MusicMom 41 Joining 75 for 2012

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MusicMom 41 Joining 75 for 2012

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1MusicMom41
Jan 1, 2012, 12:10 am

I hope I'm doing this correctly. Well see if it works!

2alcottacre
Jan 1, 2012, 12:46 am

Happy New Year, Carolyn!

3TheTortoise
Jan 1, 2012, 8:58 am

Happy New Year, Carolyn!

Alan

4NarratorLady
Jan 1, 2012, 1:37 pm

Happy New Year Carolyn!

5cameling
Jan 1, 2012, 1:38 pm

Happy New Year, Carolyn. I hope to be better at keeping up with everyone's threads this year.

6TadAD
Jan 1, 2012, 2:37 pm

Happy New Year, Carolyn!

7drneutron
Jan 1, 2012, 3:35 pm

Welcome back!

8suslyn
Jan 1, 2012, 4:29 pm

WB Carolyn -- I was really pleased to see your name in the list. xox

9ronincats
Jan 1, 2012, 4:31 pm

Dropping in, Carolyn, to wish you a Happy New Year!

10jadebird
Jan 1, 2012, 4:46 pm

Happy New Year Carolyn!

11dk_phoenix
Jan 1, 2012, 7:07 pm

*waves*

12tymfos
Jan 1, 2012, 9:44 pm

Happy New Year, Carolyn. I have you starred.

I saw at the end of last year you read Footsteps in the Dark. I just listened to that on audio, and quite enjoyed it.

13lindapanzo
Jan 1, 2012, 9:50 pm

Hi Carolyn. Happy New Year!! Here's to a great year of reading in 2012.

14jmaloney17
Jan 5, 2012, 9:21 pm

Happy New Year!

15tapestry100
Jan 12, 2012, 10:27 am

Just found your thread! Happy new year (a little late...) =)

16MusicMom41
Edited: Jan 16, 2012, 7:17 pm

Thanks for all the good wishes! We need them. I've been doing my reading in the "cracks" of a very busy January and not getting to LT as much as I would like. Hopefully things will calm down after my husband gets through with all his tests and finally gets his surgery done. No day for that yet--last major test is on Wednesday this week and then we should get a surgery date set.

Here's what I've read so far in January--with hopefully coherent comments.

January 2012

Book 1:
Asimov, Isaac: The Robots of Dawn
Science Fiction Series # 3: Elijah Bailey & R. Daneel Olivaw
Nook 295 pages

This is the last and most complex book of the series I started in December. The trilogy, although each is a different story and mystery should be considered as one work just as Lord of the Rings where the stories intertwine. The first story, The Caves of Steel, takes place on the planet Earth thousands of years after our time when all the inhabitants live in enclosed cities never venture to go or even see the outside. Other worlds have been colonized ages ago by people from earth but they now consider themselves to be superior to them and call themselves Spacers. There is a small Spacer colony on earth and there the first murder in living memory is committed. Plainclothesman Lije Bailey from earth and Daneel Olivaw, a humaniform robot from Aura, the most powerful planet in the galaxy are assigned the task to solve the murder. The other two stories take place on two different Spacer planets where we can see how different societies developed. This series is both thought provoking and entertaining. I recommend it anyone who likes Science Fiction.

Book 2:
Gardner, John: A Tale in the Suicide Mountains
Fantasy, Fable
PL 159 pages

This is a charming and thoughtful tale from the author of Grendel, which is the story of Beowulf told from the point of view of the monster. I highly recommend that book also.

Book 3:
Westerfeld, Scott: Leviathan
Science Fiction/alternate history #1
Nook 253 pages

Steam Punk? The assassination of the Archduke of Austria and his wife causes the outbreak of a world war between the Clankers (Germany and Austria) and the Darwinists (Great Britain and its allies). This is YA literature and is much better that I had anticipated. I’m enjoying the story immensely and it holds up well in the second installment, Behemoth, which I am now reading.

Book 4:
Connelly, Michael: The Reversal
Mystery Series: Mickey Haller #4 & Harry Bosch #16
Audio 11.5 hours

A man convicted many years ago of the murder of a young girl is granted a new trial in which the jury is not to know that he was ever convicted before. Haller, usually a defense attorney is asked to be the prosecutor for this trial and Harry Bosch is the investigator. My husband and I enjoyed this book as evening entertainment over the vacation (where we have very limited TV) but I didn’t think is had the same interest or impact of the Harry Bosch novel I read last year.

Book 5:
Sayers, Dorothy L.: The Nine Tailors
Mystery Series: Lord Peter Wimsey #7
PL 397 pages

The title of this book refers to the toll of the church bell when a person dies. The setting of the story is in the flat fen country in East Anglia with its harsh life and beautiful churches with their bells. The mystery of the story is intriguing but the story of the lives of the people in this area adds a depth to the novel that makes it one of her best. Highly recommended.

Book 6:
Christie, Agatha: Sad Cypress
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot #21
PL 271 pages

This is an Agatha Christie that I had never read so it was a real treat for me. It is also one of the few Christie mysteries that completely fooled me. I was stunned when I found out who the culprit was. This one goes on my "A list" of her mysteries.


17tymfos
Jan 16, 2012, 7:28 pm

You've been doing some good reading, Carolyn! The last two sound especially good to me.

Best wishes for your husband's surgery.

18lkernagh
Jan 16, 2012, 8:24 pm

Great list of reading! As you enjoyed Leviathan it is a safe bet you will also enjoy Behemoth. I really enjoyed Westerfeld's trilogy when I read it last year!

19tapestry100
Jan 17, 2012, 12:48 pm

So many people are reading Leviathan right now! I've got the entire series sitting on my shelf, and I think it's time this year to get around to reading it.

20jadebird
Jan 17, 2012, 6:39 pm

I've been meaning to read those Westerfeld books too!

21suslyn
Jan 19, 2012, 1:58 pm

I can't decide which Asimov of those you listed I prefer. But they're good!! :)

I do believe I just saw Sad Cypress on my shelves the other day... must hunt around and see if it's so.

Praying for your family.

22gennyt
Jan 22, 2012, 5:59 pm

The Nine Tailors is one of my favourites!

23MusicMom41
Jan 24, 2012, 4:27 pm

Thanks all for stopping by. I have a bit of free time today before I start teaching so I thought I'd get caught up on my thread.

Update on Jim: His angiogram went well and we hope they set the date of his surgery soon so we can move on with our lives. He's at the cardiologist now so maybe we'll know something today.

Most of my reading recently (heck--all of!) has been of the "comfort" type -- no brainers. I am still enjoying Behemoth but have trouble concentrating for long periods of time. I hope to get that one finished this week so I can get the third one. I'm also trying to get into The Aviary which my grandson in Chicago is reading. You'd think that a children's book would be easy, but this one is kind of "spooky" which is not my usual genre. Look how long it takes me to read the Halloween reads--I'm still working on that list!

Reading for this week:

Book 7:
Doyle, A. Conan: The Sign of the Four
Mystery Series: Sherlock Holmes #2
Nook

We were watching the first Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie and I decided I wanted to read the “real story” of how Watson met Mary. My son has convinced me I must think of the movies as good adventure stories with a mystery, which works for me. The first movie certainly bore little resemblance to Doyle’s character but it was fun anyway. We plan to see the next one soon.

