I've read a few of Jodi Picoult. Some I have liked and others not so much, and in fact stopped reading one but I don't recall which one it was. Have any of you read 'Wild', by Cheryl Strayed? It is her true story, and a movie has been made starring Reese Witherspoon. It's on my list to read next I think. Shelaaus, I've read a lot of Jeffrey Archer, but not in a while. I do like his books in general. Have any of you read Dorothea Benton Frank? I was reading a lot of southern writers recently, and fell in love with her books. Lots of fun and great characters, mostly set in coastal South Carolina. Good beach/pool reads for the summer. And for slightly crazy fun I'll take Carl Hiaason or Jimmy Buffett (yes, the singer) any day. Oh, and someone mentioned Patricia Cornwell (Bone Bed). I'm a little behind with her series, but love those too.

I've heard about subscription libraries -- and Boots in particular -- but I've never had any experience with them. It's interesting, Vee, that Jane and Cassandra were subscribers in the late 18th century. I have also read speculation about the Brontes having access to private subscription libraries, although apparently no proof of which one(s) has yet been found, at least they hadn't been when I was on my last Bronte kick abut ten years ago. I hadn't read before that subscription was considered superior to circulating, but after reading the type of books available in each, I can see why they were considered so. However, I like Austen's spirited defense of reading novels. I've long loved her send up of Gothic romances in Northanger Abbey. Annpan, can you recall the 'typical' books that subscribers most favored at your particular Boots? What about the gender -- more women, about the same number of women and men? Sheri, I found Eat, Love, Pray insufferable for all the reasons you described, and I probably didn't finish it. So I will admit that Wild, compared to Eat, etc., is better than trying to endure eating wasabi, which I loathe. I consumed all of Wild. Your comment about Cheryl being a 'train wreck' hits home with me. I felt like a rubbernecker passing an auto crash, and was ashamed of my voyeuristic tendency. Also, the farther I got into the book, the more I thought she was laying it on with a trowel and I became skeptical. I don't really doubt that she had Problems, but I wonder if she might be overstating things for effect: Oh, if you think you've had problems, just let me tell you about mine. That sort of thing. As for the 'unflinching' quality of her writing, I felt that too was part of her dramatic self-representation. Isn't exhibition another way people who have lived in abusive situations react? I'm not sorry I read Wild, Sheri. It should give me a bit of insight as to why this sort of memoir seems to be so widely popular. But personally I still find it uncomfortable reading and will not purposefully seek out this sort of writing.

Hi Cori Ann sorry for the delay response... my Pretty Lady Rose is getting a slow start it was a rather young rose when I get her... bareroot just planted by the nursery.. I think because its getting too much shade. She gets shade all morning until the sun peaks over the house then its all sun.. but she's also is kinda under a tree.. But I recently saw her again in the nursery and that reminded me why I bought her lol... so this fall i will be moving her to get more sun. Anna's Promise Rose is also in the same flower bed and I recently moved her and she has been growing leaps and bounds. So with that said I would reconsider the placement if its going to get too much shade. I havent been posting any pictures recently because the majority of my roses have the chili thrip damage :( or just shut down for the summer.. or just uninspired to show the same rose over and over again hehe.. I hope this was helpful to you. Best of luck with your Pretty Lady Rose!

I am so embarrassed about the book I recommended to my book club. It's called Days Without End by Sebastian Barry. It got great reviews on NPR Books and Amazon. It is the worst book ever. It's HORRIBLE. If I gave it a rating it would be negative 10. We meet on 12/13 and I may have to go with a paper bag over my head to hide my shame. I really disliked A Man Called Ove, too.