Comments for The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Comment on On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own by crissy calhoun

crissy calhoun — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:17:24 +0000

Captain Neil would heartily approve of this post.

Comment on KIRBC Notes: Dec. 7, 2011 by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:22:06 +0000

I would say I’m sorry about the kitty mauling, but I’m not.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Trauma Farm by KIRBC Notes: Dec. 7, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

KIRBC Notes: Dec. 7, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:57:45 +0000

[...] game-changing book for me. But do you really want me to talk about it again? Just watch the video, read the Advent Book Blog reco, or read the full [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The Art of Fielding by KIRBC Notes: Dec. 7, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

KIRBC Notes: Dec. 7, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:57:27 +0000

[...] (Erin and I talked about it here.) [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The Art of Fielding by Steph

Steph — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:56:48 +0000

Whoa. Loving the energy, guys! I look forward to this book. It’s come so highly recommended. I keep looking at it on my shelf but I’m daunted right now by the size. I’m glad you said, along with an HBG rep, actually, that it’s a swift read, not laborious at all.

Comment on On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own by Steph

Steph — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:23:11 +0000

I love this: “And that’s what this book, and my garden, and even yoga, have inspired in me: being sensitive, and reconnecting with the natural order. It’s like a seed, long dormant, is starting to unfurl. Like Brett, I’ve realized that I may have thus far overlooked an essential goal: ‘attempting to write myself back into the landscape where I live.’”

Comment on On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own by Steph

Steph — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:52:22 +0000

This made me heave a great sigh at the end, Jen. I hear your love for the farm, for gardening, for life in the country and I echo it so much, it makes me feel the distance (geographically) between us. I too long for such a life, and I too love our gardens. I can’t wait to start seeds in March! We do both veggies and flowers.

After your and Erin’s tweet about Trauma Farm I moved the book to my night table. It’s about time, I think. Thank you.

A well-written post, Jen, a nice combination of the personal and the book review. A pleasure to read.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Trauma Farm by On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:04:34 +0000

[...] generally tyrannized by essential reading, they often had to wait. Then I picked up Brian Brett’s Trauma Farm, and was sucked right out of the city, my required reading left languishing. The fact that I [...]

Comment on On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own by Francesco

Francesco — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:50:50 +0000

What a great post! Ms. Knoch, you have a way with words. I swear I felt hypnotized while reading, as if all the talk about slowing things down had actually managed to slow down time.

I’m going to look for this book.

Comment on On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own by Tennile

Tennile — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:15:21 +0000

Oh Jen, this is so you: “the frenzied terrier that is my inner monologue.” I’m glad you’ve found two outlets that help you stave off the type “A”.

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

On Trauma Farm and a Farm of My Own « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:23:10 +0000

[...] place I found it this summer was in my backyard garden. (Yes, despite my subway-adjacent location, I have the blessing of a large backyard: my peas curl [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Trauma Farm by Books in 140 Seconds: The Art of Fielding « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: The Art of Fielding « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:22:10 +0000

[...] fans, time for another edition of your adrenaline-laced literary sprint, Books in 140 Seconds. Last week we pontificated on Brian Brett’s Trauma Farm, and this week we’re reentering the fictional [...]

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Steph

Steph — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:23:35 +0000

I think that sounds simultaneously scary and awesome.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:54:01 +0000

It will be amazing. A two-headed reading/farming/yogaing monster.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by JK

JK — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:23:21 +0000

@Erin We will be superhuman.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:50:49 +0000

ALL OF THESE BOOKS ARE MY FAVOURITES OF 2011 TOO.

I think we are melding into the same person.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by JK

JK — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:48:30 +0000

@Steph: Steph, you’re so kind. Your support means a lot, especially as the posts become fewer and far between. I’m excited you worked on Juliet! No doubt you made it even better.

@Carrie: Thanks for stopping by! What a pleasure. Hopefully I can send even more people your way.

