Sunday Musings on the Acre, Take 1

A note about my rating scale:

3 stars or below - Not Recommended

3.5 stars - Guardedly Recommended

4 stars - Recommended

4.5-5 stars - Highly Recommended and you best get the book in hand now!










Memorable Reads for 2010 - Just in case you are curious as to what I read:

Nonfiction
The National Parks: America's Best Idea by Dayton Duncan & Ken Burns
Larry Burrows: Vietnam by Larry Burrows
The Morville Hours by Katherine Swift
Waterlog by Roger Deakin
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Slavery By Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebekah Skloot
At the Hands of Persons Unknown by Philip Dray
On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery by Robert M. Poole
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History by Robert Sherwood
Provenance by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo
The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross
My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

Fiction
Salvation by Sholem Asch
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry
The Party by Rudolph Von Abele
The Egyptian by Mika Waltari
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
The Straight and Narrow Path by Honor Tracy
Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski
The War of the End of the World by Mario Vargas Llosa
Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip
Silence by Shusaku Endo
In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Troubles by J.G. Farrell
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
Music and Silence by Rose Tremain
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
The Siege and The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
Life With a Star by Jiri Weil
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
2666 by Roberto Bolano
Room by Emma Donoghue
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

Young Adult
Genesis by Bernard Beckett
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
The Four-Story Mistake by Elizabeth Enright
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
Iqbal by Francesco d'Adamo
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

A note about my memorable reads: I am not a book critic. My memorable reads list is just that: books that are memorable to me - that for some reason or other resonate with me. I do not review books as many people here do for the simple reason that I am a terrible book reviewer!

Hi Stasia- good to see you make a home here.

Yeah, I am still trying to get the place all set up :)

Garfield looks a little disgruntled?

He needs more coffee. It is early morning here :)

:)

There it is - "Happy New Thread Year", Stasia!

OK, right off the top: I do have some personal goals for this year, most of which will not appear here on my thread, but which I am tracking on my wiki. Suffice to say, one of my real goals for the year is to read less. I read 490 books in 2008 (the year we moved into our new house), 542 in 2009, and 578 in 2010. This, to me, is not a good trend.

I guess the biggest goal, and likely the hardest, is not to purchase any more than 10 new books in 2011. Linda (Whisper) and I are supporting each other in this endeavor. Personally, I am saving up all 10 to buy at the Joplin meet up in November!

On to bigger and better things as I am sure most of you do not give a fig about any of the above, lol.

This week's reads:

#2, 6, 7: The Everest Trilogy by Gordon Korman - juvenile; I am listing the three books together even though I did not read them consecutively; the trilogy concerns a contest (think Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) in which the lucky winners get to climb Mt. Everest; putting aside the incredulity of taking a band of children up Everest, I think the books work really well for kids agess 9-12; teamwork is emphasized, but not at the expense of the characters of the children involved, although the characters are not complex; guardedly recommended for adults, recommended for kids (3.5/4) Mine - passed on

3. The African Past by Basil Davidson - nonfiction; my one real complaint about the book is that I would love to have read more on the 20th century - once the African nations were achieving independence, but overall, I enjoyed the book, especially Davidson's reliance on primary sources; quote in its entirety (one of my favorites from the book) from Macemba, a ruling chief of the Yao people to Hermann von Wissmann, a German commander, who demands Macemba's submission: "I have listened to your words but can find no reason why I should obey you - I would rather die first. I have no relations with you and cannot bring it to my mind that you have given me so much as a pesa or the quarter of a pesa or a needle and thread. I look for some reason why I should obey you and find not the smallest. If it should be friendship that you desire, then I am ready for it, today and always; but to be your subject, that I cannot be . . . If it should be war you desire, then I am ready, but never to be your subject . . .if I do not fall at your feet, for you are God's creature just as I am . . . I am sultan here in my land. You are sultan there in yours. Yet listen, I do not say to you that you should obey me; for I know that you are a free man . . . As for me, I will not come to you, and if you are strong enough, then come and fetch me . . ."; recommended (4 stars)

4. Luka and the Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie - this book took a while to take off for me and I did not like it as much as I did Haroun and the Sea of Stories, but I did stick with it and ended up enjoying more than I thought I would; the book is definitely not for people who do not like magical realism; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars)

Continuing:

5. Rounding the Horn by Dallas Murphy - nonfiction; one of my Christmas presents (thank you, Peggy!); I would have been more than happy if Murphy had left out all of the contemporary parts to the book and just focused on the historical parts, which I was more interested in and frankly, thought were better written; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Mine

8. Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass - the first book in 'The Body Farm' series overall, I thought pretty good, but some of the dialogue and narration was stilted at times and did not flow well; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Mine - Nook

9. The White House Doctor by Connie Mariano - nonfiction; I was rather disappointed in this memoir, written by the doctor who took care of Presidents Bush Sr. and Clinton - I am not sure why I was so let down by the book - maybe expecting too much from it? guardedly recommended (3.5 stars)

10. The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter - young adult; Not sure why this is not rated higher on LT because I thought it was very good; I liked the author's use of Indian words as the boy is being reintroduced to whites (lodge for house, for example); the Indian captives who thought of themselves as 'sacrifices,' while the whites do not understand why John/True Son has no sympathy for his white family's ordeal; John/True Son thinks of himself as 'thrice imprisoned' - first in an alien land, then in a white man's house, and lastly in white boy's clothing; Recommended (4 stars)

11. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs - nonfiction; this book has been in the BlackHole forever, but Luxx's recent review (here) prompted me to finally get it read, and I am so glad I did; for me, one of the most telling sections is where 'Linda' is trying to tell her daughter about the girl's father and 'Ellen' is not interested - she knows everything about her father that she wants to know because having lived with her white father and his family, including another daughter, she was little more than an unwanted object to him; highly recommended, and on my memorable reads list for the year (5 stars)

Hi! Good luck with the challenge and with buying/reading less books.

Continuing again (I really hate it when LT starts eating my messages!)

12. In a Summer Season by Elizabeth Taylor - one of those books that I took multiple notes on, but really do not know how to review; I think it can best be summed up by a quote midway through the book: "if human nature is the novelist's raw material. . .she believed she had seen as much of that as anyone, and had certainly struck a rich vein of it in this household.'; gift from Peggy (thanks again!); recommended (4.25 stars)

13. Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy - this one is a book Carolyn and I were reading together, recommended to us about 2 years ago by Deborah (arubabookwoman); from the very beginning of the book we are never sure whether the main character, who has been institutionalized before, is completely sane or is she really travelling through time - going to a utopian future, which still presents problems, but different problems from the time she is in; I think it is an interesting contrast to Looking Backward that I read recently in Bellamy and Piercy's different views on utopian societies, but in the end, Piercy's book is more about the social injustices going on in Connie's time, than just the utopia of the future; recommended (4 stars)

And I just figured out that I have already messed up my book journal for 2011. *sigh* I have already lost a book - how could I do that in one week?! This is what happens when you transfer files back and forth between home and office. Ridiculous.

