Play Book Tag discussion

Sunday I spent walking with friends all over the Fordham University campus in the Bronx --- very very big with tons of green space with a deverse array of architecture --- it's a Jesuit University and a Jesuit friend from college is now on the faculty there. I'd last been on that campus 30 years ago.... and it was a winter day as I recall. It was hot and humid this time, but there was a breeze and all that green space and flowers. Beautiful campus. We had cocktails and dinner in the Jesuit Residence (Spellman Hall for those familiar with the campus). At one point I overheard a group of the Jesuits at another table discussing the merits of Lessons in Chemistry - book over tv series. The Jesuits are always a bit surprising, though at this point in my life, having visited Tom in Jesuit residences for multiple decades, I should not be surprised.

I amused my friends telling them about a mystery I read 2 or 3 years ago that was set in Fordham University - Killer in the Cloister by Camille Minichino. It was set in 1965, featured a nun ot two as well as a Jesuit or two and evil developers. The earthquake that was Vatican II played a role too. Oddly, when I mentioned that a Jesuit was the murderer, there was a sudden chill in the air and a raised eyebrow or two.

Theresa wrote: "Oddly, when I mentioned that a Jesuit was the murderer, there was a sudden chill in the air and a raised eyebrow or two. ..."

LOL ...

I also had a long-time friend who is a priest (not a Jesuit). Monsignor Jose Lopez was a good friend back when he was still in seminary and I was in college. We always had such wonderful discussions. We would visit whenever I was in San Antonio. And eventually I was able to claim the promise he made me while still in seminary that he would marry me. When Richard proposed, I called Joe and he did, in fact, marry us.

Sadly, he passed a few years ago from complications following knee surgery.

I was just cleaning out some files in the office last weekend and came across his obituary from the San Antonio Express. THAT little piece of paper did NOT go in the recycling bin or garbage.

My Aspie is en route to the highlight of her year every year. She pays to volunteer at a youth/early 20s camp (13-25, and yes, the adult campers are housed separately from the high school kids). They don't give her heavy jobs, nor does she work with the campers, but she enjoys the events. This is a respite for me and I plan to go through the rest of my other daughter's things that she left behind (she was supposed to get it all out, but only got the majority out), etc while she's away. I plan to listen to an audiobook while I do this. Exciting, eh ;) ?

In a week and a half or so I'm going to attend a wedding in that group my middle daughter is involved in. I've met the couple, but I have no illusions--this ceremony is going to be odd. However, I'll get to see my daughter and see for myself what it entails. I do like some of the people that live in that house and have had some good conversations with them, but this won't be a quiet Saturday visit with her.

My sister just had the driving talk with my dad, who didn't take it well (most people don't.) He needs to stop very soon even if he's never had an accident. I have no idea how she broached it, but I'm sure she did it well, and she did it sans brothers so he wouldn't feel ganged up on, but everyone is concerned. Other than speeding when he was young, he's been an excellent driver.

My Jesuit friend Tom and I were on the same junior year semester program in Paris run by Barnard and Columbia Colleges in 1976. We have been close ever since. We both spent a short time working at the NYC office of the SNCF/French National RR before pursuing advanced degrees. He went on to Harvard and Cambridge, and only entered the seminary when he was about 30. He spent 25 years on the history faculty at Holy Cross College in Worcester Mass, then 5 years as President of Regis College in Toronto (a Jesuit graduate school) half of it during pandemic. Decided to come back to US and teaching to be closer to his aging mother - pandemic prevented his seeing her for a year. Delighted he is back in NYC.

Tessa - Tom spent a year as a visiting professor at Marquette about 10 years ago.

He of course is never 'Father Tom' to me. That would be odd.

Totally agree, Theresa. Joe was always just Joe to me.

Some sad news to share.

Some of you remember the excitement last spring / summer when my friend Janet Protasciewicz was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and I attended her investiture.

Her husband of 15 years, Greg Sell, passed this week after a battle with cancer. We are all devastated for Janet. Funeral is next week, and unfortunately we have appointments we cannot change so will miss the mass. But we WILL at least be able to make it to the visitation the night before.

@Tessa - that is such sad news. Sending all deepeat condolences. I know Janet will be so grateful for your support at the visitation.

@Karin - the driving talk - yes, cudos to your sister for handling it! It isn't just the driving itself, it is the loss of independence it symbolizes.

I think it is lovely you are going to the wedding in the new community where your daughter lives. It should be a joyous occasion! I have been to all types of weddings and always had a good time.

And how wonderful for your other daughter to continue to experience her favorite camp! Makes me think of Amy's FB post about her sons' camp experience together recently.

