This looks good, but it’s the second time I’ve tried to read it, and I just can’t finish it. Obviously there’s a pattern here …

I think this is the first romance I’ve ever read where the “action” takes place at the end! I was reading another Crusie book at the same time and thinking, geez this is dragging; what’s the deal? All tied up in the plot, friends, and well worth it. Where’s that box of Krispie Kremes when you need it?!

I happened to mention to a 90-something friend that I hadn’t read a good romance all summer. The next day she brought me this-fun!-plus another recommendation that I’m listening to. The next week, she brought me two more romance books; guess I’m going to get my summer-romance-book-quota taken care of with no problem at all!

If I had discovered what this character does at age 24, I might have made some different choices in my life. As it turns out, I am happy with the choices I did make.

Seeing this in the theaters (years ago) was my first real exposure to U2. I remember my best friend being amazed that I wanted to see it; I was a bit more into pop in those days. And to this day, hearing the track “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” from this film still sends chills down my spine, just as it did then. Amazing.

I have to admit, I almost didn’t finish this. The start was rather slow, getting into the kids’ personal lives before the marching band season started. Once the author got into the band director’s background, though, and also into the nuts and bolts of making a marching band happen, I was hooked. And by that time I actually “knew” some of the kids, so I was a bit more understanding of what was going on with them.

In addition, my experience of marching band about 3 decades back was a little different. Though I know that myself and others were probably pretty consistent church-goers, I don’t know that we were as focused on our faith journeys as the kids at Concord seemed to be. We were worried about grades, scholarships, relationships, fitting in, and the usual teenage rebellions, but not so much about religion. Different times, different place … who knows?

Of course, this being an Indiana band and the Indiana music system was a big draw for me, too. But I think there might an appeal for anyone who has ever set heel/toe to turf, pointed their instruments to the pressbox, and played their hearts out. Recalling those moments of striving for excellence and living it again with the Concord students made this book a satisfying read for me.

I saw this movie a long time ago, and yet still it sticks in my memory. The freedom of the individual is a big theme, the independence of the mind. But somehow the thing I always seem to remember most is Katherine Helmond’s continual plastic surgery. The parody of that against contemporary culture is priceless.

Okay; I admit it. I’m a marching band junkie. Longer ago than I care to admit, high school marching band changed me from a grade school outcast to someone who actually belonged. This book about one marching season with a champion Indiana band totally has me hooked. Will comment more on this when I finish—which won’t be long, at this rate!

Fun flick! After watching this I ran right out and read “Fahrenheit 451,” something I’d never done, but it seemed appropriate. Guess there’s a little renegade in all of us …

I love Anne Lamott. The quirky angles from she approaches religion (& life) from make for interesting reading. I liked Traveling Mercies a little better, Plan B a little less.