So I honestly think the world is going mad. Earlier in the week there was a murder in our town. A unregistered sex offender stabbed his neighbor to death in his front yard while his dogs watched. The perp was on the run for over a day but finally turned himself in. Allegedly he stabbed someone two years ago and got a slap on the wrist. The victim was a hardworking man who lived alone with his two pets. The town is kind of reeling. Now the family is looking for a home for the two boxers - yep, you heard it right. We are considering it and have been in touch. They simply have to be kept together but I also don't know if we are ready yet. And we've had three before and know what a big handful that can be - time and expense wise. However, our hearts do go out to the victim and his family - especially his dogs who were present for everything.
In other news....so I watched "A Star is Born" over a 3 day period. I saw it was on HBO so I downloaded to our Direct TV system so I could watch it at my leisure (aka - when Mr. Barb was busy because he had NO interest). I've monitored the whole Gaga/Cooper thing and heard such good press about the movie. I was ready for an epic love story (no I've never seen the others). Man, was I disappointed! SPOILER RANT TO FOLLOW: This was one of the most depressing movies EVER. Both characters were co-dependent and Cooper's was an out-and-out alcoholic. Some of his scenes were so awful I turned it off for a while. And the ending! Let's make our cute pooch a huge steak, go out in the garage and hang our self while the dog patiently lies down outside the closed garage door. Forget Gaga - Dog trauma people! On the plus side, I enjoyed watching Sam Elliot as the brother and Andrew Dice Clay did a bang up job as Gaga's dad. Yep, never thought I'd EVER type that sentence! I have never liked ADC.
I have been reading a lot and finished "Discovery of Witches." I have two new books to start this weekend - well, I've already started "Gunmetal Magic." I also hope to read "The Girl in Red" soon.
So on to the books! I kind of obtained more review books than I planned. But that happens when you hit the request button right? Oh well, I'm excited for all of them and you all are such evil enablers so no apologies!
The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock #4)
The Absinthe Earl - Tammy I got it!
And lastly I had some library holds come in so of course I had to rush and pick them up because apparently I have nothing else to read.
So if you hung in through the entire post, thanks. Have you read any of these and where should I start???
I've never seen any version of A Star Is Born and never really fancied it much-like you, it looked like a love story to me. Now I certainly don't want to see it!!! I like to watch things that entertain, not depress as there is too much to make us depressed in real life.
ReplyDeleteOh that poor man and his poor dogs-it disgusts me how slack law and order is in our countries right now. I can understand your hesitation about whether it is too soon to take on new dogs...it might be good for Cass though to have company if he gets on with the dogs. It is a dilemma. Jeez I feel bad for the poor dogs. They won't know what is going on.
We are still contemplating it. I would take her but Mr. Barb is hesitant as the pain of losing Booker is still so raw. If it's meant to happen it will. Yes, the law is certainly slack.
DeleteI pray the victim's dogs find a happy home.
ReplyDeleteI think you should read Teeth in the Mist first because it's a library book (due date!), and because ghost stories are cool.:-)
That's a good reason to start that one and since I'm off the week of the 4th, I hope to get lots of reading in.
DeleteOh wow, small town murder in real life, how awful! And what a dilemma with the dogs, wanting to help out but also knowing how tough it might be. I'm sure you'll keep us up to date as things happen...
ReplyDeleteI will keep everyone posted. Our town really is falling apart it seems. Drugs are everywhere and law enforcement questionable at times. I know things like this are everywhere but it doesn't make them any easier to swallow.
DeleteLibrary holds always come in at the most inopportune moments. But I still continue to put books on hold. It's a sickness. ;D
ReplyDeleteI suffer from the same disease too Lark!
DeleteOh my gosh what a tragedy! So sorry to hear that!!! That's just something no community is ever ready for, I think.
ReplyDeleteThe Girl in Red- I've been hearing raves and I think I'm reading that one after my current read.
No I don't think any community is ever prepared. I'm always following the Chicago news because every weekend they have killings and attempted killings in the double digits!
DeleteGreat haul! I've been seeing lots of good reviews for The Girl in Red. Hope you enjoy it too!
ReplyDeleteMe too Ali. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWow, that's crazy about what happened in your town. I do hope those two dogs find a good home though, and I hear ya about feeling not ready yet, especially with you guys still grieving and there's also how Cass might feel. I hope the killer faces justice in any case, how shocking that must be for everyone.
ReplyDeleteBooks wise, you got some nice new reads, I see! I hope to tackle Teeth in the Mist soon as well, and I recently finished The Girl in Red and it wasn't too bad, though definitely not her best retelling.
~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I've only read one other Kurtagich book and am not sure I loved it, but I didn't hate it either. This book which help me decide if I want to keep her on my radar.