Love you Theresa. So much more than you know.

Amy wrote: "Love you Theresa. So much more than you know."

🥰🫠💞

This group is just really full of love and support for one another. It's one of the reasons I love it so much!

Book Concierge wrote: "Some sad news to share.

Some of you remember the excitement last spring / summer when my friend Janet Protasciewicz was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and I attended her investiture.

Her ..."

I'm sorry to hear this

Theresa wrote: "@Karin - the driving talk - yes, cudos to your sister for handling it! It isn't just the driving itself, it is the loss of independence it symbolizes.

I think it is lovely you are going to the we..."

Yes, it's the independence. I dread the day this happens to me should I live so long.

The wedding is open to all. It will have some odd customs (I've seen a couple on line) but I know the couple getting married and figured out they liked each other before anyone told me. I happened to be there when their betrothal was announced and they were both beaming with joy.

I’m so sorry about Greg’s death, Tessa - even when it’s expected, it’s very hard. I’m glad you can get to the visitation both to support Janet and to say goodbye for yourselves.

Karin, I’m sure the wedding will be illuminating!

Currently sitting at JFK airport waiting for check in to open so I can get rid of my monster suitcase. Why oh why did I buy recipe books from the bookshop at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park …

It’s been an amazing five weeks away, but I am now looking forward to being home and redesigning normality. I am not looking forward to the seventeen and a half hour direct flight to Auckland with another hour’s flight to get to Wellington and then being in single digit centigrade temperatures when I get there … but my husband will be waiting for me which will be lovely and I will get proper cuddles from my little girl on Sunday. She devised a technique for hugging the phone when we were chatting so that I didn’t feel entirely deprived but it’s not quite the same …

Kate, what did you see and do during your visit?

Katrine - I know you had a fabulous trip - such a wonderful opportunity! But arriving home is always the greatest pleasure and joy.

Safe travels and a joyous reunion.

Holly, I did so much! I caught up with my aunt in Newcastle and sister in Scotland, had morning tea with Hannah, did a two week embroidery course at the Royal School of Needlework, and visited various cathedrals, castles and museums in the south of England. I spent my six days with friends in the US - we were based in Poughkeepsie in the Hudson River basin, visiting various historical places and walking round sites like the Storm King Art Centre (amazing!!)

Wow, Kate! It does sound like you did a lot! Thanks for sharing. Seeing family, friends and historic sites in different countries - what can beat that? I don't do embroidery myself, but admire it as an art form. How wonderful that you can take a special course like that.

It's good to go and it's good to come home.

Well, we didn’t quite cross paths, Kate, but I flew into Manchester almost 2 weeks ago and will be returning from London Sunday. We arrived in Bath today, where the hotel is composed of 12 original houses from 350 years ago. William Wilberforce and Walter Scott were two of the people who lived here over the years. We will be doing a walking tour tomorrow, I assume it will cover the Jane Austen connection.

I've been to 2 separate author events during the last 2 weeks.

Last week it was for The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia by Juliet Grames - all you historical fiction fans need to add this to your TBRs as there is real history included - and this is an area of Italy that Juliet's family is from and which she has visited to do research. Juliet btw is also a fantastic award winning editor for Soho Crime publishing - Cara Black, Sujata Massey, many other authors read here. Juliet, who is a vibrant engaging speaker, was interviewed by journalist and author Helene Stapinski true crime book of most note is Murder in Matera: A True Story of Passion, Family, and Forgiveness in Southern Italy. Helene is another interesting dynamic woman. It was a fabulous event at The Mysterious Bookshop in lower Manhattan, the shop started and owned by Otto Penzlar who himself is of some note to crime fiction fans - for the Baker Street Irregulars organization celebrating Sherlock Holmes (and which meets in a secret room in the back of the shop or at least did in the original shop on W. 56th Street) and now has been publishing many of the Golden Age Detective Classics long forgotten. Just visiting the store is a thrill, let alone having an author event!

I should probably mention that I am the official back-up stalker at events for Cara Black, Sujata Massey and now Juliet Grimes. The primary stalker was there as was the back-up to the back-up stalker. (it all started with the primary stalker showing up at 2 events in Paris and one in NYC one summer when Cara Black was on tour for one of her books. Then on another tour to NYC, primary stalker could not attend so I as the back up stalker went. Thus was a tradition born). We've decided that the next goal is for all 3 stalkers, plus Juliet, Cara, and Sujata to all be at the same event. That might require attending Bouchercon or something.

As you can see, I am just as imaginative and off beat in real life as here virtually.