@Sandra: Thank you for coming by and reading the blog. Since I find my posts dwindling, I’m not accepting many books for review these days, so I think I’ll have to pass. But good luck with the new book and I’m glad we met.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Sandra Nicholls

Sandra Nicholls — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:55:32 +0000

Hello! I stumbled on your site and have really enjoyed the reviews and the writing in general. I would love to send you a review copy of my new novel, my debut novel actually: And the Seas Shall Turn to Lemonade, a darkly funny and quirky satire about academia, marriage and communal living. Although this is my first novel, I have two award-winning books of poetry out, and have also published a number of short stories. Let me know if you would like to receive one…and all the best with the site and the blog.

Sandra

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Kerry Clare

Kerry Clare — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:22:34 +0000

Oh, I still have The Art of Fielding before me, and how I’m looking forward to the Juliet Stories. It’s going to be a very good year!

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:26:11 +0000

Just had to comment and say thank you! Your post brought readers to my blog, and that is how I discovered it. Talk about stumbling across a wonderful surprise. I can’t quite express what happiness it brings me to know that my words mean something to you. Wishing you a glad and good new year.

Comment on Read and Loved in 2011 by Steph

Steph — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:11:59 +0000

No matter how long between posts, Jen, I’ll always read.

I really look forward to both Trauma Farm and The Art of Fielding. I have both, but like many others, they so far just sit on my shelves and I make mooney faces at them. I’d love to read more this year.

I had the privilege of getting to work on The Juliet Stories for Anansi and I can tell you, you’re in for some powerful imagery and emotions. It will stick with you.

Comment on Fruit, by Brian Francis by Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:26:07 +0000

[...] Order by Brian Francis: I loved Brian’s first book, Fruit, which was fresh and funny, and created a memorable teen protagonist in Peter Paddington, but [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order by Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:25:26 +0000

[...] Natural Order by Brian Francis: I loved Brian’s first book, Fruit, which was fresh and funny, and created a memorable teen protagonist in Peter Paddington, but Natural Order is just what you’d hope a second novel would be: it’s more mature, more ambitious, and an absolute pleasure to read. The language is rich, it’s filled with humour and pathos, but his most notable achievement is in creating Joyce Sparks, a fiesty, often cantankerous old woman reflecting on her life and her relationship with her deceased son. Her son was gay, and it was something Joyce simply couldn’t face. Having such an intolerant protagonist will likely create a striking dissonance in most readers, as you empathize with Joyce while being horrified by her actions at the same time. This is one of the most moving and meaningful explorations I’ve ever read of what it means to be a mother. [...]

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Read and Loved in 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:21:52 +0000

[...] be more sporadic, but I hope to still dedicate some time and brainpower to this site, which has, like my garden, given me far more than I remember planting. The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is [...]

Comment on KIRBC Notes for Aug. 5, 2010 by yoursurprise-1

yoursurprise-1 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:08:08 +0000

Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

Comment on Unless, by Carol Shields by Tracie Taybron

Tracie Taybron — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:56:30 +0000

Thanks, TC.This is something we all know deep in our hearts but need to be reminded about every now and then.Thanks for this reminder.Hugs,Lois

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma by Books in 140 Seconds: Trauma Farm « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Trauma Farm « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:42:15 +0000

[...] Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma by Al « Dani Couture

Al « Dani Couture — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:06:25 +0000

[...] And the lovely (lovely) gals at the Keeping It Real Book Club (KIRBC) took Al for as spin on their blog. [...]

Comment on KIRBC: The Blog by How to write a book review

How to write a book review — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:11:17 +0000

Hi, just reading through some old posts and I especially appreciate you posting this one. Sorry I’m so behind with the times! =0)

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma by Just the facts, Ma’am(s) « Invisible Publishing Blog

Just the facts, Ma’am(s) « Invisible Publishing Blog — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:38:15 +0000

[...] it’s all about and why you should read it? Check out this video review Jen and Erin (from Books in 140 Seconds) [...]