Book 8:
Doyle, A. Conan: A Study in Scarlet
Mystery Series: Sherlock Holmes #1
Nook

While I was at it, I decided to read the first Sherlock Holmes novel to see how it all started. Of course these were both rereads for me—I started reading Sherlock Holmes when I was in grade school. Maybe this is why I’m so “protective” of the character.

Book 9:
Robb, J.D: Portrait in Death
Mystery Series: Eve Dallas & Roark #16
Nook

Book 10:
Robb, J.D: Imitation in Death
Mystery Series: Eve Dallas & Roark #17
PL 342 pages

What can I say—if you like this series, and I love it—you know why I find it a comfort read. Also, you know you can’t stop with just one—they are addictive. I downloaded #18 to my Nook and I will try to save it until Jim has his surgery. If I find I can’t wait I’ll just download another one, (or two!) before he goes to the hospital. Luckily, I have quite a few to go before I catch up with the series—these aren’t rereads for me. I save them for emergencies.

24tututhefirst
Jan 25, 2012, 5:30 pm

Carolyn, I agree completely about comfort reads. THere are times our brains just need candy (with maybe a teensy bit of protein) to keep the rest of us calm, cool, and getting on with life. You and Jim are in my thoughts, and I'll be thinking of you every time I fire up my Nook (which is often these days).

25NarratorLady
Jan 25, 2012, 6:46 pm

Much luck to you and Jim both, Carolyn.

Aren't we lucky to be readers, able to get lost a little in a book? Books like these don't remove us from the reality of our lives but just allow a bit of respite and pleasure. I suppose others try to do the same by immersing themselves in TV or social media, but I always feel a little sorry for non-readers.

26lindapanzo
Edited: Jan 27, 2012, 5:27 pm

Hi Carolyn: Any plans to read any more Nero Wolfe books? I picked up another one or two of these for my Kindle and, no doubt, will read one in the next month or so.

I think I'll be a bit sad when I've read them all.

27dk_phoenix
Jan 27, 2012, 5:22 pm

I also recommend the Nero Wolfe books! I haven't read many, but definitely enjoyed the few I have. Lots of fun.

28alcottacre
Jan 27, 2012, 5:24 pm

Carolyn, I completely understand the need for comfort reads as 2011 turned out to be my year for needing them!

29MusicMom41
Jan 27, 2012, 6:41 pm

Tina--I'll really be giving my Nook a workout when Jim is in the hospital. Isn't it great that I will be able to have 150 books in my purse--to fit any mood I happen to be in! Better than "sliced bread" and not as fattening. :-)

Thanks, Anne. I'm debating about downloading 11/22/63--that would keep me occupied during Jim's convalescence.

Linda and Faith--My Dad introduced me to Nero Wolfe when I out grew Nancy Drew and I have been reading them ever since. I've read them all more than once and most recently I read them in order of publication. However, you have given me the push to pick out one of my favorites to reread while I'm in this "don't want to think about anything" phase. They are like old beloved friends--you know them very well but still enjoy spending time with them!

Stasia--You'll probably want to keep some on hand when school starts taking up your "brain power." That's what Marty has been doing to keep himself sane.

Thanks for stopping by--I hope to get some reading done tonight. Tomorrow we have to go down to Jim's parents' house in Porterville to see about clearing it out. We have a possible buyer finally which would be a real blessing. With us both being only children we have inherited two houses and we really don't need that many--since we also have one of our own!

I have 3 books I hope to finish this month--but the Saturday trip may mean I only get 2 of them done. At least I feel like reading today!

30tymfos
Edited: Jan 30, 2012, 7:19 am

Carolyn, best wishes for Jim's surgery. I'm praying for you both! I also hope the house sale goes through OK -- one burden lifted. And keep those comfort reads coming -- whatever kind of books fit your frame of mind!

31MusicMom41
Feb 1, 2012, 7:30 pm

Thanks for the pep talk, Terri. I'm not a patient "waiter" and both the house and the surgery are still up in the air. Monday hopefully we will get a date for the surgery. The house--who knows? Qualifying for a loan is still not easy in California.

Here's the rest of my reading for January--fluff, fluff & fluff. But it helps me relax!

Book 11:
Westerfeld, Scott: Behemoth
Science Fiction/alternate history #2
Nook

The scene shifts to the Ottoman Empire as Alek and Dylan try to keep this vast country from becoming involved in the war. Lots of action and the interesting contrast between Darwinists and Clankers is continued as they come to better understand each other. I’m looking forward to the conclusion.

Book 12:
Christie, Agatha: Death on the Nile
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot #15
PL 271 pages

I accidently skipped this one as I was reading them in order. It’s a good yarn but not too hard to figure out. I love Christie’s descriptions of places that she had obviously visited which add a “travel” interest to these books.

Book 13:
Stout, Rex: Plot It Yourself
Mystery Series: Nero Wolfe
PL 170 pages

Book 14:
Stout, Rex: The Red Box
Mystery Series: Nero Wolfe
PL 189 pages

Someone on LT mentioned Nero Wolfe and I immediately had a craving to reread one. And just like chocolates (and J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas series) it’s impossible to stop with just one. Both of these were fun, but this one I was surprised by the end—I hadn’t remembered the culprit and was fooled. That made it really fun!

I'm starting the third volume of the Westerfield series, Goliath to day and am reading Still Life with Murder by P. B. Ryan--a Nook bargain at B&N today. That should keep me busy until Monday.

32TadAD
Feb 5, 2012, 7:59 am

Hi Carolyn,

Just stopping by to say hello. This is starting out as a rough reading year for me and comfort reads may figure into it. :-)

I've read 35-40 of the Nero Wolfe books but have never hunted down the missing ones. I really should do that at some point.

33MusicMom41
Feb 19, 2012, 9:03 pm

Tad--if you don't know about Fantastic Fiction --www.fantasticfiction.co.uk-- you might try that site to see which one's you've missed. That site lists series books in order of publication under the author's name. A great site for finding out what to read next from your favorite authors. As I recall Nero Wolfe appears in either 47 or 48 books.

34MusicMom41
Feb 19, 2012, 9:25 pm

Time to update my reads. No great reviews--I barely have time t read right now although I will write a review of the ER book I finished last night. I'll post that later since I haven't written it yet!

February Reads so far:

Book 15:
O’Dell, Kathleen: The Aviary
Fiction: recommended for Middle School students
Library 337

My 9 year old grandson received this book for Christmas and I like to read things he does so we can discuss them. This is rather spooky book that involves a mystery about the disappearance many years ago of all the children in a family. Clara is a girl who lives in the house of the mother of the children, who is dying. Clara is not allowed to go outside except in the backyard where there is a large aviary with several birds. One day she hears one of the birds say the word “Elliot” and the mystery takes off. I found the book entertaining and think it will really appeal to the age group it targets.

Book 16:
Stout, Rex: Murder by the Book
Mystery Series: Nero Wolfe
PL 199 pages

A series of murders is linked to a book written by the first victim. However no one alive has seen this book so it isn’t known why these people were killed. Even Nero Wolfe is stumped for quite a while, but he is able to create a ruse that ultimately uncovers the motive and the culprit.