Tonight I got myself between rain squalls to The Strand's Rare Book Room just off Union Square to see Silvia Moreno-Garcia being interviewed on her latest book The Seventh Veil of Salome, interviewer was local author and crime fiction/comics writer Alex Segura. I did a bit of fangirling over Silvia and she totally upstaged poor Alex who is a lovely interesting guy but Silvia is just so interesting. A tidbit or two learned about her current book: She's a big fan of those big Hollywood bible movies and has long wanted to write a book centered on a biblical woman. Salome was her choice as she's not a clearly defined figure in the bible so room for invention. Plus music plays also in her writing inspirations and the Strauss opera Salome particularly is the Salome she's writing here.

As I've been out to dinner or to an event or a meeting every night this week and, most of last week plus travelling on a long weekend, I think I'm staying in bed reading and napping all day Saturday.

Theresa, have you read Helene Stapinski 's book? I added it to my TBR.

How amazing to live in New York City where there is so much to do and attend! Author events and the theater and fabulous restaurants! Boston is pretty darn good for authors - there is such a proliforation of well known authors here. But we don't come remotely near the amount of events that are held in New York.

I too am in bed - having just finished a long and perhaps arduous book, and now writing a review. I was supposed to leave for NYC today, but now I am leaving tomorrow instead. I love my glorious NYC time, and I had four objectives for this trip, only one of which is actually happening. My first and foremost reason for coming down was to visit with my friend Maddy who I have known and loved since childhood. I really haven't seen her in years and her father died last year. I felt it was important to visit and spend some time with her. We were supposed to be together tonight. I also wanted to see my friend Jennifer, who was also our Bar Mitzvah photographer. And after a year later, I thought I would finally have us finish and order the photo album. But.... the timing didn't work for Jennifer, because her only child, her daughter is leaving for college - and she and her husband and spending time with her - and taking her there - actually Today. Maddy couldn't organize herself on the plans with me, because her youngest daughter was in Israel - supposed to come home tomorrow. That's why our plans were for tonight. But in the wake of all the trouble and the possible closing of the airports, her mind was solely focused on getting Sarah home. I think she landed yesterday. And I wanted to see a show - actually I wanted to see the Outsiders on Broadway, and I had my heart set on that. I just couldn't make it happen. But I am coming to NYC tomorrow, and having dinner with my dear friend Samantha tomorrow night. I got her a book as a birthday gift (of course) and a mug with books. Monday I get to have an early brunch with my cousin Peter, and well Monday night? Objective Four!!! Otherwise I would have cancelled the trip. I am getting to hang out in the City with Theresa and Sally! I am excited! Theresa is resting up for her racuous evening with ME! You name the place Babe....

If fate works I will try to see Maddy sometime Monday afternoon or Tuesday for breakfast. Tuesday night back in Boston, my book club is going out together. People were mixed to unhappy with the book (Wellness by Nathan Hill). But two people really loved it. Once I realized people were so un-enamored, I said we should just drop the book and just have a social get together and enjoy one another at a summer locale. So this is my next three days. Took a couple off of work - they were slower days anyway.

Then things really speed up for your girl. With the end of Camp next Sunday (our oldest Jaden finished his summer job and is now heading up there to be with his brothers and his beloved home away from home for Color War! Past General becomes a Judge!), Cameron comes home and starts extensive pre-season high school soccer. I have just two weeks to do a thousand things with him to be prepared for high school. The book he is supposed to read for the 9th grade is Eleanor and Park, and so I have two copies waiting for us. I have spent this last week, and the days after New York, "growing up his bedroom" which was a small teeny closet like room, turned baby nursery, turned middle school. What a challenge to turn this thing into something more adult like. I have spent days with the dust trying to achieve this task. The hugest part of the task happens next week after New York.

After spending five days at home with his brothers, Jaden goes back to school on the 23rd, and Shain starts UMASS Amherst on the 28th. So I have to put Camp away for two kids and bring out college for one. All Jaden has to do is drive there. But with Shain transferring schools, that is the project that awaits.... I will still try to get some pool time in there, and I kind of want to make sure I get to the beach at least once this summer before it ends. And we have tickets for Queen of Versailles next Friday, which I am excited about. Kristen Chenowith, and that one is heading to Broadway. Two years ago we saw Neil Diamond's Beautiful Noise, and that one went to Broadway too. Just closed.

