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Confessions of a Book Addict
By Jo Thomas
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Have I mentioned Canadian author Louise Penny? Critics call her detective, Chief Inspector Gamache of the Surete du Quebec, “One of the most interesting detectives in crime fiction.” Other reviews declare “The series is deep and grand and altogether extraordinary,” and “Cranking good.”
The focus of the stories is Chief Inspector Gamache. He is intelligent, introspective and regularly solves the case with a surprise. Many of the mysteries revolve around the village of Three Trees, which is not found on any map. People find it by chance and many stay. The inhabitants are sketched so they are instantly recognized by those who read the series. There is the renowned—but crazy—poet who carries a duck, the well respected psychiatrist who owns a new and used book store, and the kind woodsman whose words no one can understand.
There is often a murder but also drugs, unexpected deaths and political threats. Gamache and his officers are up for the challenge. My daughter thought I might like the series. I have just finished the 17th book and can’t wait to read the next. If you prefer to watch the television adaptations, turn your channel to the one offering Three Trees.
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 Hello. Is Anyone Out There?
By Sara Jane Coffman
The other day I decided to change my hairdo. I had my stylist color it, cut it, and fluff it up, then went over to Sam’s house to show him.
“Do you like it?” I asked, turning around seductively.
“What happened to your old hairdo?”
My old hairdo? The one you never said you liked? I should have expected that response, though. One time when we were going out, I asked him if he liked the dress I was wearing.
“I thought you were going to wear the green one you look so good in.”
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Besides having trouble getting compliments from Sam, I also have trouble getting compliments from my boss. At my last job interview, she did spend several minutes praising my work, then said: “But I’d like to see more stress in your job.”
SAY WHAT? So should I not solve my problems myself? Did she just want me to look more stressed? If so, I could stop coloring my hair and replace my expensive, long-lasting hairspray with a cheaper one.
As a humor writer, it’s extremely important for me to get feedback. I need to know if people think my stories are funny, and if my punch lines hit the mark. But asking people for feedback can be dangerous. The only kind of feedback any of us ever really wants is the good kind -- the kind that affirms our wonderfulness. Unfortunately, that’s not always the kind we get.
Anyway, I’ve been writing this column for awhile now, and I’d like to know if anyone likes it. So, here’s a survey I’d like you to complete. Put a checkmark next to the comments you agree with:
1. Your articles are:
—Too short
—Too long
—Just the right length
2. Your sense of humor:
—Is right on!
—Is very weird
—Could use some help
3. Which of the following is true?
—I enjoy your column so much, I read it twice!
—My cat/dog/hamster enjoys your column.
—My Aunt Bertha would have liked your column. She died in 1948.
—There was one story I liked. I can’t remember which one.
4. Your columns:
—Saved my marriage! Reading your column with my spouse has brought us closer together.
—Should be on the front page
—Serve a good purpose. They’re something to fill the space between the President’s message and Scott Ksander’s Tech Bytes.
5. My advice to you is:
—Don’t quit your day job
—Take a writing class. I’m teaching one in the spring. Call me.
—Buy a dog. I think it would help your writing. (Incidentally, I have some German Shepherd puppies for sale. Message me on FB.)
6. I think:
—The Newsletter should double what they’re paying you!
—What? You’re not getting paid?
—NOTHING?
—What’s wrong with those people?
Thank you for completing this survey. Please send all of your positive comments to my email and any negative comments to the Newsletter.
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Zoom Connection Information for PURA Meetings
The Zoom connection information for PURA monthly meetings is shown below. The link, Meeting ID, and password will be the SAME for all future normal monthly meetings.
Members who wish to join via phone call audio only will need the separate Passcode shown below. (The password/passcode for that method is different from the normal “computer connection” to Zoom.)
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Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97285398989?pwd=MlB4U0FudEplMFRoWm1GTkZzNmYrZz09 Meeting ID: 972 8539 8989
Passcode: BoilerUp
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,97285398989#,,,,,,0#,,41051096# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,97285398989#,,,,,,0#,,41051096# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
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+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
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Meeting ID: 972 8539 8989
Passcode: 41051096
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acvQQKVcnE
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SAVE THE DATE—APRIL 26 