Book 17:
Christie, Agatha: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot
Nook 159 pages

A dysfunctional family is brought together at the family estate to celebrate Christmas with the tyrannical father. A murder is committed and Poirot is on the scene because he is visiting the head of the police in this district. There are fascinating eccentric characters, puzzling clues, and a denouement that took me completely by surprise. A very satisfying evening’s read and a new one to me.

Book 18:
Christie, Agatha: An Overdose of Death
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot
PL 192 pages

This is one I hadn’t read and it was a very complicated case to follow. Christie did a great job of hiding her hints. The solution took me by surprise but it was logical as Poirot pointed out the clues I had missed. I can see why Christie remains such a popular author—she really knew how to create a good puzzle mystery.


The mysteries were evening reads when I was too tired to work on the other books I'm reading. I'm still working on Goliath and Still Life with Murder, both of which I'm enjoying. I'm also reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, which was the other book my grandson got for Christmas and my evening mystery, Evil Under the Sun with Hercule Poirot. This one I have read before--but I don't yet remember whodunit.

35MusicMom41
Edited: Feb 26, 2012, 8:16 pm

I haven't had time to read much the last couple of weeks. We have been trying to get everything in order before Jim goes in tomorrow to the hospital. He will have his heart surgery on Wednesday but they will do the pre-op tomorrow. We've also had to make several trips to his parents house, about 75 miles from us, because we finally (after 6 years!) have a buyer. We've had a lot of work to do to get it ready sale. If everything goes as planned escrow will close April 6--that will give a boost to Jim's recovery from surgery! :-)

These books were read a couple of weeks ago but I just got around to doing the ER reiview--those take more time and this one I'm not satisfied with but I can't worry about it any more.

Book 19:
Harris, Brayton: Admiral Nimitz: the Commander of the Pacific Ocean Theater
Nonfiction: Biography/History
ER Book 213 pages

Brayton Harris has written an excellent book that works well both as a biographical portrait of Admiral Chester Nimitz and as a riveting account the action in the Pacific sector of WWII. Harris tells the story of Nimitz from his early childhood to his death in 1966, just 4 days short of his 81st birthday. Nimitz was admired by most people who knew him and especially b those whom he commanded because he dealt with each person fairly and had an incredible knack of being able to understand which jobs would bring out the strengths of the persons he was assigning. When I finished this book I was in awe of his ability to deal fairly and firmly with both the officers and sailors he was responsible for.

The account of the War of the Pacific is detailed, with strategy discussed and how the US Navy won a war that everyone assumed could not be successful. This is a must read book for anyone interested in World War II and how from the catastrophe of Pearl Harbor the US Navy triumphed over Japan. Highly Recommended!

Book 20:
Christie, Agatha: Evil Under the Sun
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot
PL 220 pages

This was another Poirot novel that I had never read. I enjoyed it and I was completely surprised by the ending. Lots of fun. (Okay, this isn't really a review, but at least I didn't give away the plot!)

36ronincats
Feb 28, 2012, 1:10 am

Wishing you all an uneventful and highly successful surgery, and good luck on the house selling!

37MusicMom41
Feb 28, 2012, 5:56 pm

Thanks Roni! We did our tour of ICU today and tomorrow at 5:30 AM it's a go. As the nurse said today--it will be easier for Jim because they will sedate him as soon he arrives. They expect him to be out of surgery at 11:00 AM. It will be a long morning for me!

38NarratorLady
Feb 28, 2012, 7:59 pm

I send along my best wishes to you and Jim, Carolyn. It will be so nice to get this behind you ... and to sell the house too.

39tymfos
Mar 1, 2012, 3:34 pm

I hope and pray that the surgery went well. Best wishes to you and your husband.

40blackdogbooks
Mar 3, 2012, 9:52 am

Good luck to you guys.

41MusicMom41
Mar 17, 2012, 8:58 pm

Thanks for all the good wishes. Jim is recovering well but it is a slow process. He has 8 more weeks before he can drive--or even ride in the front seat (because of the air bags) so I am his chauffeur. Most of our trips are to the doctors' (that's plural) offices and hospital labs. In the mean time we have discovered that I have some major pulmonary issues--so now we also have to coordinate my doctors and lab appointments with his--except for our primary physician, who graciously let's us come together at the same time.

But things are looking up. It's almost baseball season and we watched SF beat the A's in a preseason game this afternoon. And it looks like the house sale is going through. So I try to stay on the sunnyside--even though we are having major thunderstorms this weekend. :-)

I have done some reading in the last month but I haven't been keeping track of it very well. I hope tomorrow afternoon will be a relaxing time for me and I will try to piece together what I've read so far in March.

42blackdogbooks
Mar 18, 2012, 11:49 am

That's a true Giants fan, finding the good in the diffiicult. Glad that there is progress, and good luck with you're own health issues. Go Giants!

43MusicMom41
Mar 18, 2012, 4:46 pm

Go, Giants! I'm also going to get back to reading my Halloween reads next week. I'd like to have them finished before you post next years list!

44tymfos
Mar 18, 2012, 11:00 pm

Hi, Carolyn! Glad to hear that Jim came through the surgery and is recovering. Sorry to hear of your health issues. Best wishes to you both!

45NarratorLady
Mar 19, 2012, 7:09 pm

Carolyn,

Thunderstorms notwithstanding, hopefully spring and summer weather will speed recovery along. Put your faces to the sun (when they're not bent to the pages of a book) and soak it up. There's nothing like the healing properties of nature.

So glad that you're both on the way to better health and better days.

Anne

46MusicMom41
Apr 3, 2012, 7:50 pm

Thanks Terri and Anne for stopping by.

March has been a trying month for us. Jim started out recovering well from his surgery although he was weak and needed my help a lot. About 3 weeks ago we were both knocked for a loop with severe bouts of bronchitis which has slowed his recovery and kept us pretty much just trying to rest and recuperate. We are better but not completely well yet. However, life and Doctor appointments keep going on so we will muddle through and hope that Easter will bring a turning point!

Here's my March reading--better late than never!

Book 21:
Heyer, Georgette: These Old Shades
Regency Series: Alastair #1
Nook

Book 22:
Heyer, Georgette: Devil’s Cub
Regency Series: Alastair #2
Nook

I reread these two Heyer’s because I want to read An Infamous Army, which is the 3rd volume of the trilogy and I have not read it before. The 3rd volume is one on Heyer’s most famous books because it was used at one time as a text book for studying the Battle of Waterloo. I’ll be starting that one soon when I have enough energy to concentrate on it.

Book 23:
Christie, Agatha: Five Little Pigs (aka Murder in Retrospect)
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot
Nook

Poirot is asked to solve a murder which happened 16 years ago. A young woman receives on her 21st birthday a posthumous letter from her mother who died in prison for the murder of her father. In the letter the mother assures her she was not guilty and the daughter wishes to know the truth. I had not read this one before and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Book 24:
Christie, Agatha: The Hollow
Mystery Series: Hercule Poirot
PL

This is another outstanding mystery in the Poirot series that I had not read and is now one of my favorites. This is the first Christe mystery that made me cry at the ending.

