Hi Bellezza, you make good points. I guess the passivity is why some readers didn’t care for Long Island. She does tell her husband he can’t raise the child at their home and he seems to know where she stands on what he did. But with all of his family in Long Island – who aren’t always great to her – it feels claustrophobic and I’m glad she removes herself to Ireland (to see her mother) but then to take up with the bartender again after decades – seems a bit crazy, especially since he’s engaged. I guess it’s a story you wonder about afterwards. You’re right, each character is flawed. We’ll see if more sequels follow. thx for your input.

Hi AJ: thanks. August is passing by already. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of Orange’s novel. I read his first one but not his second yet. The longlist seems pretty strong. Check it out. I hope to read a few. Cheers. Enjoy your week.

Yeah Albertans are pretty gutted by the Jasper news. It is sad & stunning that that much was lost to the fire. Glad you weren’t there this year. Goodness.
It is a bit coincidental that my Dad climbed to the top of the Tetons with a couple of friends in the 1950s. A couple of years ago, we found his name on the ledger on the mountain they use to keep track of ascents. Crazy right?
Anyways, I hope you two have a great time there. And I’ll be taking my Dad to the beach … on the weekends once I’m there. Maybe see my brother from Pasadena.

Yes, I saw the news (and some video) about Jasper. You’re right. We were there last summer, and spent a few days camping just outside of town. It’s very sad that so many business and homes were lost to the fire. And yes, there are several fires in Oregon this summer, too. I’m keeping an eye on a couple since they’re near where we have to travel on our way to the Tetons in September. Ugh. I hope you have a good trip to Redlands. It will definitely be hot there! Maybe you can spend some time at the beach…

Hi Rachel, thanks. We’ve had a few good sunsets lately. Reffing the tennis was tough — I was tired out after a week of that, but now I can rest, yea.
The marriage of Tony & Eilis hits some major roadblocks in Long Island … and the ending is a bit ambiguous but it might not bode well … for the next installment. Hope you have a great week. Enjoy your new grandbaby.

Hi Lesley, yeah we’ve had some smoke off and on depending on the wind … all from many fires to the north and west of us. Did you hear about part of the town of Jasper burning? I think you went thru there right? The Icefields Parkway and the National Park near Jasper remain closed due to fire. Yikes. It’s a sad thing.
Maybe it’ll be better in September. The Tetons will be great. Weren’t there also fires in Oregon? Ugh. I think we might get some rain this week though … which would be good for the ground.
Your reading seems good this summer. Long Island was a tad slow but then it comes on. I’ll be flying to Palm Springs in about two weeks to see my Dad in Redlands … now that’ll be hot. Enjoy your Cove.

Hi Becki, thanks for dropping by. I’ve been enjoying the Olympics (mostly at night) … and have liked the gymnastics … the aerial routines on the bars and floor have been amazing. Baton twirling would be interesting to see. Have a great week.

Thanks JoAnn. The photo is peaceful. I wasnt expecting the longlist so early either, but now I have time to read a few before November. I think I’ll pick up James late this month. The movie Brooklyn is still good … I rewatched it and liked it again. It’s poignant and touching. See what you think of Long Island.
Have a great week.