.

I always ask if you & Shirin are free to make notes in progress. It flags afterwards. I myself start another book because those who do not read as wildly as the two of you, have to keep on going! However, I can carry a conversation while reading other things and am unsure the two of you do.

I said Awesome Books had "Murdoch Mysteries" at good prices. That is where I got mine, besides being surprised with "Let Loose The Dogs" from friends for my birthday. There are titles we mutually own and Shirin can get anything, when the timing is right.

The fourth "Anne Of Green Gables" would be a pleasure this year. The first boxset is with my niece, whose birthday is today.

I like to highlight and discuss public issues of my country from time to time and invite our members to do likewise. May we always consider other points of view expressed fairly and tactfully, even if we do not think we share them.

Canada is threatening human rights by proposing that a drug be forced on everyone, including people who believe in natural immunity. It is now or never to speak up on urgent considerations that have been missed. My article is here. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2022/0...

Kerri, would you catch up by e-mail first? I find that gets briefer and thinned out if you comment beforehand. Personal letters mean far more and are far more lasting than website discussions. We don't want a letter affected that is as long, eagerly awaited as yours. :) I am glad you like the look of my Christmas carole riddle!

Calling all group members! Here is a Christmas carol puzzle at my blog that you might have fun working out! I offered it to reading challenge members a couple of years ago. Disregard the original contest particulars.

The clues still make good fun. E-mail me your guesses or ask for answers. I give the e-mail address there. Your friend, Carolyn. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2019/1...

I guess I'll follow Kerri up now. However, Shirin, please don't miss all the work I added earlier. Sometimes people only look at the latest writings. I would love a response from you about what I contributed earlier, all right?

Don't worry about criticizing Mrs. Pedlow (I forget her first name or I would use it). I outright dislike her and do not feel sorry about her marriage because she chose it for a silly reason. Here again, I think Maureen was confusing Canada with old class systems of England. It was not essential to marry anyone you could by a certain age, even if marriage was expected. A judge could certainly tell you divorce was an option too. It was up to the couple to choose between getting shudders from the public with religious pickiness, or freeing themselves to be truly happy.

They chose to avoid making waves, so to heck with them. I think we all three agreed that it was silly to pretend the Daughter wasn't hers. I'll say it once again because this thread hasn't been taken up. She didn't want her husband to know but what is the worse that would happen: divorce from the judge and his income? So.... that would free her to marry someone else. It was just stupid. If he worried about appearances or conventions, he would be pissed off at her but accept the Daughter.

It was wonderful to see Annie transform into someone we could respect. When she had Freddie back, she showed her heart instead of pettiness and promiscuity. Yes, I wanted a scene with her & the Sister settling Freddie into their life. I think Maureen may have felt her novel was already separated into too many characters: William at work and at home, the Pedlows, Lily and the kids, the neighbours, the judge's nephew. We did close on a personal scene with William. At the sports event, he had a suitor from his dance class, which I enjoyed!

I am okay with the crisp closure on all threads, except seeing how Freddie, his Mom, and Aunt fared. Therefore my four stars come from disliking nearly everyone as we did, seeing no excuse for the Pedlows' stupid decisions, George's terrible treatment to siblings after they were freed from abuse, and I agree about Lily.

She likely needed to exert an extreme firmness to take George in hand. Killing him in anger is no surprise for me because she had endured enough from her Mom generally and society, for trying to save the infant in the past. However, it was extreme and she could have smacked him, or taken off. Yes, when she had a wonderful bedroom clean and orderly, why live under a tree? I get that it is a favourite hiding place by to stay there instead of using an abandoned house or somewhere else was madness. She was free now: she could have enjoyed it.

I ask again as I have about other elements: was the stuff that does not mesh, a mistaken portrayal by Maureen of human behaviour? We find a lot of content unbelievable. That informed my 4 stars as well. I think I considered 3 stars if not for the awesome moments of William dancing, considering his sexuality, and a Mom getting her baby back.

I would value Shirin's take on religious intolerance and hypocritical behaviour. It exists in all our countries and we gave our opinions. Hers is a unique environment to hear about, from the perspective of a woman thriving in academic and professional achievements there like you do, our dear friend. How does it feel to be intelligent and ambitious in a patriarchal government? Do women have to push hard today to excel at university, home, and careers? Are neighbours petty like in this novel, or is the average person the same as you?