Book 25:
Westerfeld, Scott: Goliath
Science Fiction/WWI alternate history #3
Nook

I enjoyed this entire trilogy and the ending was quite satisfactory. I especially appreciated the author’s note at the end in which he explained the factual basis for some of the plot elements and historic figures in his story.

Book 26:
Peters, Ellis: A Morbid Taste for Bones
Mystery Series: Cadfael #1
Nook

Many years ago Jim and I watched the Cadfael series starring Derek Jacobi and thoroughly enjoyed it but I have never read the books. At Christmas my older son gave me the series for my Nook. If the others are as much fun as this one was I’m in for a lot of enjoyable reading.

47ronincats
Apr 4, 2012, 9:58 pm

Ugh, bronchitis is the PITS! Hope you both are much better soon.

I know you enjoyed These Old Shades and Devil's Cub--two of my favorites, but An Infamous Army has an entirely different feel to it, as Heyer indulges her love of history. I've always wished I liked Babs more.

48blackdogbooks
Apr 5, 2012, 7:47 pm

ARGHHHH! My MLB package blacks the first two Giants series out for me. so, I can't watch opening day and not one game until next Friday!

Hang in there!

49tymfos
Apr 7, 2012, 2:17 pm

Carolyn, sorry to hear that March was so rough for you both. Here's hoping for a healthier April!

50blackdogbooks
Apr 14, 2012, 12:08 pm

YaY!!!! I was traveling and got home just in time to watch the Giants home opener and Cain threw a gem.

Hope you guys are doing better, MM

51suslyn
Apr 28, 2012, 10:13 am

I hope these past few weeks have been a big plus for you guys health-wise. Bronchitis on top of pulmonary issues or after heart surgery -- oh the idea makes my chest ache! You poor guys. Praying you're both 100% soonest. Wish I lived in the area to come weed or something. You mentioned a house sale. Are you moving too on top of all this?

Bless you both.

52tymfos
Apr 30, 2012, 10:21 pm

Just checking in. Hope your health has been improving, both of you!

53MusicMom41
May 1, 2012, 5:32 pm

Thanks all for the good wishes and for not forgetting me! Jim is recovering well and doing most of the activities he could do before the surgery. He still has several weeks of rehab exercise class (3 time a week). I was doing them with him but I blew out my knee (one of the machines was not set correctly ) so I had to quit for a week. I will start back tomorrow--I'm still using a cane but they will tailor my exercises to what I'm able to do. My pulmonary issues are being addressed and I am breathing much better (this Valley is notorious for causing breathing problem, so consequently you get very good doctors to treat the problems.) I've changed to Jim's heart doctor and I'm sure he will be able to keep me heart healthy. I go next week to find out the results of all the tests. With luck, I will soon be able to have a break from going to doctors every week and be able to get more reading done!

April was a meager reading month for me--but here it is anyway:

April

Book 27:
Winspear, Jacqueline: Elegy for Eddie
Mystery Series: Maisie Dobbs #
Library

This is a favorite series of mine and I enjoyed this installment, although I don’t think it was as strong a story as Winspear usually writes.

Book 28:\>
James, P.D: Death Comes to Pemberly
Mystery
Nook

This is an entertaining read for those who like Jane Austen and P.D. Jaames.

Book 29:
Goldberg, Bernard: Bias
Nonfiction
PL

This is a difficult book to categorize. When Goldberg was a reporter for CBS he tried to convince his colleagues that they should try to report the news in a more balanced manner instead of always having a liberal slant. When he couldn’t get anyone to pay attention to him he wrote an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal discussing the liberal bias on all three major news networks. This book tells about the consequences to himself and to his career for this unforgivable act. Even though these events took place several years ago it is fascinating and revealing reading about the way newscasters on network TV view the news and report it.

54TadAD
May 6, 2012, 8:10 am

Hi Carolyn.

I should get back to the Maisie Dobbs series. I was listening to them during my commutes but, now that I work at home, audio books have dropped off the radar.

As always, best wishes on the health issues.

55MusicMom41
May 12, 2012, 6:49 pm

Thanks, Tad for the good wishes! I'll be needing them.

Book 30:
Swoboda, A.J: Messy: God Likes It That Way
Nonfiction, religion
LT ER Book

Dr. Swoboda (he’d be appalled I used this title for him but I want you to know that he has plenty of credentials for writing about Christianity) teaches at several theological institutions, plants new churches, and is pastor of a small church in one of the roughest neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon. And not only does he “get it” but he is able to communicate to us just how messy our religion is with unanswered prayers, unfulfilled dreams, doubts about our faith, and inability to be the Christian that we think God expects us to be. And yet how beautiful and fulfilling it is in the grace it gives us. As you read you will find yourself nodding agreement, feeling truly touched by that grace and being overwhelmed with all that God has given us in our lives. In addition, you will be laughing out loud a good part of the time you spend with this book. It’s one of the best books on Christianity that I have ever read. Highly recommended—5 stars.

Warning: if anyone is in the room when you are reading this book, be prepared to read huge chunks of it out loud!

56suslyn
May 17, 2012, 7:43 am

>55 MusicMom41: Great rec!

I'm so glad that you guys are feeling better. Sounds like you're making great changes.

I'm also intrigued... PD James meets Austen. Cool. :)

Bless you

57MusicMom41
May 19, 2012, 6:04 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Susan. I'm getting a bunch of tests done to get myself more healthy. So far I seem to be doing better and have high hopes to be in good shape by the end of the summer. My reading has been rather slower this year because of having less time, but now that summer is almost here I hoe to make up the slack then.

Book 31:
DiSilverio, Laura: Swift Justice
Mystery Series #1
Library

In spite of the rave reviews for this book, for me it was a real chore to read. The premise is intriguing. A young PI whose business is on shaky ground financially is forced to accept the ex-wife, Gigi, of her financial backer because when he left the country with his mistress after cleaning out their bank accounts this was one of the few assets he bequeathed to her. The PI, Charlotte (“call me Charley”) Swift is appalled to have her domain invaded and tries her best to get Gigi to decide she doesn’t want to be a PI. This is the humorous part of the book. The serious part is trying to find the mother, and later the father, of an abandoned baby. Although the premise of the story is promising I found the characters in the story to be rather sketchily drawn and not particularly engaging and the plot was rather disjointed. I’m going to skip the sequel. I’m sure, though. that this book could very well appeal to other mystery lovers. Just not for me.

58tymfos
May 19, 2012, 7:17 pm

Messy: God Likes it That Way sounds like it might be my kind of religious book, Carolyn.

Best wishes on the health front, Carolyn.

59ronincats
May 19, 2012, 10:03 pm

Thinking of you, Carolyn. Hope that you both continue to improve on the health front, and that lots of good reading finds its way to you.

60MusicMom41
Jun 7, 2012, 8:04 pm

Thanks Terri and Roni! I have been spending most of the last 2 months going into Fresno (100 mile round trip) 3 days a week and often a 4th day for Dr. & rehab appointments which has severely cut into my reading time. On the bright side, we seem to be getting my health problems addressed and under control. In July I will have a reevaluation and I'm thinking it will show quite a bit of improvement.