#1 The White King by Gyorgy Dragoman - another recommendation by Deborah (thanks again), another indictment of a social system, this time presumed to be (although never named) communist Romania; the things that really got to me in this book were the casual cruelty, not just among the children, but the adults to the children as well - the lies told to Djata, as well as the physical violence; the other thing that got to me was Djata's relationship to his mother, the one real thing he can hold on to through all the lies and abuse; recommended (4 stars)

So, not a bad start to the year, even if I did lose a book along the way.

I've added The White King to my library wishlist (there is no book buying for me either...) Haven't read anything set in Romania yet.

Looks like you've had a nice start to the year!

Hey, Kerry, Kath, Nathalie, and Cushla! You guys found me early!

ETA: Thanks, Emma. Sorry I missed you earlier :)

The White King was one of my top memorable reads last year, I just loved reading it.
I'll look out for Woman on the edge of time as I enjoyed Piercy's Body of Glass. A similar sounding plot is Jack London's The Star Rover which is another book I'm keen to read this year.

#14: I had not heard of The Star Rover, Kerry. Thanks for the mention. I will look for that one.

Gotcha again! I think I've dodged the book bullets this week, thank heavens - I need to tackle my own TBR pile a bit this year! A HUGE GOOD LUCK with the book-buying goal. I think I'm already on my way to hitting 10 and we're only a week into January. It's a sickness...

#16: It's a sickness...

Believe me, Ellie, I know!

Good Morning ! Thought I would send you a mention of the snow here in northern Indiana. Anywhere from 12'' to 38'' in a 20 mile radius. We love it.

#18: We are supposed to be having snow here too, Cindy, but thus far, it is rain and bits of sleet. I am still hopeful though!

I feel a bit like Garfield this morning...

I am so glad you found Incidents to be so memorable. I've always found it to be rather amazing myself.

Good luck with snow!

#20: I had been meaning to read Incidents forever, so your review finally got me going on it, and once I started it, I could not put it down. Harriet's voice pulled me through that book!

I'm adding Incidents to my Mount TBR.

#22: I hope you like it when you get to it, Nora!

Hi Stasia. *waves*

>9 alcottacre:: I agree with your comments about The Light in the Forest; the rating on LT surprises me. I read that book when I was at the target age and it has stuck with me ever since. I wonder if the depressing nature of the ending turns off many young adults?

Morning Stasia- Wow you've been busy over here in the a.m. Welcome to 2011, my friend. I was able to dodge the blue words this week. Have a great Sunday and good luck with those reading goals!

#24: *waving* back at Stephen!

#25: I think it has to be, Tad. After I read the book, I looked at some of the reviews, and several of them remarked about how depressing the book was. I, on the other hand, thought it very realistic of what John/True Son was experiencing.

#26: Sorry I missed you this week, Mark. Maybe next week? You have a great Sunday too!

Woman on the edge of time seems interesting, it's good to read a review of it. I have a copy on one of my too read shelves (the problem with being split between several houses is nothing is where you want it to be) but if you recomend it then it'll certainly move up the list.

#28: Oh yeah, I think it is definitely worth the read, Emma. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

>25 TadAD:, 27 - I have a feeling that there may be some teachers out there who use LT as a teaching tool. I've come across some very surprising ratings and some reviews that read like forced assignments. I actually think it's a neat idea; I wish LT had been around when I was a teenager.

Starred! I am still thinking about reading Lucca and the Fire of life, but my recent Salman Rushdie reads have been underwhelming Shalimar the Clown but I loved Midnight's Children. I'll pick it up next time i'm at the library...

I like the brevity of your rating list!

>30 London_StJ: I've noticed that as well.

#31: I will be interested in seeing what you think of it, Ceri. Have you read Haroun yet?

#32: Thanks, Lucy.

What I enjoy about so many of these Obviously Homework ratings is the fact that you can almost hear some of them trying to write an "educationally positive" review of a book they clearly did not enjoy. :-D

Morning Stasia (well, afternoon here). No book bullets for me this week but I have The White King checked out of the library to read and I have had a copy of Woman on the Edge of Time in my TBR piles for absolutely ages. Glad you enjoyed it.

Hi Stasia (starred) - nice start to the year. I'm dodging the BBs but only because the ones I'm interested in are already on the radar.

#36: Heather, I hope you enjoy the books, if and when you get to them. Sorry I missed you with the BBs this week :)

#37: Hey, calm! I am glad your radar has already picked up on the good ones :)

Yeah! 2011 has officially begun!
I like how Garfields eyes and his slippers eyes are in sync.

I like the premise for the The Everest Trilogy. A title for each book would be helpful for searching at the library?
Also, as a 1/4 Romanian I look forward to reading The White King. I know so little about the area except what's been told through vampire stories and I know there is so much more to be heard from them.
Have a great week, Stasia!

Hi Stasia, ya for the new thread, wow only 10 new book for this year!!! You are a braver person than me, I think I would need a patch like giving up smoking. Does that include buying digital books????

Hi, Stasia!
Glad to see your new thread on the 2011 group. Now all is right with the world! Wonderful list of books for the week!
--BJ

I have as yet to find the mindset within myself to read Salman Rushdie. I tried last summer but just wasn't able to give it the focus it deserved. All of his books are on my TBR list.

#40: Lynda, the titles are The Contest, The Climb, and The Summit. They are written for 9-12 year olds.

#41: Yes, it does, Jess!

#42: Thanks, BJ.

#43: I think some of his are easier than others. Haroun and Luka fall into that category. The good thing is that the books will wait for you until you are ready for them, Karene.

#44 re #40 Thanks Stasia, the age group is perfect for my son and I'll enjoy them too.

I've got new armor this year to dodge those Book Bullets!
I've decided that it has to be a "gotta have that book now" to make my collections otherwise, I'll never get to the books that I already own. So just as you are on a book buying furlow I'm on a Book adding one.

So this week I dodged them all!

Great start for the new year Stasia! Stick to your resolutions (at least for the first week or two, :-) LOL

#45: No problem, Lynda! I hope you both enjoy them when you get to them.

#46: Sounds fair to me, Cheli! Good luck to you.

Hi Stasia! Not that you really ever left, but it's nice to see your new thread in the 2011 group! :)

So, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl was one of those books in my mental TBR list that never made it to my notebook. That has now been rectified. I also added The African Past because my history/geography in that area is sorely lacking, and this looks like a good way of learning more.

#48: Glad to see you could find something to like this week, Mary. Definitely read the Jacobs book! I read The African Past for the same reason you want to and hopefully will be reading more on the subject as the year progresses.

Hi, Stasia. I am NOT adding any books, because I am DETERMINED to stick to my current "to read first this year" list and not get sidetracked (but I bet it doesn't last....)

#50: I bet it does not last either, Janet :)

It is finally snowing here! Woot!

Finally snowing? And you are excited about that? Oh, you silly, silly, Southern people.
I did not know that The Light in the Forest was low rated. I gave it four stars when I was logging it in back in my early days on LT and it had been many years since I read it. There were a lot of books, when I was getting my library on LT, that I did not feel I could rate, because I could barely remember what I thought about them, but TLitF was not one of them. Must read it again....