Comment on Mercy Among the Children, by David Adams Richards by Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Algoma « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:37:28 +0000

[...] offense to David Adams Richards. I like him. (Proof here.) But God he’s [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Once You Break a Knuckle by Julie

Julie — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:41:31 +0000

Seems fitting that the author was the recipient of the University of East Anglia’s inaugural MAN Booker Prize Scholarship.

Comment on Bookstores of Reykjavík by Steph

Steph — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:56:01 +0000

I really like that kids’ dungeon! It looks anything but, and that painting of Pippi on the floor? Love. :)

Also love seeing Atkinson and Atwood – those editions are awesome. Interesting note on the front of Eymundsson, too, est. 1872?!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Once You Break a Knuckle by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:13:32 +0000

We both look a little scared in this screen shot!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order by Books in 140 Seconds: Once You Break a Knuckle « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:43:18 +0000

[...] Does everybody know what time it is? Tool time! But you should watch Books in 140 Seconds instead. Last time we talked Brian Francis’s sensitive portrait of a conflicted mother, but this time [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order by Steph

Steph — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:02:07 +0000

Cool! I hadn’t seen you’d done this vid before I’d done my review! Amazing how we even used some of the same words to describe things. Great minds.

Comment on The Absentee Blogger; or, A Series of Excuses by Steph Moore

Steph Moore — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:34:48 +0000

Nice chair / water blanket!!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order by Bronwyn

Bronwyn — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:28:56 +0000

I really loved Fruit. Wish I’d been at the launch. Thanks guys! Looking forward to hearing what you think about DW next time.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Monoceros by Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Natural Order « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:44:55 +0000

[...] Books in 140 Seconds: Monoceros [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The Leftovers by Books in 140 Seconds: Monoceros « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Monoceros « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:43:22 +0000

[...] but I still have 140 seconds to spare, so Erin and I are back with your bi-weekly book club blast. Last time we rhapsodized about the Rapture in Tom Perrotta’s The Leftovers, and this week we’re talking about a book that focuses [...]

Comment on The Absentee Blogger; or, A Series of Excuses by Laura Godfrey

Laura Godfrey — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:55:19 +0000

Oh man, I hate myself for even knowing what that “A” refers to. Anyway, all good reasons for slacking off on the blog! Looking forward to Book Camp. :)

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by The Absentee Blogger; or, A Series of Excuses « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:42:15 +0000

[...] to write about (not that I’d have time or energy to write the reviews anyway). Throw in the garden (which is going swimmingly, but does demand regular attention), my insistence on regular exercise, [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The Leftovers by Julie

Julie — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 02:35:45 +0000

You really had me for a second there!

And Being Erica is back (+ 6 months for me)? Whee.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison by Books in 140 Seconds: The Leftovers « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: The Leftovers « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:41:09 +0000

[...] We’re in a nutshell!”). Last time we gave you the rundown on the charming slackers of Box Office Poison, and this time we’re back on the apocalypse bandwagon, or at least the selective apocalypse [...]

Comment on KIRBC Meeting: Jul 12, 2011 by Steph

Steph — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:39:06 +0000

Holy crap, that’s a ton of book recos! This meeting is getting more popular!

I’m disappointed to hear that Game of Thrones has lots of sex, and that it’s the first ingredient on the list, too, because I’m watching the show and seriously, it’s porn! Is it possible there can be too much sex? Yes! I’m breasted, fucked, and cocked out. S’cuse my French. I have nothing against sex, or even full frontal nudity, but this is getting ridiculous! C and I are choking on our sour cream and onion chips here and missing monologues because they’re happening while there’s so much distracting grunting and moaning going on. And one more from behind scene and I’m going to scream. C says this is more like a soap opera than anything else. :( Like the book, there’s also lots of gore, and somehow I can stand that better. The acting is superb, as are the costumes and settings, so I want more story, please! I was hoping the book would be different. I’m going to read it anyway, but still.