But this is where we are. That time in summer when you realize your equal measure plans for pleasure and productivity - that both are behind, and that there is no way to catch up. So you just do your best to enjoy what's left in the ride and do whats within your limits. my older two boys have had the best summer at Camp, which has and continues to define all three of them. And my Jaden is growing up and figuring himself out. We had the "life talk" on Sunday and I was able to help his start the ongoing conversations of how he begins to think about what happens next after college and how to have and open yet directed mindset for the discovery. That is where your girl is. Time to write the review. The book was five star turned mush. But its my fourth Olympic book for Steeplechase. And as always, its off the TBR.

Wishing you all the best of what you can get out of these last weeks of summer, and/or the season that you are in. May everyone have the beautiful moments they are seeking, as well as the checking off of the boxes. And the finishing of projects. May it be a great five star month for everyone. May you have at least one Top Ten read this month and plenty of vibrancy outside of our beloved books. May we all connect with loved ones and feel the joy of the outdoors or whatever gives us pleasure. Happy Early August everyone.

Joanne wrote: "Theresa, have you read Helene Stapinski 's book? I added it to my TBR."

No but added the book to my TBR. She is an investigative reporter and her questions to Juliet were so well thought out and written, made me want to read her books even though true crime not something I read.

@Amy and @SallyS - you bet I am resting up! Will text you both this weekend to finalize.

Amy - some of those dinners have been efforts that have been cancelled and rescheduled multiple timesthese lastmonths even year! Seems to be the nature of our lives these days. Sounds like a full visit!

I was accepted to Fordham but chose to go to Villanova instead (a lifetime ago). I also remember the Fordham campus as beautiful.

Yesterday I went to the longest wedding ceremony I've ever been to, although the meal was smack in the middle of it. It lasted, not including the hors d'oerves that were there prior (it said noon, but started at 1) from 1 until after 5:30 when the couple was sent off to their undisclosed honeymoon location. They are clearly in love, but I can't help taking umbrage with the wedding vows.

I'm not going to post a lengthy description, but there are no videos of an entire one so I learned a lot plus got so see my daughter (not her wedding, thankfully, and not one of her closer friends.) The bride is 25 and the couple met 9 years ago (she was too young and it was not love at first sight or anything), so that makes me more comfortable--neither were born in this group.

Heading home after 2 weeks. An airline delay proved fortuitous, as I was able to be rescheduled on a flight to my town instead of a 3 hour bus ride away, getting home same time or earlier (originally there were other people involved, and the flight to Chicago was a compromise.)

Spent yesterday in Bath, on a walking tour up to the Royal Circus and Crescent. Bridgerton and many other movies are filmed there as a stand in for London. The Roman baths were also interesting. Most of the people on the trip were focused on the Welsh places, but Bath was my favorite.

It happened in NYC! Amy, SallyS, and I met for dinner! Not only did we meet and have a lovely time, but we closed down the restaurant.

I do have a bit of history closing down places, right BookConcierge?

Here's proof:


We only remembered to take a photo once we were leaving!

Wonderful! So pleased you managed to get together!

Glad you loved Bath, Robin. It’s a beautiful city.

So happy that Amy, Sally and Theresa had a great time together.

I would expect no less.

Theresa wrote: "It happened in NYC! Amy, SallyS, and I met for dinner! Not only did we meet and have a lovely time, but we closed down the restaurant.

I do have a bit of history closing down places, right BookCo..."

Wonderful!

We had such a lovely time!!!! Let's do it again soon.

So glad that your plans worked out and the three of you were able to meet up! What was for dinner?

Sally and I had the same cocktail and entree!!!! A Passiontini and Chicken Marsala!

It was classic Italian restaurant and since I am a regular, I ordered what I always do: mixed green salad and rigatoni bolognese. Added a Cielo Moscow Mule - had muddled blueberries in it. Yum. Sally and I had the delicious creme brulé cheesecake for dessert.

I'm glad you had a lovely time in NYC!!

Yes, Theresa, we have closed a restaurant or two!

Glad you were able to get together. Would love to have been a fly on the wall!

Speaking of fly on the wall, before Sally had arrived, the couple next to us were listening in on the conversation, and they had a lot to add to our banter. For one, the woman was a reader and was interested in our book and book club conversation, but by the time it got political, they were really piqued. They were visiting from another state, but the fella was a two time Trump voter, and lifetime GOP/Republican. But he delighted in telling me (I spoke with them in the first few minutes of Sally's arrival when she was catching up with Theresa,) he was telling me that he is all in for Kamala. He feels, and feels he represents his friends and allies, that lifetime Republicans were sickened by the insurrection and they want their party back from the "freaks". He says we need to get all of those guys out of there, burn it down and rebuild. He wants a new Republican party, minus the one's who have destroyed it. They also have 14 grandchildren, one of them trans, and they don't want to vote for an administration that doesn't welcome their grandkid. I think its so fascinating to be traveling and meet people from all over the world. What he was saying mirrors what I hear from people in other states as well. One of my patients in Texas was telling me the same. Anyway, we invited the wife to find us on PBT. I just thought it was funny when you said "fly on the wall" because Theresa and I were immersed and at least I had no idea that these guys were listening in to us gab!