These are the two books I've finished:

Book 32:
Christie, Agatha: Murder Is Easy
Mystery
Nook

Retired police Officer Luke Fitzwilliam returns to England and meets an elderly lady on the train who tells him she’s on the way to Scotland Yard to tell them about a murderer in her village. Although he doesn’t take her seriously at first when he discovers that she has been killed by a hit and run driver before she reaches the Yard he goes down to her village is the guise of a researcher of folklore to investigate.

Although I did not find this to be the best Agatha Christie novel I’ve read I must admit I was completely fooled until nearly the end—by which time any alert reader would have guessed the villain.

Book 33:
Graham, Billy: Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Nonfiction/Christian
Nook

This was a heartwarming and inspiring “end of life” memoir by one of most influential Christians of the 20th (and into the 21st) century. Especially moving were his discussions about learning to live well after the loss of his beloved wife Ruth. It is a book I will read again.

I'm currently reading Planet Narnia by Michael Ward with Stasia and The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King--The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea by Walter R. Borneman. It will take a while to finish that last one.

61tututhefirst
Jun 7, 2012, 8:26 pm

Carolyn....it's so good to see you back 'on the boards' - here's hoping your recovery continues. The Admirals looks like one that hubby will zoom right in on. I've been looking for a Father's Day gift! I think you just solved my problem...

62tymfos
Jun 7, 2012, 9:54 pm

Great to see you back, Carolyn! I hope your health continues to improve.

63ronincats
Jun 7, 2012, 9:58 pm

My post hasn't shown up yet--I was saying seems like a situation tailor-made for audio books.

64suslyn
Jun 8, 2012, 11:03 am

Hey Carolyn -- great news on the health front! PTL. I haven't read anything by Graham but am intrigued by your post to look into that book.

Have you read Pollock's A Foreign Devil in China? It's the biography of Nelson Bell, Ruth's dad. I've never seen a better example of balance -- what a guy!

So glad you guys are doing better -- warms my heart.
xox

65LovingLit
Jun 8, 2012, 2:31 pm

Hi Carolyn,
Just lurking about and decided to say hi.
Ive not read any Agatha Christie, but see some good looking copies about at book sales, maybe next time Ill pick one up.

66MusicMom41
Jun 13, 2012, 8:28 pm

Thanks for stopping by!

Tina--I highly recommend The Admirals--I'm really enjoying it.

Thanks Teri! I'm gradually getting my health issues addressed and hope by the end of July I will be back if full swing again.

Susan--I will definitely check out the biography of Ruth Graham's father. Thanks for the good wishes.

Megan--glad you stopped by. If you like mysteries I think you will like AC.

67lindapanzo
Jun 14, 2012, 12:40 am

I hope you're watching the Giants tonight!!

68tututhefirst
Jun 14, 2012, 2:56 pm

What Linda said!! We are so jealous that we did not get to see that game (Matt Cain's perfect game). It must have been so exciting

69MusicMom41
Jun 14, 2012, 3:24 pm

Linda & Tina--

We were glued to the TV all evening! What q game--and how ironic for the pitcher that get's the least run support on the team gets 10 runs on the night he pitches a perfect game--the first on in Giants history. He's been "my guy" ever since he joined the club and I'm thrilled that he will have a permanent place in the Giants history books!

70tymfos
Jun 14, 2012, 5:32 pm

Congrats that your favorite pitcher had a perfect game!

My Phillies have had a lot of sub-par pitching this year -- a big disappointment compared to recent years. Our Pirates are actually the better Pennsylvania team this year.

71lindapanzo
Jun 14, 2012, 5:54 pm

I thought that third baseman was going to blow the perfect game on that last play. Nearly tripped on his own foot.

It was exciting to see the last few innings. That catch out in centerfield by the right fielder was spectacular and could go down as one of the greatest catches in history.

Interesting...first time since Dennis Martinez, I think, that a pitcher who threw a perfect game got a hit during that game.

72NarratorLady
Jun 15, 2012, 4:57 pm

Hi Carolyn,

I'm so pleased to hear that you're getting your health issues addressed. Here's hoping for a great summer for you and your beloved Giants.

I thought of you today when finishing Elegy for Eddie, the latest (and 9th?) Maisie Dobbs books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and while there certainly was a murder committed and a crime to solve, these books are really a character study of a young woman between the wars. It's 1933 and Hitler is chancellor of Germany; as the story goes on the world's problems encroach more on Maisie's thoughts. Very much looking forward to the next one. I know you'll enjoy this one.

73MusicMom41
Jun 24, 2012, 9:00 pm

Teri and Linda--I'm still thrilled about that game--we watched it twice!

Anne--I can hardly wait for the next Maisie Dobbs book to come out. I read Elegy for Eddie when it first came out. I just realized that I never added it to my library. It's been a stressful year for me and I've gotten behind not only on keeping up with the threads but also keeping up with recording my own reading. Tuesday I'm having surgery on my knee to repair a torn meniscus and then the next week I see my 3 main doctors to hopefully be told that my problems are now under control.

I did get 2 books read this month--both really enjoyable.

Book 34:
Borneman, Walter R.: The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King—the Five-Star Admirals who Won the War at Sea
Nonfiction: History
PL 474 pages

This is a book that works on several levels. The biographical information about the four admirals is extensive and balanced giving us a sense of their personalities as well as their many accomplishments. They all attended the Naval Academy in the early part of the 20th century and all had an impact on how the Navy developed from basically a service for the protection of the coasts of the United States to the world power it was in World War II. It covers the development of the submarine as well as the change from the battleship era to the rise of the destroyers as the primary war ship. This is a well-researched and detailed account of navel history in the 20th century. Highly recommended.

Book 35:
Peters, Ellis: One Corpse Too Many
Fiction: Mystery Series #2
Nook

This was an entertaining story with more than one mystery to solve. The time of the story takes place when Stephen and Maud were both vying to become the supreme monarch of England. Stephen has captured a city and executed all the followers of Maud who were unable to flee in time. When Cadfael is helping to prepare the corpses for burial he discovers there is an extra body who has been kill by strangling rather than by hanging. As it turns out there is more than one mystery to be solved. The characters are well drawn and the story never flags. Highly recommended!

When my older son visited us last Christmas he downloaded the entire Cadfael series onto my Nook. I'm really enjoying them so there will be more reviews to follow.

74blackdogbooks
Jun 26, 2012, 8:19 am

Hang in there! Go Giants. Watched last ight, can't elieve Zito beat the dodgers.

75MusicMom41
Jun 27, 2012, 3:46 pm

I agree about Zito--you just never know what will happen when he's on the mound--he's either brilliant or it becomes a bullpen game! Unfortunately, lately it's been that way for Tim Lincecum, too. I hope this will be one of his good days. We are taping the game because we have to go into Fresno this afternoon. But I like watching them when we can relax in the evening and fast forward the commercials.

76blackdogbooks
Jun 29, 2012, 8:51 am

Did you watch? I watched it live

77suslyn
Jun 29, 2012, 10:35 am

I recently read an Ellis Peters mystery that was not one of the Cadfael books. I love the Cadfaels, but might have enjoyed this one even more! :)

78suslyn
Jul 13, 2012, 11:54 pm

Hope the lack of posts is all due to good things... new recipes, a good book or two, getting familiar again with a favorite sonata...