OKAY. Also, I’ve been wanting to read Monoceros for a while. And I love Loretta’s choice! I have the collection too. Great stuff. Curious about whether Henrietta Lacks book would be good for our store book club…

Comment on KIRBC Meeting: Jul 12, 2011 by SarahLabrie (Sarah Labrie)

SarahLabrie (Sarah Labrie) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:21 +0000

Yess! RT @jen_knoch Oops: Link Fail. Here’s the real #KIRBC mtg notes: http://kirbc.com/2011/08/04/kirbc-meeting-jul-12-2011/

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The City Homesteader by KIRBC Meeting: Jul 12, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

KIRBC Meeting: Jul 12, 2011 « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:32:55 +0000

[...] [Ed. Note: I took crappy notes, but Erin and I made a video about it here] [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:04:46 +0000

That is good to know. I will shout my terrible reading habits from the KIRBC rooftop.

Also, I miss you.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison by What I Read This Week: July 30 | Erin Balser

What I Read This Week: July 30 | Erin Balser — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:05:24 +0000

[...] It’s Books in 140 Seconds week! Watch Jen Knoch and myself talk Box Office Poison. [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison by JK

JK — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:24:51 +0000

Whoops. Apologies. And no shame here. It’s against the KIR philosophy.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:07:08 +0000

Emily Giffin, not Jennifer Weiner! Although Weiner’s newest may be perfect for the upcoming long weekend…

I read all five of Giffin’s at the cottage last weekend. I am not ashamed.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The City Homesteader by Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Box Office Poison « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:44:40 +0000

[...] Books in 140 Seconds: The City Homesteader [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The City Homesteader by Julie

Julie — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:48:58 +0000

Have yurt, will travel.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The City Homesteader by Scott Meyer

Scott Meyer — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:21:29 +0000

I would be honored to be the guy next door to your commune who didn’t give you advice you didn’t want. Really, thanks for reading the book, getting what I was going for and sharing it with your audience.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Girls in White Dresses by JK

JK — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:58:49 +0000

I will be wearing the same dress in the next video. Because I do not change my clothes ever.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Girls in White Dresses by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:31 +0000

Steph: I normally wear clashing patterns, so be glad I went with stripes-on-stripes. It’s more matchy that way.

Also, be prepared for more stripes in the next video!

Stripes for the win!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Girls in White Dresses by Steph Moore

Steph Moore — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:13:20 +0000

Yes, this book was totally like coffee with a friend! For me, it was like coffee with a friend, in the middle of a lake on a cottage long weekend. Great summer read all around. JK, I can see you warming up to Ladies Lit bit by bit! :D

This review could also be titled “Erin Loves Stripes”.

Comment on This Cake Is for the Party, by Sarah Selecky by Keepin’ it real. | Sarah Seleckly

Keepin’ it real. | Sarah Seleckly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:33 +0000

[...] these girls. Take a look at their entertaining video about how to read This Cake. And such a thoughtfully written review! ← Giller-iffic! The Walrus talk. [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: This Cake Is for the Party by Keepin’ it real. | Sarah Seleckly

Keepin’ it real. | Sarah Seleckly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:49:48 +0000

[...] may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!I love these girls. Take a look at their entertaining video about how to read This Cake. And such a thoughtfully written review! ← Giller-iffic! [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Girls in White Dresses by Julie

Julie — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:09:34 +0000

Professor Julie is willing to grant you the full 100% because you’re reviewing an ARC and are, therefore, early to the party. Just don’t let it happen again.

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by michelle

michelle — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:10:39 +0000

What a touching piece. You made me want to go roll around in the soil like some deranged puppy. It made me realise that a garden is like a poem: you can step in and out of it at different times in your life and it will still teach you something new. I just loved reading about Vito and his gentle encouragement. There is someone very like him right next door to me, so I suppose there are lots of Vitos out there, peeping around corners. We’ve just got to open our eyes and SEE them :)

Comment on KTR2011: Lilla Csorgo recommends Darkness at Noon by canada day 2011 in victoria

canada day 2011 in victoria — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:47:52 +0000

What’s your own policy for Canada Day? We are considering continuing to fall in order to Windsor and observe your fireworks and enjoy the days and nights situations and lose focus on regarding help awhile.