Neither was I. But it is not the first time that has happened to me. There are a large number of members to my stitching group that joined because they overheard a couple of us over a meal talking needlework!

Theresa wrote: "It happened in NYC! Amy, SallyS, and I met for dinner! Not only did we meet and have a lovely time, but we closed down the restaurant.

I do have a bit of history closing down places, right BookCo..."

Oh, fun!!!

That’s great, Amy! Apparently at a Kamala rally in AZ, their Republican governor said the same thing about his party.

As someone who lived a long time In Minnesota, I am really enjoying Tim Walz. Democrats too often sound cerebral and condescending but he is so delightful. A pundit said he was never happy with the label Pro-choice, it seemed wimpy. Now we have the best slogan for health issues, gender issues, censorship issues, etc. - “Mind your own damn business!” While at the same time, we would help out that nosy person because they are our neighbor. As someone who does comedy, I love how making fun of the other party is cutting them down to size, pointing out “the emperor has no clothes “

I’m glad you had a great time! Theresa’s order is one of my favorite meals too. I love the fly in the wall convo.

Robin, as a former Minnesotan myself, I’m thrilled. I’m feeling more hopeful about the future.

I'm posting this a couple of places as it's a last minute change. Tessa has COVID and is not up to hosting. I've taken over with my Zoom account:

NEW ZOOM LINK TO PBT SOCIAL BOOK HANGOUT ON AUGUST 17 AT 4 PM EASTERN TIME

Theresa Racht, Esq. is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: PBT Social Book Hangout
Time: Aug 17, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82356409977...

Meeting ID: 823 5640 9977
Passcode: 667975

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One tap mobile
+16469313860,,82356409977#,,,,*667975# US
+16465588656,,82356409977#,,,,*667975# US (New York)

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Meeting ID: 823 5640 9977
Passcode: 667975

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbxxT9Wdld


You should be able to join just with any browser - zoom app not needed.

Amy - you are expected to join even if you are rained out of your pool afternoon.

Yes indeed, the weather is not quite ideal, looking rather inclement. So for those who did not want to see me in more racy or perhaps not quite appropriate attire, you may just be safe. Looks like we might end up in my dining room.

Just wanted to add that Scott and I went into Boston this evening and we saw Kristen Chenowith in the Queen of Versailles, which will soon move to Broadway, in a few weeks. What a great performance that talented gal gives - and she was indeed the whole show!

Thank you Theresa for taking over the zoom, and BC/T I do hope you recover quickly. You will be missed. You will have to host another so you can be there with us next time. Sounds like we have a good turnout and it can be a good old "hootenany." I hope I am using the word correctly.

Correct use, Amy!

Kristen Chenowith is a formidable talent in the tiniest package. I have been so lucky to see her on and off Broadway so many times. This role is perfect for her and I am thrilled you and Scott got to see her in it on a date night!

I saw Chenowith in Wicked and I absolutely love her-lucky you Amy to have the chance to spend an evening enjoying her!

As some of you know, my social life depends on what I feel like when I awake in the morning. Because if that I did not make a commitment to join in the zoom -right now it does not look promising. I have some things that should get accomplished today, and right now even those things might be ignored. There is a chance I could pop in though-even if only briefly.

@Tessa - I hope you feel better soon.

@Joanne - I hope you have a good day and will be able to join in to Zoom.

My brother in law recently shared this video with me. Here is a younger Chenowith in her breakout role of Sally in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". https://www.google.com/search?client=...

That made me smile Holly, thanks for sharing it

Holly R W wrote: "@Tessa - I hope you feel better soon.

@Joanne - I hope you have a good day and will be able to join in to Zoom.

My brother in law recently shared this video with me. Here is a younger Chenowith i..."

I missed her in that role - it was I believe her Broadway debut, definitely her breakout role. It led to the following season being cast in one of the Encores! At City Center staged concert musicals (rehearsed over 2 weeks and performedover only 3 days) where I saw her and she has soared ever since - Wicked came from that. My personal favorite of her performances was in the limited run revival of The Apple Tree, the musical adaptation of Mark Twain's The Diaries of Adam and Eve. Funny, sweet, a delight of a performance.