It snowed here in the past three days- the plows have finally cleared my road!
Look forward to your 2011 reading Stasia-

Adding Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl to the wishlist, and possibly The African Past. I definitely need to read more about Africa, too.

Snow? You have snow? Woohoo! I hope there is enough, and it lasts long enough, for you to enjoy it, but not so much for so long that it causes problems!

No BB's for me this time. I already have one of the books that you read this morning, still sitting on my shelf unread yet. Maybe next week.. :) Yeah for 2011 and your new thread.... :) ***Waves****

Hi Stasia! I had to read an excerp of Incididents in the Life of a Slave Girl in my AmLit-class last semester, and I remember really liking it. I need to read the whole thing, thanks for reminding me! :) Also, Woman on the Edge of Time sounds very intriguing!

You had a great week! I dodged the bullet though this time. I have the Everest books in my Elementary Media Center and they are popular with the 4th and 5th graders. I haven't read them myself though.

Good luck on the book buying ban. I understand! I have already bought a few. Somehow it doesn't seem so bad when you pre-order and they arrive periodically. Then I look at my credit card statement and it says Amazon, Amazon, Amazon, ... for pages.

All is right with the world. Stasia is back. Another great start of a new year with lots of great books! Did I tell you how much of an inspiration you are to this group? How much you are loved and admired?

Yay, Stasia is back!!

Sorry you didn't like the book about the White House doctor more. I absolutely loved that one.

#57 Same here and I don't like seeing Amazon so much. I buy myself an Amazon gif card periodically, budgeting the amount I'm willing to spend and just use that.

Let the new year begin. Stasia started her thread...and I might add with some very good books. I had noted Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl when Luxx reviewed it, and now it has a star by it in my Dream Book. It sounds like a good one to add when I begin my mini Civil War study.

>35 TadAD: - It makes me giggle, Tad. :)

Enjoy your snow, madam!

Stasia's here; all's right with the world. **sigh**

No BBs today; I added The White King yesterday based on Deborah's review. Good luck with not buying books this year. What's wrong with us anyway? Why the book acquisition fever? Oh well. Rhetorical question.

#52: Yes, I am excited about the snow. Unfortunately, our snow is now coming down with ice (the stuff we normally get). That I am not excited about. I will be interested in your thoughts on TLitF if you decide to give it a re-read, Charlotte.

#53: Thanks, Cyrel! I am glad you are finally going to be able to leave your house :)

#54: I am glad you found something to like on this week's list, Caty.

#55: ***Waving*** back at Monica

#56: Oh, yes, do read the whole thing, Ine!

#57: Congratulations on dodging BBs this week, Kathy! I do not want to be adding to your credit card bill! (although Amazon might like me to)

#58: Everything was OK with the world before I started a thread. It was not like I was gone or anything :)

#59: Ah, well, Linda, I guess we can agree to disagree about that one :)

#60: A mini Civil War study? Sounds fun! Incidents would definitely be a good addition. I would imagine your local library would have a copy, Donna, if you do not want to purchase it.

#61: Thanks, Luxx!

#62: I am laughing at you and Linda, Bonnie. It is only the 9th of January.

Snow here too.

You got me with a couple non-fiction books: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and The African Past.

Cozy up with a book and a cuppa and enjoy your snowy day!

How nice to see your shiny new thread finally up. And I'm glad you got some snow (boo to ice, however). This is starting to look like a snowy year up in the northeast - reminding me of my childhood on Long Island, very snowy and beautiful.

I love Garfield's bunny slippers ;-)

I downloaded Incidents a few days ago, which I thought was co-incidence, but then again I may have read about it on LT. It's free on Kindle in the UK at the moment (maybe forever) and quite high up their bestseller list, if you can actually have a "sell" list for free stuff...

Yey! Happy New Year. Glad to see the thread back, even if I get overwhelmed every time I drop in. :)

No bullets for me, except the reinforcement that I need to pick up Haroun and the Sea of Stories, as I think I liked Luka and the Fire of Life more than you did. Which will make the first one fantastic, right?

Oh...and I'm glad the Jennings books arrived safe and sound. Hope you enjoy them!

#65: Yep, the cuppa Spiced Apple Chai is in hand. I am supposed to be sleeping, but it is not happening. Glad you found something to like this week, Jenn!

#66: Yeah, Judy, we hit the high for the day at 8am this morning when I was on my way home from work. We are projected to have ice, snow and freezing drizzle up until 10am tomorrow morning. I hate ice!

#67: I like his bunny slippers too :) I hope you get a chance to read Incidents soon, Susan. Thanks for stopping by!

#68: I hope you enjoy Haroun, Karen. It made my memorable reads list a couple of years ago, I liked it that much.

>60 Donna828:, 64 Stasia & Donna, I thought you might be interested in a book-signing I am going to at my library Thursday. Greg Wolk wrote a book called A Tour Guide to Missouri's Civil War, and he is going to be there. Maybe we can extend our Joplin excursion...

#69 Ooh, spiced apple chai sounds delicious.

Looks like you're of to a great start there.

Well, I certainly see why everyone was waiting with bated breath for your Sunday morning post Stasia. I read Light In the Forest last year, and although I really liked it, I was left feeling as if there was so much more the author could have added.

I have added Incidents In the Life of a Slave Girl to my wish list. Thanks.

You hit me with The African Past--I absolutely loved the quote. It reminds me that I need to see if the friend I loaned The African Experience quite a few years ago still has it, as I'd like it back.

Hi Stasia! Great list to start the year. Hope you get more snow and less ice. It's snowing buckets here --my girls are beginning to be hopeful that they may have a snow day tomorrow. I wouldn't mind one either! We need rehearsal tomorrow, though, as Tuesday we're singing at the governor's inauguration.

I read Woman on the Edge of Time and really enjoyed it. I can't remember if you've read He, She and It, but if you haven't, you have to. It's fantastic.

And the thought of kids up Everest is terrifying....I'm fascinated by watching documentaries on Everest, reading about climbing it etc, and the idea that a group of children could do it is crazy. I know the 13 year old did last year, but the rules have been changed now, and he was VERY lucky, and with a VAST support network.

There has yet to be a season of climbing on Everest (which is usually about 2 weeks of the year with people on the actual mountain) when there have been no fatalities.

Kids up there? I don't think so.

Hi, Stasia! Your thread has finally arrived:)

No books for my wishlist this week, though I know you will probably hit me with many throughout the year!

Have a lovely day!

Whew! Managed to keep up with your thread this week. Loved your favorite books from last year list. Thanks!

I read Woman on the Edge of Time ages and ages ago, before I was a psychologist. Am I remembering correctly that she used the term "thorazine shuffle"? I think the book is where I first encountered the term. I need to do a re-read. I think I still have the book. I had collected most of Piercy's works as of early 90's, then cleaned most of them out several years ago. I deeply regret it!!!