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Steph

Steph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:27:57 +0000

I meant all around the house, those flower gardens, not over! Inside, there are sixteen plants in the living room alone! Green is my favourite colour. :)

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Steph

Steph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:26:57 +0000

I feel the same way, Jen. C and I have flower gardens all over the house, mostly started from seed, which we do every year. We had a veggie garden for two years but the copious rabbits and squirrels and other assorted creatures feasted. We have to make a walled in area, I think.

I’ve never seen our gardens as fresh and green and colourful and lush as this year. This summer is good. The work has paid off. For our anniversary last year, we made another garden, which we call the anniversary garden. We included a bird bath and planted a rose of sharon in it and surrounded everything with annuals, as we did this year again, grown from seed. Is there anything as exciting as watching sprouts? Or taking a plate out the the veggie patch and loading it with supper?

I understand the joy you feel, and your gardens are looking great.

PS. I love this: “No, no. Too close. You don’t put two babies in one cradle!”

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Snowball, Dragonfly, Jew by Steph

Steph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:18:15 +0000

This is possibly the best and most fun review of Stuart’s book. How many times can I say I love these videos?

PS. He linked to this on his blog and said you guys made him weepy…

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Erin Balser

Erin Balser — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:54:52 +0000

Can we get A GOAT? We can share, JK. please?

And then some chickens.

And then some pigs.

That is all.

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by JK

JK — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:36:58 +0000

Matt: I want some chickens SO badly. Seems like someone’s picked up The City Homesteader. Or just listened to Erin rave about it.

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Matt Elliott

Matt Elliott — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:22:13 +0000

Two things: 1) This is very good writing, and 2) You should get some backyard animals. Like a cow or a duck.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The 100-Mile Diet by Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:25:38 +0000

[...] nutrients and plant interaction, growing seasons and crop rotation. Still insatiable, I picked up The 100-Mile Diet, which was not a manifesto as I expected, but rather a relatable account of an ambitious experiment [...]

Comment on KTR2011: Jen Knoch recommends Grow Great Grub by Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:39:07 +0000

[...] the best book I’ve found for urban gardening, and one I’ve recommended extensively (to all of Toronto in fact!). Then highlighter in hand like an eager pupil, I went deeper with Small Plot, High-Yield [...]

Comment on Getting myself back to the garden by Julie

Julie — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:27:02 +0000

Your garden is looking great! I hope you have a lot of luck this summer.

And good on the gentleman caller. Very good courtship gift.

Comment on Grow Great Grub, by Gayla Trail by Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Getting myself back to the garden « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:12:00 +0000

[...] by Gayla Trail, I assembled some pots, a few seeds and seedlings, and I let the planting begin. (I wrote a post about it, finally understanding Thoreau’s wonder at growing beans.) When those first sprouts emerged, [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Snowball, Dragonfly, Jew by Julie

Julie — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:29:37 +0000

Now that’s a blurb I’d like to see some time: “This book kept me awake on the subway!” I might have to make that happen. I’m tucking it away.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Stroll by Books in 140 Seconds: Snowball, Dragonfly, Jew « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:47:18 +0000

[...] book club that is Books in 140 Seconds. Last week we sauntered through Shawn Micallef’s Stroll, and this week we’re going on to a novel that provides a much less straightforward journey, [...]

Comment on The Strand Bookstore, New York City by Julie

Julie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:31:40 +0000

Someday I will go to the Strand. Someday! Thanks for the tour.

I wish I could take you on a tour of Powell’s (my hometown indie behemoth.) You’d love it.

Comment on JK @ BEA by The Strand Bookstore, New York City « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

The Strand Bookstore, New York City « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:08:44 +0000

[...] Strand Bookstore, New York City By JK, on June 8th, 2011 As I mentioned in a post last week, I recently headed to NYC for Book Expo America, and as with all my travels, a little bookstore [...]