Thinking of you. xox

79tymfos
Jul 15, 2012, 11:38 pm

This is just a drive-by hello, Carolyn! I hope you are well.

80MusicMom41
Edited: Aug 17, 2012, 7:03 pm


Heit, Jamey: Imagination and Meaning in Calvin and Hobbs

I have been a big fan of Bill Watterson's comic strip "Calvin and Hobbs" ever since it first appeared as a comic strip in our newspaper. I enjoyed every strip for the 10 years it was published and bought the complete series for my personal library as soon as it became available. I was thrilled when I got my Early Review copy of "Imagination and Meaning in Calvin and Hobbes" by Jamey Heit. Little did I expect that one person could suck out the life, pleasure, and even the imagination and meaning so thoroughly from that wonderful comic strip. Heit analyzes and philosophizes the meaning and the imagination of the strip out of existence. For example, at one point Heit suggests the character Calvin represents the protestant reformer John Calvin because of the use of the name. Why not Calvin Coolidge, since Calvin in the comic strip is obviously a first name. The comic strip Calvin and Hobbs should be enjoyed and experienced for personal pleasure and meaning. I highly recommend readers seek out and enjoy Bill Watterson's original work and discover on their own its real meaning and imagination.

This was one I did for Early Review. I have several more I've read but not have time to post. I hope to get those done tomorrow.

81TadAD
Aug 6, 2012, 7:37 am

>80 MusicMom41:: Calvin and Hobbs is my all-time favorite strip by far (Peanuts runs a distant second, then Bloom County). I looked at the Heit book on the ER list and then thought, "Do you REALLY want someone to deconstruct this?" Thankfully (based upon your review), the answer was no.

I had always assumed that Watterson named the two characters after Calvin and Hobbes, despite the spelling difference in the latter, but didn't think it needed taken any further than that. Certainly that six year old doesn't seem to be espousing a doctrine that all men are evil and must find God through scripture in order to be redeemed. ;-D

82MusicMom41
Aug 6, 2012, 7:45 pm

Hi Tad!

In my "youth" I read both Calvin and Hobbes, but somehow I never connected those names with the comic strip--but you're undoubtedly are correct. However, it won't interfere with my enjoyment of the strips--a summer project is to read them all again!

83MusicMom41
Aug 6, 2012, 8:05 pm

Since it is already August I guess I should post my July reads! I didn't get as much read this summer as I usually do because we had very little "spare" time--going to rehab, doctors, and physical therapy all of May, June, and July--usually 3 to 5 days a week. But here is what got read:

Book 36:
Ward, Michael: Planet Narnia
Nonfiction
PL 252 pages
This is a study of the fictional works of C.S. Lewis exploring his use of the planets as allegory for his stories. As a whole I found this book to be more like a doctoral dissertation rather than a discussion for those who love Lewis’s stories. Although occasionally I found parts of this dissertation helpful in seeing how Lewis alludes to the planets in his fictional work but for the most part I did not find that this study either illuminated those works for me nor added to my enjoyment of them. For a person doing an in depth study of Lewis’ writing this book might be helpful but for the person reading Lewis’s fiction for pleasure this book would be superfluous.
July

Book 37:
Robb, J.D.: Divided in Death
Mystery Series #18
Nook


Book 38:
Robb, J.D.: Visions in Death
Mystery Series #19
Library

Book 39:
Robb, J.D.: Survivor in Death
Mystery Series #20
PL

Book 40:
Robb, J.D.: Origin in Death
Mystery Series #21
PL
Okay—July was a really stressful month for us so it was a great time for reading Robb!

Book 41:
Heit, Jamey: Imagination and Meaning in Calvin and Hobbs
See above for the review
This was an ER read for me so I did actually read every word in this book—Blah!

Right now I'm reading the Ransom Trilogy by C.S. Lewis: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength

84MusicMom41
Aug 17, 2012, 7:02 pm

My reading time in August has been more curtailed than I would have liked, but here's the first haof of the month:

Book 42:
Lewis, C.S.: Out of the Silent Planet
This is the first volume of The Ransom Trilogy in which he is forcibly taken by Weston, a scientist, and Devine, a seeker of fortunes, in a spaceship to Malacandra (Mars) in order to be offered as a sacrifice to the ruler of the planet. Ransom escapes and in his travels discovers 3 different species of sentient life, and learns about the Elidil and the real nature of Oyarsa, to whom he was supposedly to be sacrificed.

Book 43:
Peters, Ellis: Monk’s Hood
Fiction: Mystery Series #3
Nook
A wealthy man is poisoned and his young stepson is suspected. The characters and situations are interesting and the ending contains an unexpected surprise.

Book 44:
Robb, JD: Strangers in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #26
Nook
Another good addition to the series with an ingenious twist to the plot and a villain you love to hate.

85ronincats
Aug 17, 2012, 10:40 pm

LT stimulated me to read the first two of the Death series by J. D. Robb--I really need to order the next few from the library, as they would be good summer reading! Unfortunately, my local branch has all the later books but not the early ones.

86MusicMom41
Aug 22, 2012, 9:46 pm

Hi, Roni. I downloaded the first 2 books on my Nook--they are really hard to find at the library and I wanted to know how it all started.

Book 45:
Robb, JD: Born in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #23
PL

Eve’s friend Mavis is expecting her first child and is very upset because one of her friends, also expecting, has disappeared. Dallas has promised to try to look into the matter even though she is working on a double murder of an engaged couple who had tried to tried to follow clues to discrepancies in the financial records of a prominent charitable fund.

Book 46:
Robb, JD: Naked in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #1
Nook
The book that started it all, including how Eve met Roarke. It's nice to know how it all began.

87MusicMom41
Aug 26, 2012, 6:57 pm

Continuing my reading of the first J.D. Robb books--a great way to relax in the summer--with a short break to continue my reading of Lewis's Ransom series..

Book 47:
Robb, JD: Glory in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #2
Nook
In this second book Eve is trying to find a killer who targets women and kills them by slashing their throats.

Book 48:
Lewis, C.S.: Perelandra
Fiction: Ransom Series #2
PL
Ransom is sent to Perelandra (Venus) to prevent the fall of the “Eve” of this planet so that it wil not suffer the fate of Thulandra (earth).

Book 49:
Robb, JD: Immortal in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #3
Nook
I’ve never read the early Eve Dallas books and now I’m finding them addictive—like chocolates. At least they’re not fattening! This one is about an illegal drug that makes you look younger and feel invulnerable. I had my suspicions about who the culprit was—and just when I decided I must be wrong, it turned out I was right. I’m about to download Book 4 onto my Nook.

88tututhefirst
Aug 26, 2012, 8:17 pm

Carolyn....such a fun way to read your way through the summer. I've been enjoying re-reads myself. Hope both you and hubbie continue to enjoy the blessings of good health.

89ronincats
Aug 26, 2012, 8:20 pm

I've only read the first two of the Eve Dallas books so far, Carolyn, and I'm planning to read the third for the September Series and Sequels thread.

90TadAD
Aug 31, 2012, 3:29 pm

Your series-reading...and that you did before with the Rex Stout books...has me wanting to do it. Maybe I'll go back through the Stout or I've occasionally thought about reading E.C. Tubb's Dumarest books in order since I read them in sort of a random fashion long ago.