I intended to read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl last year, but it didn't happen. I really must make sure I read it this year. I picked up a biography of Harriet Jacobs at a book sale a few months ago, and I want to read Incidents before reading the biography.

I've read two or three of the Jefferson Bass books, starting with Carved in Bone. For me, the fun part of reading them is spotting all of the local references. The authors claimed that the Cooke County of Carved in Bone is fictional, but everyone around here knows it's a thinly disguised Cocke County, which has a reputation for illegal activities. Dr. Bass (one half of the pseudonym) is a local celebrity. He was the speaker at the graduation ceremony when I received my master's degree.

I've got your current thread starred! Glad I found it.

Trying to get caught up with everyone this week! Stopping to say HI, so I can find you again!!

Hi Stasia! Great to see you in 2011. You're off to a wonderful start already with 6 books read out of your library. I also plan to read more from my own library this year, but the two I've finished so far have been from my local library. Bah on me.
I also LOVE the Garfield gif. It looks like me getting out of bed. LOL. Good luck on your 2011 goals although I doubt that you will need it.

Hi, Stasia! Just stopping by to say hello and wish you a great week. I only did a cursory glance at your books for the week so didn't add any to my TBR pile yet. I will go back later for a more detailed reading and I am sure you will get me!

Just curious - why do you want to read less books? Is it mainly that if you are reading more it means you are buying more or do you have something in mind to replace all of the reading you do?

Ooops - sorry hit "post" instead of "back to top".

Stasia - I forgot to mention that I received the book in the mail the other day. I hope you enjoyed it!

Some great books to start off the new year! I added Women on the Edge of Time to the wishlist. Thanks for the reviews.

Finally! I'm glad to see your 2011 thread at last, Stas. Starred you .... could I do otherwise?!

I was grinning, thinking I was dodging all your bullets this week, but the last book posted, The White King sounded too good to pass up. So off to the obese wish list it goes.

Welcome to 2011.

Hi Stasia, absolutely agree with you on The Light in the Forest. Have a great reading week.

I have The Light in the Forest on my TBR shelves somewhere -- I'll have to keep it in mind when looking for my next read.

Found you. You are like my younger child, Marty--I always had to go looking for him because he was so active! :-)

I discovered "Jefferson Bass" when I read his nonfiction book about the Body Farm--Death's Acre and it's sequel. His mysteries are fun, but I think the Bills Bass nonfiction books are fascinating.

*sigh* Now things are right in my LT world.
I see a lot to like on the first week's list, but I will not get to any of it yet...... I'm not going to try to buy only ten books, but most of what I read is bought and not borrowed, so I won't be looking for the Piercy (unless I have it) or *Slave Girl* or *White King* just yet.
(And we are expecting 2 inches or so of snow with 1/10 of an inch of ice on top tomorrow. Ice is definitely not good.) (I'm staying in!)

I remember The Light in the Forest as a great read from way back when I was little!! Hi Stasia!!

Hi, Stasia- Happy New Year! Good luck on the new goals - only buying 10 books will be hard for you. You bought more than that in Joplin last year, didn't you? I'll give you encouragement to keep the resolution, if you want it.

I'm going back up to the top now and add a couple of those books to the wishlist. I've never read Salman Rushdie before, but was interested in the description of Luka and the Fire of Life. What do you think? A good place to start with him, or is Midnight's Children better?

She's baaaaack -- on her own thread!

*ducking book bullets*

Congrats on the new digs Stasia. Already hopelessly behind. Sigh. Well, I've got my foot in the door. Will be back.

Goodnight, Stasia! Good reading!

#70: Terri, are you planning on kidnapping the guy? We will not be in Joplin again until November! lol

#71: Thanks, Kate!

#72: I hope you enjoy 'Incidents' when you get to it, Judy.

#73: I hope you enjoy The African Past when you get to it, Roni!

#74: Thanks, Anne! The governor's inauguration? Cool beans!

#75: I already have He, She, and It in the BlackHole, Jenny, but thanks for the reminder that I need to get to it!

#76: Hey, Bente!

#77: Glad you are caught up, Kim!

#78: Yes, she does use the term "thorazine shuffle," Sher. I hope you still have your copy of the book so that you can get reacquainted with it.

#79: Hey, Carrie. Thanks for dropping by! What is the title of the Jacobs biography? I would not mind reading more about the lady.

Phew! Lotta posts already....You a popular gal!

I'll throw my hat in, too

Gotcha *****STARRED*****, as usual

;-}

#80: Thanks, Linda!

#81: Glad you found me, Tammy :)

#82: I am sure you will recover from 'blue syndrome' soon, Bryony.

#83: Thanks, Velma. Good luck on reading more from your library this year too.

#84/86: Denise, there are some projects around my home that need to be addressed, not the least of which is getting some kind of organization in my library! I am hoping once Catey is back home that she and I can work on that together. Glad to know that the book arrived safely!

#87: I hope you enjoy it, Jess.

#88: Love the dancing stars, Kara!

#89: I hope you like it, Caro.

#90: Thanks, Mike.

#91: I am glad to know that you enjoyed the book too, Regina. You have a great week!

#92: Do dig it out!

#93: Oh, I completely agree with you about Dr. Bass' nonfiction books, Carolyn! I will take nonfiction over fiction on that subject any day.

#94: Ice is definitely not good, Peggy! Staying in sounds like a wonderful plan.

#95: Hi again, Kim!

#96: Yes, I did buy more than 10 in Joplin last year, so I will have to exercise more restraint this year :) As far as Rushdie goes, personally I would not start with Midnight's Children. I would start with either Haroun or Luka both of which, although young adult, will give you a taste of his writing style. If you do not like magical realism though, Rushdie is probably not an author for you.

#97: Thanks, Suz!

#98: Come back any time, Ilana. The place is always open :)

#99: Thanks, Roni!

#102: Nice to see you here, Jude!

I seriously think that this book buying ban that many of us have in place will be felt around the world..

Probably, Kath!

I can just imagine the scenes in publishers' and book retailers' offices and boardrooms across the world.

"Our profits are down 73% on this period last year. The bottom seems to have fallen out of our market. What happened?!"

Cue lots of confused and worried faces.

(On the other hand, in library staff-rooms there will be librarians and assistants collapsing in chairs with exhaustion and wondering why they are suddenly so busy.)

#109: My librarians will not be wondering - they will KNOW. I normally have 99 books out at any given time :)

The Harriet Jacobs biography I've got lined up is Harriet Jacobs: A Life by Jean Fagan Yellin. It won a couple of awards, so I have hopes that it will be well-written and informative.

#111: Thanks for passing the title on Carrie. I will see if my local library has it.

ETA: The edition that I had of 'Incidents' was edited by Yellin.

Rushdie is very uneven -who was I chatting about that with recently? Labwriter, maybe? Anyway, he definitely goes in that category.

Got you starred. I need to add Incidents in the life of a slave girl to Mt. TBR. I'm glad you liked Women on the edge of time & I 2nd the recommendation of He, She & it. I like her poetry too.

Good luck with the book buying limits. I try to get as much from the library as I can.

