Member: library_kate

Kate

I'm also an American living in Canada.

I noticed we have many books in common and your collection is amazing. I've added you as an interesting library.

Here's to a long winter and curling up with a good book.

Elizabeth

posted by edumke at 11:07 am (EST) on Sep 2, 2009

Sorry for the shameless self-promotion, but I thought you might like to know that my new novel, Dirty Little Angels, is now available. Thought you might be interested since people have compared it to Flanney O'Connor, who I noticed was on your shelf. By the way, if you'd be willing to read the book and post your comments here (and on amazon.com possibly), I'd be glad to send you an e-book version of the book by e-mail. Let me know. Here's a summary in case you're interested:

Set in the slums of New Orleans, among clusters of crack houses and abandoned buildings, Dirty Little Angels is the story of sixteen year old Hailey Trosclair. When the Trosclair family suffers a string of financial hardships and a miscarriage, Hailey finds herself looking to God to save her family. When her prayers go unanswered, Hailey puts her faith in Moses Watkins, a failed preacher and ex-con. Fascinated by Moses's lopsided view of religion, Hailey, and her brother Cyrus, begin spending time down at an abandoned bank that Moses plans to convert into a drive-through church. Gradually, though, Moses's twisted religious beliefs become increasingly more violent, and Hailey and Cyrus soon find themselves trapped in a world of danger and fear from which there may be no escape.

If you'd like to read the first chapter, you can read it here:
http://christophertusa.com/blog/?page_id...

Take care,

Chris

posted by cmtusa at 11:06 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2009

Kate,

I'm thrilled to hear that- I love Harris's stuff. Coastliners is currently on my TBR pile. I haven't actually gotten to read either of the books I got from my secret Santa yet, but I'm really looking forward to them (an Evelyn Waugh, and To the Lighthouse).

Cheers,
Laurie

posted by lahochstetler at 6:08 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2009

HI Kate,
You have a ton (a bunch? a pile?) of interesting books in your library that totally fit my reading interests! I'm glad my rating makes sense to you 'cas I've been feeling very ambivalent about it. I really enjoyed reading your comments in your library--it really adds "feeling" to your rating system. I'm going to gradually go back and add comments to my library as well, but don't want to do that unless I go back and reread at least part of the book. Happy reading!
Bonnie

posted by bonniebooks at 2:41 pm (EST) on Dec 8, 2008

Hi Kate!
We have a lot of books in common so I thought it would be interesting to check out some of your favorites by Canadian authors. I noticed that you just added/rated When You are engulfed in Flames by D. Sedaris. I'm really looking forward to getting that in my Christmas Stocking! Naked was the first book I read of his and was laughing so hysterically just in trying to recount one of the stories to a friend that her young teenage daughter snuck off to read it too!

I notice you just added some text books. Are you going to school currently? I'm trying to decided whether I want to add all of my Childrens Books and/or text books to my library. If I do, I would like to be able to presort them out for other people who are interested in exploring my library online.

Bonnie

posted by bonniebooks at 5:42 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2008

Hi Kate,

I'm just learning about the comment function, so hope I am doing this right. Thanks for leaving a note for me. I have been having a great time visiting book clubs in Vancouver, where I live. The questions people ask are terrific. I'd love to get to Toronto, so let me know if your book club chooses Conceit and maybe ... just maybe, it's possible. Or perhaps a conference call?

Cheers,
Mary

posted by MaryNovik at 6:53 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2008

Hi Kate...Gifted is waiting for me at the local library when I get back into town. I'm doing the "grandmother thing" for a few days. I'll post a review of my thoughts on it on my profile page in a week or so. ~Donna~

posted by Donna828 at 3:37 pm (EST) on Feb 29, 2008

Hi just joined library thing and so far have just randomly been listing books that are memorable. I see we have quite a few books in common which is always an interesting connection wanted to introduce myself

posted by kateblu at 10:35 pm (EST) on Feb 13, 2008

Hey Kate -- checked out your library; we do have similar tastes! I did see a few books we definately disagreed on though - for instance I loved A Fine Balance and Atonement! I am finally caving to popular culture and am currently reading Pullman's The Golden Compass (I didn't see that on your list?).