91MusicMom41
Sep 1, 2012, 10:46 pm

Hi Tad--I do love reading series in order--even if some are rereads. So far on the Robb series they've all been "new" to me except the 1st one.

What are the E.C. Tubb's Dumarest books?

92MusicMom41
Sep 1, 2012, 10:53 pm

Since it is September, it's time to finish up August!

Book 50:
Downing, David C.: Planets in Peril (A Critical Study of C.S. Lewis’s Ransom Trilogy)
Nonfiction: Literary Analysis
PL
Downing presents an excellent in depth analysis of Lewis’s three romances (including explaining why they are considered “romances” rather than novels) while also giving a well-balanced account of his life, influences, and philosophy. Highly recommended.

Book 51:
Robb, JD: Rapture in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #4
Nook
What is causing people to self-terminate with such happy smiles on their faces? And how can a musician manipulate people’s minds? Can Eve stop this before it gets to her or Roarke?

Book 52:
Robb, JD: Ceremony in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #5
Nook
This was a good one about witches and the occult. It had several interesting (and a few repulsive) characters and one of the few that really “puzzled” me till the end.

93blackdogbooks
Sep 2, 2012, 10:21 am

Hey, I got to see a game at Coors Field. Unfortunately, I missed the Giants by a couple of days. But I got to root against the evil Dodgers, and see Beckett lose his first game as a Dodger, and see them lose!!!! Gonna be in Phoenix this month and root against them again!

94MusicMom41
Sep 15, 2012, 5:57 pm

BDB--I envy you getting to go to Coors Field. At one time hubby and I had hoped to take a trip across the country in the summer and visit every baseball field. Somehow we haven't yet found the time to do that. I haven't given up hope, though.

It looks like the Giants will make the post season this year. I've got my fingers crossed they will be able to get all their ducks in a row to get to the Big Game (World Series). Although last night's game was a bit "ugly" they managed to come through--I count that as a good sign they will not crumble now.

95MusicMom41
Edited: Sep 15, 2012, 9:08 pm

My vacation ends tomorrow so I will probably have to do some more serious reading next week--but here's the fluff for the last week (fluff doesn't take long to read, even for me!). See if you can spot the one non-fluff book I've read so far in September:

Book 53:
Robb, JD: Vengeance in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #6
Nook
The solution to this mystery lies in Roarke’s past and includes a trip to Ireland.

Book 54:
Robb, JD: Holiday in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #7
Nook
Santa Claus is using the 12 days of Christmas for a series of murders. I was really puzzled until the end.

Book 55:
Lewis, C.S.: That Hideous Strength
Fiction: Ransom Series #3
PL

The final volume of the Ransom series takes place on earth where dark forces from the previous volumes have come to make an assault on earth, itself. The story begins slowly but the ending is very fitting for the series and worth the wait.

Book 56:
Robb, JD: Conspiracy in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #8
Nook

Book 57:
Robb, JD: Loyalty in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #9
Nook

Book 58:
Robb, JD: Witness in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #10
Nook
I’ve enjoyed all these mysteries but this one has a special twist to the ending that makes it particularly satisfying.

Book 59:
Robb, JD: Judgment in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #11
Nook
This was an intense one that had me in tears at the end. That doesn’t happen often with me in mysteries.


96ronincats
Sep 15, 2012, 8:42 pm

I'm just getting ready to start Immortal in Death. Would you believe our (huge) library system no longer has any print copies of this early book in the series? I had to wait for the ONE e-book to become available, since I didn't want the 2 audio versions.

Hope you and hubby are in good health!

97MusicMom41
Sep 15, 2012, 9:24 pm

I think you will enjoy that one. My son went to a used book store and bought 3 hardcover Robbs for me that I don't have for $3 each. That's less that 1/2 of the cost to get them for the Nook. I'll be slowing down a little when I get home (we leave tomorrow--after being gone for almost 2 months!) but my goal is to read all of them in order before the end of next year.

I'll be interest to hear how you like the book.

98Whisper1
Sep 15, 2012, 9:33 pm

Ah, Carolyn, I found your thread! I'm so glad you are here with us! Congratulations on reading 59 books thus far this year.

99blackdogbooks
Sep 15, 2012, 10:22 pm

Still checking,MM. Thanks for the note at my profile though. Business again left me to see the evil Dodgers, in Phx this time though. And they lost again!!!! Just missed our Giants in town

100alcottacre
Sep 15, 2012, 10:23 pm

Conspiracy in Death is one of my favorite books in the series. I hope you enjoyed it, Carolyn!

101MusicMom41
Edited: Sep 29, 2012, 2:24 pm

BDB -- We are still enjoying the Giants games even though they have clinched a playoff berth. I'm anxious for the playoffs to begin. I certainly you were able to wear Giants' "gear" when you watched the Dodgers.

Stasia--so far I haven't found one I didn't like, but I believe Conspiracy really touched on moral issues that are important--is one person's life worth more than anothers? This book shows how Eve stands for the dead because she believes every person's life is valuable. This is one of my favorites, too.

Here's the rest of September:

Book 60:
Robb, JD: Betrayal in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #12
Nook

In this one someone is murdering people close to Rourke. Eve is concerned that he is the ultimate target. Meanwhile he is setting up an important auction for charity of the magnificent costumes of a famous and beloved actress. This was a good story with a wrenching but satisfying ending.

Book 61:
Eddings, David: Pawn of Prophecy
Fiction: Fantasy Series #1
PL

In this first book of a 5 volume series we meet the young boy Garrion, Aunt Pol and Mr. Wolf, a story teller who has lived a long time. They set out on a dangerous journey that becomes a quest. I enjoyed getting into this series with no idea of what is was about and watching the characters reveal more of themselves at the story progresses. There are 5 books in the series and I anticipate having a great time reading them. I only wish there was a character list to go with the book—but I am learning to keep track of the most important characters as I go along.

Book 62:
Robb, JD: Seduction in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #13
Nook

Two rich young geniuses fresh out of college with nothing to do start a game, competing to see who can get the most points for seducing and murdering young women they meet online. I’m taking a break from the Robb series to get this one out of my mind.

Book 63:
Robb, JD: Reunion in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #14
Nook

Eve pits herself against a woman who kills men indiscriminately because she despises the male sex and plans to add Roarke to her list to get back at Eve. We also get a good look at Eve’s traumatic childhood as she and Roarke go to Dallas to see where she was raised.

Book 64:
Robb, JD: Purity in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #15
Nook

A terrorist group who consider themselves patriots concerned about eliminating people they consider immoral by creating a computer virus that kills.

Book 65:
Robb, JD: Portrait in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #16
Nook

A killer stalks young college students and photographs them after he kills them. This one is sad.

I love it when I find a new mystery series to read! I've already started the next one. But today I'm concentrating on Queen of Sorcery -- the second volume of the Belgariad series.

102TadAD
Sep 29, 2012, 5:45 pm

>101 MusicMom41:: I liked the Belgariad when I read it. The follow-on sequels not quite so much. However, unless you really like the Belgariad, I wouldn't bother with his other series (The Elenium, The Malloreon, The Tamuli) because they are almost exactly the same plots written with almost exactly the same type of characters. His originality ran out...

