Help Mr. DeVice Find a New Book

Please help Mr. DeVice find a new book to read. And perhaps we could throw in this chap as a bonus...

When I read this post by Mr. DeVice, listing some of the books he's been reading, I noticed that he made the following comment...

Well, I re-read Bridget Jones's Diary (for the third or fourth time, I think) because what little news and stuff I'd been exposed to was bringing me down, and I fancied a light bit of fluff - something that I knew would be ridiculous and fun - to cheer me up.

Four times? He read Bridget Jones's Diary FOUR times? 

CAN YOU SUGGEST A LIGHT, FUN BOOK FOR Mr. DeVICE TO READ? If so, please leave a comment.

The Mistress will weigh in with her suggestion, "The Guncle" by Steven Rowley, published in 2021.

The Mistress read The Guncle recently and agrees with its description as "a novel with some real depth beneath all its witty froth." Here's a publisher's blurb...

From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is, honestly, overwhelmed.

So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting–even if temporary–isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.

With the humor and heart we’ve come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

Since Mr. DeVice is a guncle (a gay uncle) we think this book may be just the ticket to cheer him up and replace Bridget Jones, at least temporarily. 

Your suggestons for a light, fun book are welcome.

The Year of the Bitch

Chinese New Year begins today and 2018 is the Year of the Dog...


Or as we here at Infomaniac like to call it, THE YEAR OF THE BITCH.

Chinese people believe that what you do during the Chinese New Year festival will affect your luck for the entire following year. You should avoid crying children, don't do laundry, don't sweep the floor, and don't wash your hair. Can you manage that?

We hope the dog in the photo (above) has purchased his book prior to the new year because buying books during the festival will make you lose your luck. Book (书 / shū ) is a homonym for lose (失去 / shīqù).

Happy Chinese New Year, Bitches!

Pooh

Today is “International Winnie the Pooh Day”...

[via]

It's celebrated each year on January 18th, the birthday of author A. A. Milne (18 January 1882 – 31 January 1956.)

Winnie-the-Pooh was first published in 1926 and was followed by The House at Pooh Corner (1928). Milne also included poems about Winnie in his books When we Were Very Young (1924) and Now We are Six (1927).

Was Pooh part of your childhood? How will you be celebrating the day?

Note: Anyone who mentions Kenny Loggins will be banned.

Book Report

Remember the The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge?



No, we're not doing a 2018 Book Challenge just as we didn't do a 2017 Book Challenge.

But we here at Infomaniac would like to know if you read any interesting books this year. And what are you currently reading?

At the moment, The Mistress is reading this...



... which is a coincidence because Charles Manson has finally gone to hell.

Quote of the Day - Eddie Izzard

If there is a god they need to come down to Earth and explain WWII, Hitler, bowel cancer, and Croc shoes.

Quote from his recently published memoir, "Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens."

Public Service Announcement #33

Do you lick your fingers to flip the pages of books, magazines or newspapers?...


[via]

Stop it. Stop it, right NOW.

We do not want your germs.

Unless it's your own personal property and you don't plan on lending it to someone else, do NOT lick your fingers to turn the pages.

Same goes when you're at the office and handing out pages of a report to your colleagues. No finger licking to separate one page from another.

You work in retail and you're counting money into the customer's hand? No finger licking to separate the bills.

If you really need to get a grip, there are products on the market such as rubber finger tips...



Or finger cots...



The Mistress has spoken.

This has been an Infomaniac Public Service Announcement.

Bookshelves and Bookcases

Show us your bookshelves, Bitches.



It all started when Mr. DeVice asked "As I've shown you mine, will you show us yours?"

The Mistress has not yet taken up the challenge. Nonetheless, for your viewing pleasure, we have provided links to those Bitches who have answered the call.

Mr. DeVice's bookshelves here.
(A sci-fi/fantasy fan's wet dream)

LX's bookshelves here.
(doubles as a room divider)

Mitzi's bookshelves here.
(includes lube)

Dinahmow's bookshelves here.
(complete with autobiography of G. Gordon Liddy)

Did I miss anyone? Oh yes, Norma's bookshelves, below..


[via]

If I've forgotten anyone, please let me know. And if you decide to display your bookshelves for our critical judgement, er, approval, be sure to tell us.

UPDATE: Muscato's bookshelves here.
(royal biographies and bibelots galore)

Mago's bookshelves here.
(More books than your local library!)

Miss Scarlet's bookshelves here.
(Mavis Cheek and MORE Mavis Cheek!)

Mr. Peenee's obscure bookcases of delight here.
(Stacks and stacks!)