Canadian classic "Barometer Rising" is Hugh MacLennan's fictional retelling of the Halifax Explosion. He was in it as a child in 1915. He wrote a love story around it similar to what Canadian director (did you know that?) James Cameron did, with "Titanic" in the 1990s. Kerri, you reminded me with your annoyance about not seeing Freddie at home with his true family, that Hugh ended his family story without showing readers what we looked forward to. It is the only reason I gave that fabulous story 4 stars.

Yes, the Christmas film was awesome because it was about William's own family and Aboriginal rights. It is a hot racism issue in Canada and I wonder if they would have been nervous about how to produce it just right, if they broached it now. It has a beautiful ending on a canoe with Aboriginals taking them for a Christmas ride.

I don't know if Maureen's written characterization meant for William to have a policeman Brother and two modern-thinking nieces but it added humour. Given who he marries on the show, it was hilarious to see her with these tomboy girls who want to be scientists, whom their Mom had trouble keeping calm and polite. Hee hee.

I've been anxious that our conversation hasn't kept going since November 29 (and an e-mail from Kerri is taking ages, hehe). I guess we were awaiting Shirin having more to say? Kerri left a lot of conversation fodder along with mine.

Meantime, I wondered if the two of you looked at the maps with my tour of things to see. I thought you might be interested in where Manitoba fits into our country and the distance from Winnipeg to Toronto, where my youngest Brother lives. They also showed Kingston to Toronto as per one part of my discussion input.

My Brother was just here to see us and brought Dad for a wonderful day's visit two days ago! Dad & I had our birthdays and Timmy is home in time for his. He has been in Winnipeg a few times but hasn't been to my place not only since Spirit & Marigold were on Earth but since before our parents moved. So it was a relief to show him things and get an idea of what I should continue saving for him & his family and what I might pass along. Dad & Timmy enjoyed McCartney, Angel, Petal as well as Ron & me..

Great write-up, Kerri. I'll give Shirin a chance to muse on what interests her among the detailed thoughts we laid out. I hope you two peruse the maps and my description of what to see. It is nice to picture where we are in literature. I would also like to know New Zealand and Iran better. I did get good at geography after graduating from high school, a passion I did not predict while I was there.

Excellent television is a problem with living in Canada!

I have a hot bath ready. I do not feel comfortable dressing until I am bathed and do not want to be in pyjamas late in the day. I am reading an excellent mystery novel by Jennifer Lynn Barnes that I want to continue. What is more, it is +1 C in late November: in Manitoba! This is my chance to run the garden hose outside for a couple of hours to clear the well water. The pressure seems like it is getting low and it might be -20 C another day, requiring hot water against the tap to get the water to move.

I fed the cats lunch, had my own breakfast, and was just browsing for something to watch over my coffee; then I would jump into my bath. What do I see on CBC? "Murdoch Mysteries: Home For The Holidays"! Well, that looks good but I am busy today and it is probably some old special from early seasons. I read the satelitte channel description: it is two hours, from 2017, fairly recent.

"William & Julia go to Victoria, BC for Christmas with his brother. A permanent Aboriginal village is unearthed and an archaeologist murdered at the historic discovery"..... Damn it, how can I not watch THAT!

You know I can't download or stream anything on this dial-up internet; I have to catch shows live. Also, Yannick Bisson looks really hot because he is dressed in almost jeans and a cowboy hat to tramp around outdoors.

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll watch until my coffee is done and jump in the bath. I'll peek a bit more, get out the hose, run the water, and then sit down to watch the rest. Sigh.

I found a map focused on Ontario. Here are some interesting places. https://geology.com/canada/ontario.shtml

Manitoba is in green to the left. Québec is in orange to the right. The United States are in grey at the bottom. Some place names from Canada go over top of it or the lakes but obviously do not belong there. Look for the dots for place locations; not where their written names need to travel.

I hope you are mapreaders and that GPSs haven't taken over that basic knowledge. :) I prefer a paper map, to see a wide view of where I am going next. I do not like blind directions one step at a time.

The larger red line must be the Trans Canada Highway #1, which I live on! You see Kenora, the first stop in Ontario. My home is only 1 1/2 hour away. Above Kenora is Red Lake, my Mom's home town. :)

To the right in Ontario, under Québec, you see our country's capital, Ottawa. Kingston is all the way south from it. Toronto is further southwest of it. If you girls like paper maps (and if Shirin & I get mail working between our countries), you might enjoy me sending you some, one of these days. We pick-up free new ones of Manitoba & Ontario annually.