Question, if everyone is limeting their book buying does that mean I have to buy more?

#114: Hey, Ardene! I hope you enjoy 'Incidents' when you get to it.

#115: Well, you don't have to unless you want to!

i feel sorry for the books I might have too.

I'm making an effort to buy fewer books, and to buy more used books when I really want to get something. Maybe that will help my budget?...

Woman on the Edge of Time and The White King both sound very interesting, but more like library reads than 'rush out and find' reads, which makes me happy :D ...I'm not officially on a book-buying ban (considering I purchased 4 this week already without meaning too, argh), but I went through my LT account this week to finish tagging 'Unread' books, and realized just how many are on my shelves that I really, really want to read. So I'm going to do my best to read those, as difficult as it will be... but only buying 10 books this year? I will cheer on you and Linda from the sidelines! I applaud your willingness to challenge yourselves in this area!

A late message to say that I agree about the Light in the Forest, which I recall from my very early days. A lovely book.

Did I say that I really enjoy Piercy when I'm in the mood for her? He, She, and It is certainly worth your time, as is Gone to Soldiers for quite other reasons. OH! And Vida for her take on the 60's. Oh yeah; she's an excellent middle-brow.
And I practically worship Rushdie for Midnight's Children and The Moor's Last Sigh but not so much for Satanic Verses, for instance.
(And it's SNOWING in S.E. N.C.!)

Edited for an apostrophe

Marking the new thread, is all, not reading, no no no...no.

Hi Stasia, I couldn't get over here until today; missed my Sunday morning fix! The book about Africa was my single BB this week.

I've found that the only way to not buy books is to absolutely avoid bookselling sites and bookstores. I have to be completely rigid about it, or I'm doomed. I hope you and Linda are successful this year; if you are, you'll have to share any tips you may figure out.

We have ice, drizzle, snow, ice...in Alabama. Yuck.

Stasia:
I just came by to congratulate you on your 4 inches of snow! (Though I am sure it has just about all melted by now.)

Hello Stasia, finally caught up with your new 2011 home. Sundays are not the best day for me to do a lot of thread reading, and when I have been trying to catch up, I've been starting from the bottom of the page, which means I keep missing you because all the other visitors to your thread are keeping you near the top! So I've taken a detour further up the page to track you down...

Like several others, I've sort of avoided your book bullets because I am really trying to focus on the books already in my pile and not add too many more suggestions for new ones to beg, buy or borrow just yet. But I'm sure that Woman on the Edge of Time has lodged in my subconscious now, so it may make its way onto my TBR shelves sooner or later.

#119: I am sure buying used books will help the book buying budget, Luxx!

#120: I went through my LT account this week to finish tagging 'Unread' books, and realized just how many are on my shelves that I really, really want to read. Now you know one of the reasons for the 2011 book buying ban, Faith. I have over 1000 unread books that I really must do something about!

#121: I am glad to see you enjoyed that one too, Judy!

#122: Thanks for the input on additional Piercy books, Peggy. I will see if I can find them.

#123: I am glad to see you peering in, Richard.

#124: Hey, Gail! Thanks for stopping in. Yes, we got snow, ice, and today - freezing drizzle. The snow I like, the other stuff - not so much.

#125: Thanks, Jennifer! No, it has not all melted. It did not get warm enough today and will not be for the next several.

#126: Hello, Genny! Yeah, I know your Sundays are very busy, so you get a pass from me for not showing up on them :)

Stasia! I finally found your thread!
I was reading your review for Light in the Forest and thought, "Hm that sounds really interesting!" and then I realized - I think we read it in 6th grade! No wonder it sounded so familiar...
I do remember not enjoying it much in 6th grade, but I have a feeling that may have had something to do with the pacing and the comprehension quizzes we had to take on it.

#128: I do remember not enjoying it much in 6th grade, but I have a feeling that may have had something to do with the pacing and the comprehension quizzes we had to take on it.

I think this is the point that Tad addressed earlier, Anri - so many of the negative reviews of the book seem to be by kids having to read the book for school that the enjoyment of the book was lost. If you ever go back and re-read it just for the book's sake, I would be interested in knowing how you felt about it the second time around.

I am glad you found my thread too!

Confession time: I bought a book tonight. Cookbooks do me in and Mollie Katzen's Sunlight Cafe got me. I love breakfast and this entire cookbook is nothing but breakfast recipes. When I found myself copying multitudes of the recipes from the book (it is a library book), I knew I had to buy a copy. I found one online for $1 (even with shipping it was only $4), but I have fallen off the book buying wagon already. Oh well.

Oh, no. I have a particular weakness for cookbooks. I'll see if I can find a library copy, because sometimes that will do it for me. Let me know if there's anything particularly wonderful!

#130 I know when it's time to buy a cookbook when I've checked it out of the library at least twice and had to pay overdue fines both times. I average about one per year. This year, I think it's going to be Recipes from the Root Cellar: 250 Fresh Ways to Enjoy Winter Vegetables by Andrea Chesman.

Here you are, Stasia! Look at all the great books you've been reading!

LOL. Last year, it was The Real Greek at Home for me. Mmmmmmmmmm. I did end up buying it :)

I hope you are enjoying your snow! We only got a dusting. They were the tiniest snowflakes ever -- but I still love watching it. I hope we get some more later.
--BJ

Hi Stasia--glad you liked Woman on the Edge of Time and The White King. I'll second (third?), the recommendations for He, She and It, which I read about the same time that I read Woman on the Edge of Time. They kind of go together.

I loved The Light in the Forest when I read it many years ago. I'm planning to reread his The Awakening Land Trilogy which I also loved this year.

I decided last night that cook books don't count in my personal book buying ban if I buy them with the intention to use the recipes.
There are cook books which have more of a literary value, but if I buy a book mainly for the recipes it's not literature, it's a household item.

Morning Stasia- Hope you have a good day!

I have not been ignoring you guys, but I am doing the Readathon (although I started late). I had to take a break this hour to make the broth for the Homemade Chicken Soup for dinner tonight, plus setting up the bread machine.

#131: Anne, I found all kinds of wonderful in the Katzen cookbook, which is why I ordered a copy for my very own!

#132: I buy at least one or two cookbooks every year too, Sandy. A sad addiction (on top of my addiction to books) is food. I will have to see if my local library has the one you mentioned.

#133: Hey, Ren! Thanks for coming by!

#134: I will have to look for that one too! You guys are not helping! :)

#135: I hope you got some more snow too, BJ. It looks like ours is over although it is extremely cold here with wind chills in the single digits.

#136: I will be interested in seeing what you think of the other Richter books, Deborah. I would like to read more of his stuff.

#137: I like you idea, Nathalie! Too bad I already confessed to buying a book.

#138: You too, Mark!

All right, off to post a review of the ER book I finished and then back to the Readathon for me.

>130 alcottacre: and 132, Stasia and Sandy - I can't resist good cookbooks either. I received one and bought 5 around Christmas.