DeleteYour library is so good.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, we are all evil enablers - and this means you too :D
I'm looking forward to seeing what we all make of the Absinthe Earl - I couldn't resist it.
Lynn :D
Too good. That's why I always have so many books out from them!
DeleteOMG, Barb, that is such an awful thing to happen in your town. And that is a big decision for you and Mr B. to take -- you both have the biggest hearts (hugs)
ReplyDeleteThanks. We're really trying to make the best decision.
DeleteOMG how horrible and scary! Were the dogs hurt at all? It seems unlikely they just stood back and watched, but perhaps they were restrained in some way? My heart goes out to them and I hope they find a good home - whether you're able to take them in or some other good soul. I understand the pull and the hesitancy - 3 dogs are a lot and it's not even 3 small dogs!
ReplyDeleteWe've been on the fence about a star is born, I'm thinking we may just skip it based on your review, seeing as we were already hesitant.
Hope you have a great week!
The dogs weren't hurt thank goodness but from talking to relatives, I know they are grieving. I think if someone will step up and take the male (family members are considering it) we may take the female. Don't know yet.
DeleteWhat a horrible thing to happen! My goodness. I hope you adopt those dogs. I can't imagine a better place for them to go. But yes three dogs is a lot. I have three dogs every other week and it can get crazy however, it does mean more cuddles :) . I agree A Star is Born is depressing but I was blown away by Gaga's acting. I thought everyone did a great job. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more cuddles. We had three for several years and it was fine. We didn't realize how much work it was though until one passed away and we were back to two. Gaga was tremendous in A Star Is Born. I think they all did well, but the story was just so depressing.
DeleteWhen our Buttons passed it was only a month and I wasn't sure I was ready to get another cat but I couldn't pass up these two. Believe it or not it might be the thing you need to help you heal and if they are meant to be with you it will happen. I totally think you would be awesome parents to those two babies, they need you! :) Never ask me if you should get something because my answer will always be yes. lol
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Barb! Let me know if you decided to take them! Plus I want to see pictures! <3 xx
Well now how could you pass up those two! My friend said "just bring them home and tell Mr. Barb they showed up." Sometimes that's how you have to think right?
DeleteThat's horrible about that man and his dogs. :( I'm sad to see you were disappointed by A Star is Born. I haven't heard much about it, but Gaga/Cooper made me really curious.
ReplyDeleteI think they were great but I didn't need a downer.
Deletei have seen the girl in red around and am curious about it. love to know what you think when you finish it.
ReplyDeletesherry @ Sunday Memes
It's getting mixed and "meh" reviews so we will see!
DeleteI really hope you like The Girl in Red more than I did and I am curious about what you think of the Teeth in the Mist because I kind of sort of want to read it but I have a love hate relationship with that authors books...lol.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same about her. I read her other one...something Dead and it wasn't a hit with me.
DeleteI saw the original and second version of A Star is Born. It was always about the music for me.
ReplyDeleteYou have some great reads there. I love everything Ilona Andrews. I am totally enamored of the Sherry Thomas books but have been doing them on audio. The audio won't be available until later than the ebook, even if they release simultaneously. Have a great week and Happy reading!
Anne - Books of My Heart
The music is great. I love the soundtrack.
DeleteI don't get why they use animals to dramatize tragic scenes. Enough already! If you don't take in those poor dogs, I hope you find out and let us know what happens to them. I realize it may be too soon for you and is a big thing to undertake:)
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be keeping my eye on the dogs. We are still thinking it over.
DeleteI really want to read Middle Game. It sounds so interesting. Teeth in the Mist is also one I consider for October.
ReplyDeleteBoth are tombs so I'm hoping to make some time for them soon!
DeleteThat's horrifying. I feel awful about the dogs, too. It is a HUGE undertaking though, so don't feel bad if you decide you can't take them. Maybe offer to foster them if they can't find a home right away? 😕
ReplyDeleteThe cover of Ivory Apples is gorgeous! 😍
I hope you had a better start to this week. 🌞
It's been pretty good. We are still on the fence about the pups so I guess it's good we aren't making any snap decisions.
DeleteOh gosh!! I'm so sorry to hear about that craziness in your town! How sad for the poor victim. <3
ReplyDeleteI know. I didn't know him personally but it sounds like he was a great member of the community. I think it happened over an argument but no one knows for sure.
DeleteI hated A Star is Born (I'd never seen the other versions either). Crazy about the murder! I'm currently reading Teeth in the Mist. It's kind of weird, but I'm enjoying it. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteNatflix&Books
Yay. I don't feel so alone now. Kurtagich does write weird concepts but she usually does it pretty well.
Delete