Comment on Barney's Version, by Mordecai Richler by Peter Keveth

Peter Keveth — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:35:45 +0000

excellent points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. An amount you suggest in regards to this post which you made some days ago? Any positive?

Comment on KTR2011: Iain Reid recommends The Beggar’s Garden by LitBits 13 - Bella's Bookshelves

LitBits 13 - Bella's Bookshelves — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:08:43 +0000

[...] presses on the list! Any you’d like to read? Iain Reid of One Bird’s Choice recommends The Beggar’s Garden. I’d also like to add here that short story collections have way better titles than novels: [...]

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Stroll by Steph

Steph — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:08:36 +0000

Oh geez, you guys are so cute! I love it when you laugh at the end the way you did this time. You have so much fun doing this, and it makes it very fun for us watching and listening.

I have never lived in TO, and the only reason I want to is for all the culture and publishing but otherwise, I prefer the country. That said, even I think this book sounds interesting. It also sounds like it would make a really good gift for a Torontonian who wants to learn more about the city and its options.

What I like about the book, at least how you talked about it, is that the city seems to come alive as itself, much more than just the people in it. Since I’m overwhelmed by the people, focusing on history, landmarks, other interesting facts and places, would make me more comfortable being there.

Thanks also for linking to my post on Snowball, Dragonfly, Jew! It was a great event and an excellent book.

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Making Light of Tragedy by Books in 140 Seconds: Stroll « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Stroll « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:58:32 +0000

[...] book club bulletin that is Books in 140 Seconds. Last time Erin and I talked Jessica Grant’s Making Light of Tragedy, and this time we’re moving on to another accomplished collection: this time of walks around [...]

Comment on Shiver and Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater by JK @ BEA « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

JK @ BEA « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:39:24 +0000

[...] like a bullet, and hightailed it over to Scholastic to try and get my hands on the next book in a series I’ve greatly enjoyed. When I got there, the last copy of Forever was in someone else’s hand, and when I inquired [...]

Comment on JK @ BEA by David Burga

David Burga — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:32:20 +0000

I’ve heard of Modelland but until now I had no idea what the hell it was. Wowza! It sounds like the ramblings of a lunatic and may very well be the first book by a celebrity that I read.

Comment on JK @ BEA by Steph

Steph — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:17:36 +0000

Sounds so exciting, Jen! I envy you. But I can’t agree on Modelland. Your description on Twitter was tempting but then here…no thanks! I think the terrible writing would drive me bonkers! I can’t put that aside to read it for pure ridiculous fun. Perhaps I’ve been a serious copyeditor for too long. :( Kudos to you!

Look forward to those photos coming up, and WOW to that person who gave you their copy of Forever (which I also really look forward to reading!). I hope they have some amazing karma coming their way!

Comment on JK @ BEA by Julie

Julie — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:45:13 +0000

Nice booth!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: How Did You Get This Number by JK @ BEA « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

JK @ BEA « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:32:30 +0000

[...] shaping up as they thought) and with the fact that the jacket copy compares Close to the hilarious Sloane Crosley. I’m about 150 pages in now, and I can say that the Crosley comparison is wishful thinking, [...]

Comment on Toronto should be pretty well read . . . by Shared Hosting

Shared Hosting — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:06:41 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter[...]…

[...] Read the rest of this excellent post here…. [...]…

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Making Light of Tragedy by Tennile Sunday

Tennile Sunday — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:16:43 +0000

Collapse into laughter more often. Best ending.

Comment on The Underpainter, by Jane Urquhart by wozki

wozki — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:46:46 +0000

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Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Making Light of Tragedy by Kate Taylor

Kate Taylor — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:43:18 +0000

Not actually a comment on this post, but interested in talking to you about Reading Roulette for a story I am working on. Can you contact me?
Kate Taylor, Feature Writer, Arts Section, Globe and Mail

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: Blind Descent by Books in 140 Seconds: Making Light of Tragedy « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Thu, 05 May 2011 17:43:38 +0000

[...] you can temper your video withdrawal with regular doses of Books in 140 Seconds! A fortnight ago, Erin and I were talking about the marvellous madness of Blind Descent, and this week we’re switching it up with a lighter focus, Jessica Grant’s debut [...]