Just jump right on the wagon! Really, a cookbook is entirely functional, so I'd be willing to argue that it doesn't violate your ban at all. Nope. It's like buying a new pan.

I bought Michael Cooking for Geeks for Christmas, and he thought it was awesome. He's our breakfast chef, so I'm going to go check out the Sunlight Cafe book...

Hey, do you do any canning? I'd love to give it a try, but I need more than the handful of family recipes that I have on hand.

#140: Glad to see that there are a lot of cookbook lovers here!

#141: Luxx, I do not do any canning, but my sister does. She and her family pretty much raise all their own food. Would you like me to ask her for some recommendations?

#142 - I would appreciate it, if you happen to remember! I'd rather get a couple tried-and-true rec's from people who spend some time working with this than just pick a book off a shelf.

#143: I will try and get hold of her either later today or tomorrow and PM you with her recommendations.

Jeez - I'm a couple of days behind and it's like I'm already an entire Stasia-thread behind! The Woman on the Edge of Time sounds interesting. I'll have to see if the library has that one.

#144 - You're fabulous!

One down, nine to go. You're doomed, Stasia. Dooooooomed!
I am reading Midnight's Children (sort of) right now. I've gotten distracted by The Grapes of Wrath, so it's really just sitting on the back of the couch at present, but I will have to get back to it. It's good, but doesn't seem to be getting to point, particularly. That makes my mind wander and sends me off doing other stuff. However, it doesn't seem quite so magical-realism-y as Life of Pi did, so I have hope for it.

#143 I haven't gotten a copy for myself yet, but last year Tina (tututhefirst) recommended The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest by Carol W Costenbader. It appears to include much more than just canning. I wonder if the library has that one... I had to return the Root Cellar book again.

#148: I bought that one for my sister for Christmas. I do not know if she has read it yet though. I will have to check.

#142 - If your sister has any recommendations for a newbie canner, I'd like them, too!

I had to check out The Light in the Forest. Now it's on my wishlist. Dang it.

And perhaps I should go through my library to see how many unread books I have that I really want to read. Maybe that will keep me off of half.com looking for more books!

#150: Lisa, I will send you a PM with Sue's recommendations. I hope you enjoy The Light in the Forest.

Hi, Stasia! I see you have a thread again! :)

I think I'm dodging the book bullets -- one or two look interesting, but I think the Jefferson Bass book is already on my list. *wanders off to check list*

Yes, I have a thread again. I gave in to the pressure :)

passing through to say Hi!

I agree, cookbooks don't count against your book buying ban....your all good

#154: Hey, Kara! Thanks for passing through.

Stasia - So, I think I manage to avoid the book bullets this week but no, everyone has to keep discussing The Light in the Forest and bam, there I am writing it down in my book of "books to read"! Also, cookbooks DEFINITELY DO NOT count as book purchases. What are you thinking? Food is a necessity and cooking it is as well so, therefore, cookbooks are a necessity! There, didn't that help?

>100 alcottacre: Well, no, I was just going to get myself a signed book, and then read it and see if we could do some sightseeing while we were down there. In case we wanted to do something different...

>107 mckait: Not as long as there are people like me out there...I suspect I'll indavertently make up for all of you.

>115 BBGirl55: Yes, it does. I will need some help.

>130 alcottacre: *giggling*

*waves*

Love the garfield pic!

I have to go back and read 158 messages...
but first wanted to say Hi! Stasia.

Glad you have a new thread - took a quick peek at your list ...
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs looks interesting - and already a memorable read for this year!?!
How can I ignore a 5 star rating????

WL!

Hi Stasia, starring your thread and can happily say I have not marked any of you reads as I'm also trying to read only the books I own this year. We'll see how long I can resist all the good reviews.

Good luck on your endeavors this year. I also suffer from the 'Book Buying' addiction!

#157: Hey, TLo!

#158: *waving* back at Tamara - I love Garfield!

#159: Claudia! You are here!

#160: He Leonie! Just add the books to your 'someday' list, huh?

#161: Thanks, Mary! I know, BBA is a widespread problem, isn't it?

Message 109: CatyM LOLOL

sheesh I am behind!

Stasia! Finally found you! I'm quickly looking at your list of best fiction reads of 2010 -and most I have not read -but Cutting For Stone and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand are two of my favourite books of 2010. I only have 5 in my favourites - it takes a lot to get into my favourite category on LT ;) Great to see you!

#164: Hey, Deb! Glad you found me!

Wasn't Oblomov just the best read? It's one of my top ten books. I reread it whenever I need..... I'm not sure what! A laugh and a kick in the pants simultaneously!!!!!!

Ohh - wait I'm wrong - Someone Knows My Name - which goes by The Book of Negroes in Canada, is also in my fav's! I loved A Thousand Spendid Suns was also a book I loved!

#166: I agree with you about Oblomov, Lucy!

#167: Sounds like we have a lot of favorites in common, Deb!

Morning Stasia- I plan on enjoying a day off today! It's cold out there but very beautiful. Everything still and white. Have a nice one!

Hm. I have Oblomov on my shelf for a while now. Maybe I should take a look next month.

>151 alcottacre: - thanks, Stasia! I took a look at your sister's blog last night. Turns out she lives in the same neck of the woods as Brian's family. It's a small world! :-)

#170: Definitely, Judy!

#171: Sure is, Lisa!

Wow. I blink and an entire thread appears. Amazing.

Thanks for you comments on the Rushdie books - both have been on my wishlist for ages, but I wasn't sure how badly I wanted them. Now I REALLY do. No worries, Stasia, you know I've got your back on this book buying thing. *off to bookstore*

Just peeking in to say hi and was astounded at how many books you already have read. Think it's time to latibulate again.

#173: I appreciate you taking care of all the book buying this year, Sarah. Maybe next year I can do the same for you :)

#174: Hey, Micky! Thanks for stopping by.

caught up! :) had only 20 posts to read this time LOL

you still have that snow? or did it melt?

Just catching up on the posts here ... and wanted to come back to the cook book comments. I love cook books. My favorite present from my mom years back was Le Cordon Bleu at Home which provided not just menu suggestions but also good recipes for great tasting restaurant worthy food that could be done at home.

#176: Yes, we still have snow. It has not been warm enough to melt it all away although some of it has gone.

#177: I am glad to see so many cookbook lovers in the group! I will have to look for the one you suggested, Caro. Thanks!

Hurrah! So happy that you finally got your snow, stasia. Are you making snow angels or snowmen a snowfort maybe? Or perhaps it's just enough for a snowball. Either way, enjoy it while it lasts.

Still refusing to glance at blue text.. necessity.. hope all is well with you!

Hi Stasia,
Meant to tell you... I read Rounding the Horn awhile ago - and liked it more than I thought I would. I gave it the same rating you did... and agree the historical parts were the best.
Have a good day! :)

Finally found you! Every time I logged on I kept glancing down to see when your thread would pop up. So you're going to buy less books. let me tell you from experience that is a hard row to hoe, I hope you have better luck than I did.

#179: The snow if melting now and probably will be gone within the next day or so. This is the first day in several where it looks like the temperature will actually make it above freezing. Ah well, it was nice while it lasted.