Reflections on Reading - The Book Challenge Concludes

The Mistress wishes to thank those of you who took part in The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.


[via]

This time last year, several of you stated that you wanted to READ MORE BOOKS in 2016. We here at Infomaniac hope we challenged you to do so or at least inspired you to get lost in a book from time to time.

The Mistress read 52 books in 2016; up by only two books from the previous year. However, I'm pleased that I was able to indulge my passion for reading as often as I did.

Of those 52 books,  40 were Non-fiction and 12 were Fiction. I don't know how that works out as far as percentages are concerned but clearly, I have a preference for non-fiction. And of those 40 Non-fiction books, 9 were music-related and 13 were either biographies or autobiographies.

I don't know what these findings say about me. But look at your own reading choices over the past year and note what patterns you find.

There are no plans for a 2017 Book Challenge but we here at Infomaniac will continue to post about what we've been reading, from time to time, and encourage you to share your selections too.

And as the French say, "Bonne lecture!" (Happy reading!)

The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge: Your November-December Choices

It's time for you Bitches to have your say.


[via]

Tell us what you've been reading during the months of November and December for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

The Mistress's Reading List: November-December

The Mistress read 8 books during the months of November and December.


[via]

On SUNDAY, you Bitches will have your turn to tell us what you've been reading during the months of NOVEMBER & DECEMBER for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

TODAY, we look at the Mistress's list of books for November and December. This time, it's all Non-Fiction.

Canada by Mike Myers (published 2016)...



Canadian born comedian Mike Myers' book about his 53-year love affair with Canada. Packed full of anecdotes about Canadian culture and history, it's funny, as you'd expect, and full of personal stories on how the country shaped his personality and influenced his work. An affectionate look at our nation from a proud ex-pat.

Testimony by Robbie Robertson (published 2016)...



A must-read for fans of The Band: 4 Canadians and an Arkansan who produced a unique sound and an impressive body of work. As The Band's main songwriter, Robertson takes us on a musical journey from his early days in rock 'n' roll to The Band's "The Last Waltz" concert in 1976. The book draws to a close when Robertson is only 33 years old (he's now 73) so expect another memoir in future.

Leonard Cohen on Leonard Cohen: Interviews and Encounters by Jeff Burger (published 2016)...



A collection of more than 50 interviews Cohen conducted between 1966 and 2012. Fascinating reading yet Cohen remains an enigma.

Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop by Marc Myers (published 2016)...



Consider this an oral history jukebox. Songwriters and performers reveal the inspirations and stories behind their songs.

Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index by Kathy Griffin (published 2016)...



The Mistress is not too obsessed with the cult of celebrity but she cannot resist Kathy Griffin dishing the dirt on the likes of Woody Allen and "The Donald" to name just two.

The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads by Tim Wu (published 2016)...



This books reveals the history of how media resells human attention to advertisers. It shows us that every day, we are openly bought and sold by attention merchants such as television, Facebook and Twitter.

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi (published 2016)...



The author's "debut book of humorous essays that dissects our cultural obsessions and calls out bad behavior in our increasingly digital, connected lives. It passes on lessons and side-eyes on life, social media, culture and fame, addressing those terrible friends we all have to serious discussions of race and media representation to what to do about your fool cousin sharing casket pictures from Grandma’s wake on Facebook."

The Six: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters by Laura Thompson (published 2016)...



Born with silver spoons in their mouths, the six Mitford Sisters were the toast of British society. Born between 1904 and 1920, the lives of these sisters was a mix of snobbery, seduction and scandal.


That's it for The Mistress's choices. Be sure to return on SUNDAY to tell us about the books you've been reading.

The Gift of Reading

A reminder.



The final installment of The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge will take place in early January. That's when we'll be asking you which books you read during the months of November and December.

We hope you find a good book under your tree this holiday season.

Or why not give the gift of reading? Donate to or enroll a child at no cost in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library; a book gifting program for children from birth to age five.


She'd rather be remembered for books than boobs.

Dolly's nonprofit, early childhood literacy program sends an age-appropriate, free book each month to children from newborn to age 5 in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Dolly created this program to foster a love of reading and learning among preschool children and their families. With your help, every child in every community can be given this precious gift of reading that continues to give throughout their entire life.

Or considering volunteering or donating money to any of these many literacy and book charities.

The consequences of illiteracy are harmful so let's help transform lives and build a world where everyone can read.

The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge: Your September-October Choices

It's time for you Bitches to have your say.



Tell us what you've been reading during the months of September and October for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

The Mistress's Reading List: September-October

The Mistress read 7 books during the months of September and October.