Comment on KTR2011: David Burga recommends The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Tennile

Tennile — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:30:31 +0000

I love them all, but this might be my favorite KTR2011 recommendation. Wonderful when a book can evoke subtle childhood memories, isn’t it?

Comment on Toronto should be pretty well read . . . by Reeder Reads

Reeder Reads — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:38:33 +0000

Our thanks to you JK who spent countless hours organizing and hosting a forum where we could all visit and check out vlog from book lovers. Job well done! :)

Comment on Toronto should be pretty well read . . . by Steph

Steph — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:27:08 +0000

This project was truly fantastic. I enjoyed watching the recos and know I’ll come back to them again for books to add to my wishlist!

Comment on KTR2011: Sarah Labrie recommends The Carnivore by Steph

Steph — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:45:57 +0000

I loved The Carnivore! Thanks to you, Jen, for sending it to me!

Comment on The Carnivore, by Mark Sinnett by KTR2011: Sarah Labrie recommends The Carnivore « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:02:03 +0000

[...] [Sarah's also reviewed The Carnivore on this blog! Check it.] [...]

Comment on KTR2011: Bronwyn Kienapple recommends Must You Go? by Bronwyn

Bronwyn — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:58:46 +0000

Thanks Steph! I ADORED this memoir. I think you could probably formulate a drinking game out of the number of times I say “awesome” and “enthralling” though. :)

Comment on KTR2011: Bronwyn Kienapple recommends Must You Go? by Steph

Steph — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:49:15 +0000

You can tell how much you love this book, B. Not only that, you do this very well! Great video.

Comment on KTR2011: Crissy Calhoun recommends The Grapes of Wrath by zzzzz | the calhoun tribune

zzzzz | the calhoun tribune — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 01:36:12 +0000

[...] — i did a Keep Toronto Reading video and you can watch it at KIRBC.com. since i know you will be wondering, the pink polka dot hairband thing I am wearing in the video [...]

Comment on KTR2011: Evan Munday recommends Destroy All Movies!!! by Evan

Evan — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:04:54 +0000

That’s so nice of you to say. You can have the rest of my smudgy black eyeliner, if you’d like!

Comment on KTR2011: Evan Munday recommends Destroy All Movies!!! by Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:45:41 +0000

Okay. I’m getting this, Paintings in Proust, AND some extra-smudgy black eyeliner. Evan Munday, is there nothing you can’t sell???

Comment on KTR2011: Kerry Clare recommends People You’d Trust Your Life To by Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:42:08 +0000

Sold! I’ve yet to come across a Bronwen Wallace poem I didn’t like, but, shamefully, I didn’t know she wrote short fiction before this. Thank you, Kerry!

Comment on Books in 140 Seconds: The 100-Mile Diet by Books in 140 Seconds: Blind Descent « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

Books in 140 Seconds: Blind Descent « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:06:33 +0000

[...] got our regularly scheduled Books in 140 Seconds for you today. Two weeks ago we talked about The 100-Mile Diet, which nicely tied into the “Let Books Transform You” theme of KTR2011. This week [...]

Comment on KTR2011: Jessica Westhead recommends Bats or Swallows by Nic Boshart

Nic Boshart — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:58:24 +0000

Whoa! Great video!
Also, oddly, the designer of Jessica’s cover for And Also Sharks works with me at the ACP. Small world, right?

Comment on KTR2011: Kerry Clare recommends People You’d Trust Your Life To by JK

JK — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:48:21 +0000

Gah, same name, different spelling. Must have had you on the brain when I typed this one up, B.!

Comment on KTR2011: Kerry Clare recommends People You’d Trust Your Life To by Bronwyn

Bronwyn — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:11:59 +0000

Kerry, it’s not hyperbole when I say you inspire me! I must read this (and uh not just because we share the same name…).