#180: Just fine, Kath. I understand the aversion to the blue words :)

#181: Great minds and all that, huh Claudia? I hope you have a good day too!

#182: Glad you found me, Yolana! I agree, it is a hard row to hoe, but hopefully Linda and I can help each other out there.

I am, of necessity, having to spend less time on LT than I have in the past. I apologize that I am not going to be able to read all the messages in all the threads as I have every year up until this one. However, I have several projects here at my home that have to take precedence over LT which means that I will not be able to stay in close contact as I have done in the past. I will do my best to catch up, but please do not think I am just ignoring you all.

#184

I think many people will rejoice in the evidence that you are indeed human :). Don't beat yourself up, you're allowed to be busy, take time away, take time for yourself, and not be superwoman. And you don't need to apologise for it. No one will think the less of you, and they/we will still hold you in the highest esteem and love.

Take care of yourself, and I hope things settle down for you.

Hi Stasia. I sort of caught up with your thread after not having a good internet connection for a couple of days while I was away. Good luck with your projects! And, hope you still have time for reading. :)

Stasia we all understand you are only human... post when you can we will all still be here holding up your thread :) Also, if you really want some snow come to my hous in PA.. I have plenty to share.. ;)

#184: Well, RL has to kick in sometimes, too, doesn't it? At least we will meet you in here, so don't worry about it, Stasia:) Good luck with your projects!!

Stasia- Good luck with your projects! LT will be here for you, when you are ready!

Adding my good luck wishes for your projects, and of course it is right to give priority to them. We can always visit you here, and will certainly be doing so!

Stas, it would be fun to spend 40% of our time on LT, 50% reading and 10% sleeping if we could all manage that, but RL isn't ever that simple. The great thing about LT is that we can catch up with our pals here whenever we can, and nobody expects you to pop in everyday on their threads .... although it's always very nice to see you.... because we all know you, as do we all, have a life to manage too.

Have fun on your projects and pop in every once in a while to let us know you're alive and well.

#183: Hmph. Speak for yourself, ma'am. I've seen more than enough snow, and ice, to last me until next year, if not longer.

We got around 15 inches in this latest snow dump, but south of us in Wilmington VT they got 36 inches. Now that is just wayyyy too much snow! Nowhere to put it!

What Caro said...

Stasia, you need to be as nice to yourself as you have always been to us. We know you will still be around and happy to connect when possible :)

>191 cameling:: Ye gods! you've found the perfect formula for a happy life!

Oh. Wait...RL sneaks in again! Dang.

Never mind, Stasia; we'll be happy to see your posts whenever you can take the time to make them.

Hope everything goes well with your projects. Will look forward to when ever you can post.

Hope all is well in RL, Stasia. We'll see you whenever it's good for you.

Hope your projects are lots of fun! And we will always check in with you on the acre! :)
--BJ

My biggest project is just trying to get my personal library in better shape. I can never find anything in there! Hopefully, I can at least get some kind of organization in there and get rid of books that are no longer of interest to me.

Thank you all for dropping by. It is much appreciated.

I don't have a personal library yet, I keep a couple of bags full of book (which I dutifully empty when I have to travel), couple of piles on one side of my otherwise big bed and then between the clothes in my wardrobe! So yes, organisation of books sounds very much an alien concept to me!

#200: One of the things that was on my wish list when we purchased a home 2 years ago was that it have a room for me to use as a library. Well, I got my wish. Unfortunately, my books are piled every which way (as BJ she has seen the mess), and several boxes of them did not even make it into the house until 2010. I am bound and determined to get them organized this year.

Just adding support that cookbooks are a necessity.
The Rushdie book that I started with was Shame. Excellent writing and refers to the politics of Pakistan, I believe.

Joanne posted on her thread about www.BibliOz.com - you can put in your birthdate and generate a list of the NY Times bestsellers for your birthday week. Here is mine:

Fiction 1 FRANNY AND ZOOEY J.D. Salinger
Fiction 2 THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY Irving Stone
Fiction 3 A PROLOGUE TO LOVE Taylor Caldwell
Fiction 4 THE FOX IN THE ATTIC Richard Hughes
Fiction 5 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Harper Lee Fiction 6 THE BULL FROM THE SEA Mary Renault
Fiction 7 DAUGHTER OF SILENCE Morris L. West Fiction 8 THE IVY TREE Mary Stewart
Fiction 9 CHAIRMAN OF THE BORED Edward Streeter
Fiction 10 LITTLE ME Patrick Dennis
Fiction 11 CAPTAIN NEWMAN M.D., Leo Calvin Rosten
Fiction 12 DEVIL WATER Anya Seton
Fiction 13 A STAR IN THE WIND Robert Nathan
Fiction 14 THE CARPETBAGGERS Harold Robbins
Fiction 15 KIRKLAND REVELS Victoria Holt
Fiction 16 TWILIGHT OF HONOR Al Dewlen
Non-Fiction 1 MY LIFE IN COURT Louis Nizer
Non-Fiction 2 CALORIES DON'T COUNT Herman Taller
Non-Fiction 3 THE MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT 1960 Theodore H. White
Non-Fiction 4 THE GUNS OF AUGUST Barbara W. Tuchman
Non-Fiction 5 THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH William L. Shirer
Non-Fiction 6 THE LAST PLANTAGENETS Thomas B. Costain
Non-Fiction 7 CIA: THE INSIDE STORY Andrew Tully
Non-Fiction 8 THE ROTHSCHILDS Frederic Morton
Non-Fiction 9 MY SABER IS BENT Jack Paar
Non-Fiction 10 A NATION OF SHEEP William J. Lederer
Non-Fiction 12 LIVING FREE Joy Adamson
Non-Fiction 13 BEFORE I SLEEP James Monahan
Non-Fiction 14 ISHI IN TWO WORLDS Theodora Kroeber
Non-Fiction 15 THE COMING FURY Bruce Catton
Non-Fiction 16 THE EXECUTIVE COLORING BOOK Marcie Hans

I am surprised at how many of the books I have actually heard of - and at how many I have not!

That's how I felt about my list too, Stasia, some well known, others not so much. Oh, I see Living Free - I loved those books! Hmm, The Executive Coloring Book??

#204: Yeah, I kind of went 'Hmmm' to The Executive Coloring Book too.

That is cool on BibliOZ here is my list. :) Haven't read a single one of them YET!