[via]

On SATURDAY, you Bitches will have your turn to tell us what you've been reading during the months of SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

TODAY, we look at the Mistress's list of books for September and October. Links to summaries are included in the titles as The Mistress was too lazy to write her own reviews.

NON-FICTION:

Seinfeldia: How a Show about Nothing Changed Everything by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong (published 2016)...



A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression by Jane Ziegelman and Andrew Coe (published 2016)...




Wasting Time on the Internet by Kenneth Goldsmith (published 2016)...



A Field Guide to Lies: Critical Thinking in the Information Age by Daniel Levitin (published 2016)...



Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (published 2016)...




FICTION:

The Altogether Unexpected Disappearance of Atticus Craftsman by Mamen Sánchez, translated by Lucy Greaves (published 2016)...




Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift...



I hear you asking, "But Mistress. You were sick in bed for 2 weeks. Why didn't you read more books?" The Mistress read mostly magazines during those 2 weeks, that's why.

And as you noticed from the photo in the previous post, there is something to be said for reading magazines.

The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge: Your July-August Choices

It's time for you Bitches to have your say.


[via]

Tell us what you've been reading during the months of July and August for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

The Mistress's Reading List: July-August

The Mistress read 10 books during the months of July and August.


[via]

On SUNDAY, you Bitches will have your turn to tell us what you've been reading during the months of JULY & AUGUST for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.

TODAY, we look at the Mistress's list of books for July and August.

NON-FICTION

The Idiot Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains What Your Head Is Really Up To by Dean Burnett (published 2016)...



“British neuroscientist Burnett...packs an incredible amount of information into an accessible package with this breezy, charming collection of pop neuroscience musings on 'how the human brain does its own thing despite everything the modern world can throw at it.'” — Publishers Weekly

But What if We’re Wrong?: Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past by Chuck Klosterman (published 2016)...



"But What If We’re Wrong? visualizes the contemporary world as it will appear to those who'll perceive it as the distant past. Chuck Klosterman asks questions that are profound in their simplicity: How certain are we about our understanding of gravity? How certain are we about our understanding of time? What will be the defining memory of rock music, five hundred years from today? How seriously should we view the content of our dreams? How seriously should we view the content of television? Are all sports destined for extinction? Is it possible that the greatest artist of our era is currently unknown (or—weirder still—widely known, but entirely disrespected)? Is it possible that we “overrate” democracy? And perhaps most disturbing, is it possible that we’ve reached the end of knowledge?"

The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman (published 2016)...



A collection of Neil Gaiman's nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics.


The Voyeur’s Motel by Gay Talese (published 2016)...



The bizarre account of a Colorado motel owner who rigs up the attic into a "viewing platform" to watch his guests having sex, without their knowledge.

And from the same author...


Thy Neighbor’s Wife by Gay Talese (published 1981)...



An exploration of sexuality in America from post World War II through the 1970s.


Light My Fire: My Life with the Doors by Ray Manzarek (published 1998)...



Co-founder and keyboard player of The Doors, Ray Manzarek chronicles his friendship and collaboration with Jim Morrison and brings us an insider's perspective on life with the band.


I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This: And Other Things That Strike Me as Funny by Bob Newhart (published 2006)...



Iconic comedian Bob Newhart's observations of his life and career. The Mistress picked this up at a yard sale. Twenty-five cents well spent.


My Secret Mother by Phyllis Whitsell (published 2016)...



Nurse Phyllis Whitsell tracks down her birth mother who, despite what she's been told by her adoptive parents, is still very much alive. Phyllis spends nine years caring for her birth mother, without revealing her true identity to her.

FICTION

Hitman Anders and the Meaning of it All by Jonas Jonasson, translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles (published 2016)...



A madcap Swedish crime romp from the author of The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.


Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley (published 2016)...



Heartbreaking and heartwarming. A dachshund named Lily has a lethal brain tumor (The Octopus) on her head. Her human companion, Ted must learn to live with it. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate this book but if you are, I suggest you read it. Grab a box of tissues (oh yes, you will weep) and delve in.

Books and Booze

The Mistress will try to pull herself together in the days to come to discuss the books of July/August in The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.



In the meantime, help yourself to a book and booze pairing. Bram Stoker's Dracula and a Bloody Mary, for example? It's a book you can really sink your teeth into.

Any other book/booze pairing suggestions?

Beach Books

While you're enjoying the BOYS OF SUMMER...



... try to enjoy the BOOKS OF SUMMER too.


[via]

Join us again around the first week of September to discuss the books you've read in July and August.

The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge: Your May-June Choices

It's time for you Bitches to have your say.


[via]

Tell us what you've been reading during the months of May and June for The 2016 Infomaniac Book Challenge.