I have heard Toronto is a beautiful city. I tend to really like Canadian authors as well especially Margaret Atwood. Happy reading! Jen

posted by jhowell at 11:36 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2008

Hi Kate,

Thank you for your interest in my library. I have added you to my Interesting Library list as well.
And no, I don't mind chatting with you--talking about books is one of my favorite things to do. Like you, reading is essential to me. I am an ex-teacher with a Masters degree in Reading. I have had my nose in a book for the past 50-some years! I am involved in adult literacy and am working with a 28-year-old woman who reads at a fourth grade level.

About my 5-star books. I may seem "easy" in my ratings, but keep in mind, when I first started on Library Thing, I only listed my favorite books read. I gave myself a lifetime membership for Christmas and am presently listing everything I read--and writing reviews on each one. I depend on book reviews and recommendations from others so that I am rarely disappointed in what I read. Next up for me is The Air We Breathe and another Jane Austen. I am also slowly whittling away at War and Peace, something I've wanted to read for a long time.

Yes, I am in the Early Reviewer's program and have read four Advance Reader's copies. Just finished the excellent Gardens of Water by Alan Drew. I'm curious about your theory in how the books are distributed. I just know, I feel blessed when I get a new book in the mail. :-)

As to recommendations for your daughter: In the Image by Dara Horn, The Book Thief by Zusak, and (I see you've read and enjoyed this) The Giver by Lois Lowry. I just recommended the latter to my 15-year-old great nephew. Also, I'm really into Jane Austen these days. They appeal to a wide age range and are timeless. The Masterpiece Theatre presentation for tonight is Sense and Sensibility. I have been taping these to watch after I reread the novels.

Keep in touch and keep reading....Donna from Missouri

posted by Donna828 at 12:05 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2008

Glad you liked it! I've been on holiday for the last week so I haven't received my Secret Santa books yet, but I'm looking forward to getting home and opening the package...

posted by wandering_star at 2:24 am (EST) on Jan 7, 2008

Kate,
Thanks for my new books! I have heard about The Beekeeper's Apprentice and had it on my list of "must reads." Still Life is new to me...can't wait to meet Inspector Gamache.
Thanks, Kate! Merry Christmas!
Linda

posted by boblinfortino at 3:56 pm (EST) on Dec 21, 2007

Thank you! I'm so glad you like the look of them - I really love both of them, and I hope you'll enjoy them too.

posted by wandering_star at 6:57 pm (EST) on Dec 18, 2007

Thanks for the compliments! You've put me a good mood. The Books we share list covers a lot of my favorites and ones I'm itching to read (Half of Yellow Sun and The Secret River jump out)... OK, so I checked your ratings too. We do have a lot in common. I'll definitely mark your library.

I had a lot of trouble writing a Gifted review. I wanted to capture the atmosphere of the book, but I kept writing long boring essays. The actual review I posted was when I finally gave up, and, very frustrated, just quickly wrote out something completely different.

posted by dchaikin at 6:56 am (EST) on Aug 18, 2007

Thanks Kate!

Although my lack of concentration has pummeled (I guess I have no one to blame but myself!), reading and writing are just two components that helps me survive in this chaotic world. Sentimentalities aside, I appreciate the kind words on my profile.

posted by seemingmeaning at 11:24 am (EST) on Aug 3, 2007

thank you for all your recommendations. they look absolutely delightful! ;) and please feel free to share the love anytime. ;) i am loving "curious" and will finish it today i am sure!

posted by amanaceerdh at 11:15 am (EST) on Sep 15, 2006

your collection is impressive; we have 138 in common...i am also a sucker for book club picks and award winners!! happy reading! :)

posted by amanaceerdh at 2:14 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2006

"Kavalier & Clay" was all right (3 stars in my book is equal to "fair"). The story deviated a little bit in a way that was disconcerting to me, but the characters were interesting. The major reason why I didn't like it is because Chabon tended to dwell too much on description, and that bored me after a little while.

How do you like "The Devil Wears Prada"?

You have a great catalog, by the way. =)

posted by RhiGirl at 5:47 pm (EST) on Sep 9, 2006