Fiction 1 THE PASSIONS OF THE MIND Irving Stone author info
Fiction 2 THE EXORCIST William Peter Blatty author info
Fiction 3 THE NEW CENTURIONS Joseph Wambaugh author info
Fiction 4 QB VII Leon Uris author info
Fiction 5 THE BELL JAR Sylvia Plath author info
Fiction 6 THE DRIFTERS James A. Michener author info
Fiction 7 THE OTHER Thomas Tryon author info
Fiction 8 PENMARRIC Susan Howatch author info
Fiction 9 THE SHADOW OF THE LYNX Victoria Holt author info
Fiction 10 LOVE IN THE RUINS Walker Percy author info
Non-Fiction 1 BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE Dee Brown author info
Non-Fiction 2 THE FEMALE EUNUCH Germaine Greer author info
Non-Fiction 3 THE SENSUOUS MAN "M" author info
Non-Fiction 4 BOSS Mike Royko author info
Non-Fiction 5 FUTURE SHOCK Alvin Toffler author info
Non-Fiction 6 AMERICA INC, Morton Mintz and Jerry S. Cohen author info
Non-Fiction 7 THE GREENING OF AMERICA Charles Reich author info
Non-Fiction 8 STILWELL AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN CHINA 1911-1945, 8 STILWELL AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN CHINA, 1911-1945, Barbara Wertheim Tuchman author info
Non-Fiction 9 THE EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OF AMERICA Samuel Eliot Morison author info
Non-Fiction 10 THE MEMOIRS OF CHIEF RED FOX Carl Asher author info

#206: I have read a few of those, Monica, but not many.

I get a kick out of seeing Victoria Holt's name on both your list as well as mine. My mother read all of her books and foisted them on to me when I was a teenager.

#207 - That is cool we have some of the same Author on both of our lists, I actually have never heard of her nor read any of her books. But Now I have the list so maybe I can give some of these a try.. Just for the sake of fun and something different..

#207 - That is cool we have some of the same Author on both of our lists, I actually have never heard of her nor read any of her books. But Now I have the list so maybe I can give some of these a try.. Just for the sake of fun and something different..

My mother loved Holt's historical fiction - written as Jean Plaidy - as well as her historical romances, written under a couple of different pseudonyms, Victoria Holt and Philippa Carr.

Thanks for mentioning the birthday bestsellers. I've read only three of mine. We've got quite a few overlaps, too. Mockingbird, the Shirer book, just to name a few.

I finally got to reading your thread Stasia.
Good luck with organising your books, I remember when I started years ago, when Frank and I started to live together. He used to put new books just on the next empty spot on a shelf, HE could find his books, but I could not!
So then I thought, when I am at it I might catalog them too and I did, project was finished more than 2 years later, as I had not much time in those days... you know like work, many more social obligations, a dog, family...

As usual Frank is crossing my unspoken plan, always when I have a plan and I don't tell him he goes right through it, he calls it intuition LOL
I haven't bought a book yet this year, but he did buy the first one this week ;-)

>210 alcottacre: I wonder what it means when three of the nonfiction best-seller for my birthday week have to do with canasta!

>212 FAMeulstee: I had all my books well ordered about two years ago, and then new ones crept in and there are books everywhere. Stasia's project is a good one to put on the list.

Hey Stasia, I'll come and be your librarian...

The books on my birthday list. I have never heard of any of them including the authors. Except John Steinbeck it was Runaway Bus. had not heard of that one

#213: People were bored and then you were born, Judy?

#214: You are hired! Unfortunately, I do not have any money to pay you.

#215: It is amazing how few of the books (and in some cases, the authors) that we have heard of on these lists, isn't it, Cindy?

Ooh! I was just about to get off the threads but I just have to try this now. Will post results on my thread. I'm surprised there are still books and authors out there you've never heard about Stasia!

#217: I'm surprised there are still books and authors out there you've never heard about Stasia!

I do not know why you find that surprising. I wish I did know every book and author, but then my head would probably explode.

Or maybe you'd just have to grow a second one. ;-)

I have enough headaches with just one. I think I will stick with it. lol

LOL. I so know what you mean!

I know you do!

oh dear.... so many posts behind... well.. I wanted to try to catch up a bit before tomorrow..

#223: I will probably be starting a new thread Sunday morning, Kath, so I would not worry too much about this one :)

Morning Stasia- I hope you made some head-way with your "projects". Have a great Saturday.

#225: Thanks, Mark! I hope you have a good one too!

I wonder if I could have one of your brain cells, Stasia? I like the way you think.

(Don't ask where that came from. It's cummulative.)

#227: OK, I guess, Claudia. I am not sure where it came from either.

#227

That reminds me of a dog my aunt had. She used to say he only had one brain cell, but sometimes he forgot to bring it with him. Often, I think I know how the dog felt :/

#229: Me too, Jenny!

>228 alcottacre: OK? I can have one? Cool!
>229 lunacat: LOL

#231: Sure, you can have one. I am not using them after all.

OH, just feed me and let me read your books.

#233: It is a deal then, Jenn! Pack your bags and head this way! :)

Hi Stasia, I finally found your thread! Starred.
Have an enjoyable Sunday.

Starred! Wow, it's almost time for you to start a new thread! :)

Good luck getting your library in order, Stasia. I was wondering where you were, glad it's only a project.

#235: Thanks, Manuel!

#236: Yep, it is about that time - this one only lasted a week :)

#237: Thanks, Lynda! Yeah, the library project is the major project at the moment although I do have some others that I need to get done as soon as I am done with that one.

*whew* caught up! Good luck with all your book organising, Stasia. I find a periodic weeding out is a great benefit, both to me and the used bookshop run by a friend. It never lasts long enough, unfortunately, but for a while, it is bliss.

It's almost Sunday... *drums fingers impatiently*

#239: Thanks, Tui. Mine have never been organized, so this will be a first!

#240: Nothing much happening reading-wise this week, Suz, so hold your horses! :)

Stasia, good luck with all of your projects! I know all too well how things can build up (and languish) when you're too busy with other things. I am still excavating from being in school!

Saturday night check-in, so that I won't be more than 100 posts behind when I get up tomorrow! Hope you are having a quiet night, Stasia.

Not right now, Roni. Just got back from the jail. Maybe later though :)

#244 Have a good evening, winding down.

I've read five of your list: Passions of the Mind, The Exorcist, QB VII, The Drifters and Future Shock. The exact opposite of your reading of my list--4 fiction, 1 non-fiction.

Hah! That is funny.

Oops, forgot to put this here earlier - link to new thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/107569

Hi, Stasia. I'm Cathy (petrini1) and I am pretty new to this thread. I see you read Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid. What did you think of it? I just got a copy for Christmas this morning - ok, I admit it, I bought it for myself, wrapped it, and left it under the tree to myself from Santa - and I am looking forward to reading it before my book club discusses it in a few months. I haven't talked to any adults who've read it. Did you like it?

(The Santa trick sounds pathetic, I know. I started doing it two years ago when we were visiting my sister for the holidays and my husband FORGOT to have any presents under the tree for me. When I realized it on Christmas Eve, my sister and I wrapped up a few boxes of candy and such and stuck them there, so that my little boy wouldn't think Mommy was so bad that Santa skipped me. Knowing my husband's proclivity for putting off Christmas shopping as long as possible, I have since then made sure to give myself some Santa presents every year, just in case.)

#249: Hey, Cathy. Thanks for visiting! I admit to loving The Red Pyramid - I have a thing for all things Egyptological - but I did not enjoy the second book in the series as much. That will not keep me from reading book 3 when it is published though :)

Stas! Good to see you popping in :)