103MusicMom41
Sep 29, 2012, 7:07 pm

I'm enjoying Queen of Sorcery but I don't find it as compelling as Dawn of Prophecy. And I agree that is has somewhat fallen into a fairly predictable pattern of travel some, visit someone and get into a fight, then move on. The one thing that really keeps me going is wondering what Garrion will turn out to be--he's certainly not an ordinary boy! I'm reading it with Stasia so that makes it more interesting, also. I also find that it is better if I can block out a good piece of reading time each day for it to keep flowing.

104ronincats
Sep 29, 2012, 9:57 pm

I enjoyed the Mallorean through the first 2 or 3 books, if for no other reason than Silk's surprise, as they reprised their travels of the Belgariad, but thought the last two books got laborious. I'd also not recommend any of Eddings' other series. They were huge disappointments.

105Whisper1
Oct 5, 2012, 8:10 pm

Happy, Happy Birthday to you Dear Carolyn!!!!!


106tututhefirst
Oct 6, 2012, 12:37 am

Belated Happy Birthday wishes....I'm so glad that the Giants have given you something wonderful for your big day. Now if they can continue winning it will be a wonderful year!

107blackdogbooks
Oct 6, 2012, 11:01 am

I can't watch the game!!!! I have the MLB subscription but it is broadcast only on TBS and we don't have cable. I may stay away from the internet and my phone and try to watch a recording of the game when it is posted. Go Giants.

108tymfos
Oct 6, 2012, 1:11 pm

109ronincats
Oct 6, 2012, 2:14 pm

Oops, a belated Happy Birthday to you! I hope you had a great day.

110MusicMom41
Edited: Oct 6, 2012, 5:43 pm

Roni
I think Belgariad will be enough for me. I am enjoying it but it's not Lord of the Rings :-)--which my son and I plan to reread sometime after he passes his DPT board exams.

Linda--
Thanks for the "birthday card"--we had a great time celebrating Marty's birthday on Thursday and mine on Friday. Today Marty is a Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park celebrating with his friends. We do love birthdays around here!

I've read some books but need to review them before I post them. One o them has to have a "real" review because it is an ER book--so I'd better get to work!

111MusicMom41
Oct 6, 2012, 5:40 pm

Not quite sure why I had only 105 messages when I got on this site and then when I posted my reply my message became 110! Maybe because I forgot to turn off my computer last night?

BDB--that is a tragedy. We will be taping it and watching a little later than it's starting (6:30 PST)--would you like me to post inning up dates on your home page?

Thanks Terri & Roni for the good wishes. Each birthday is a gift!

112alcottacre
Oct 6, 2012, 10:19 pm

((Hugs)) to Carolyn - I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

113blackdogbooks
Oct 7, 2012, 8:48 am

I was able to watch after all. The MLB app had a version. Bu it was sad watching.

114tymfos
Oct 12, 2012, 12:25 am

Hi, Carolyn! I thought of you as I watched the Giants make their comeback. I'm impressed with them -- they're real scrappers, they fought their way out of a huge hole to win that series.

115blackdogbooks
Oct 12, 2012, 7:35 am

GIANTS!

116tututhefirst
Oct 16, 2012, 8:01 pm

Carolyn, my sister-in-law in Modesto has her whole family cheering for the Giants....aren't they just precious?

117tymfos
Oct 16, 2012, 10:20 pm

AAAwwwww! How cute!

118Whisper1
Oct 16, 2012, 10:30 pm

Simply stopping by and waving hello!

119MusicMom41
Oct 20, 2012, 9:25 pm

BDB & Terri--thanks for the good vibes--now they just have to have another miracle comeback!

Tina, love the dogs! Especially since they are Giants fans.

Linda--waving back--and hope you are feeling better.

Time to catch up on my book posts. As you will see, I'm reading mostly for pleasure--don't need any extra stress! I'm also having an OD of JD--but what fun! Like chocolates--but not fattening!

October

Book 66:
Robb, JD: Imitation in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #17
Nook

Eve is trying to find a killer who is imitating different murderers of the past.

Book 67:
Zepke, Terrance: Ghosts of Savannah
Nonfiction
PL/ER

Savannah is a unique city of the Deep South with a character all its own. It was started by General Oglethorpe who brought debtors from debtor prisons in Great Britain to build and populate a city that would be a barrier between the Spanish who occupied Florida and the English settlers in the Carolinas. It has a unique layout with the down town historic mansions built around squares which could shelter the people when they needed to defend themselves from the Spanish. It is one of the largest historic districts in the South because when Sherman made his march though Georgia to the sea he stopped in Savannah and set up his headquarters there because both he and President Lincoln had friends there. Savannah also has a gothic atmosphere and a reputation for having many ghosts. In fact when my sons were in middle school we took them on the night carriage ride that was a Ghost Tour. In her highly entertaining book, Ghosts of Savannah, Terrance Zepke captured that atmosphere very well giving the stories of these “ghosts” that are rumored to haunt many of the buildings in the historic downtown area. In addition she also gives the history of many of the buildings and the families who lived in them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes ghost stories or stories about historic buildings. I would consider a “must have” book to enhance the enjoyment of anyone who plans to visit this unique city.

Book 68:
Eddings, David: Queen of Sorcery
Fiction: Fantasy #2
PL
The quest for the Orb continues and gathers more followers. Garion is beginning to learn to use and control his powers with the help of Belgarath and Aunt Pol. The series continues to be interesting and fun.

Book 69:
Robb, JD: Divided in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #18
Nook

Book 70:
Robb, JD: Visions in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #19
Nook

Book 71:
Robb, JD: Survivor in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #20
Nook
This one was a tear jerker and one of my favorites.

Book 72:
Robb, JD: Origin in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #21
Nook

Book 73:
Robb, JD: Memory in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #22
Nook

Book 74:
Robb, JD: Born in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #23
Nook
Eve has to find out why a pregnant friend of Mavis’s has disappeared just weeks before her due date. Meanwhile, her job has her trying to track down the murderer of an engaged couple who both worked for the same accounting firm.

Book 75:
Eddings, David: Magician’s Gambit
Fiction: Fantasy #3
PL
The seekers of the orb must travel a great distance and face many dangers before they finally reach the place where the Orb is held. The ending is spectacular and leaves many questions that must be answered, so I’m anxious to get to the next book.

Book 76:
Robb, JD: Innocent in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #24
Nook
The murder of a popular teacher at an private school has Eve baffled and the appearance of a former lover of Roark’s who is trying to woo him back has set her on edge.

And I still have 11 days to go in the month!

120tututhefirst
Oct 21, 2012, 12:17 pm

Oh Carolyn, you and several others now have me hooked on the In Death series....can't believe I've been avoiding them. Perfect for times when I want to relax my brain but don't want to be drugged to sleep. I've just finished #1, have 2 and 3 on the stack. I'm not sure I'll go straight through to 24...but It's nice knowing there are that many to look forward to.

GO GIANTS.

121tututhefirst
Oct 23, 2012, 12:38 am

Let's hear it for the GIANTS! Sure hope you got a chance to see the game. Now we're off to dream of the World Series...

122ronincats
Oct 23, 2012, 12:46 am

Congrats on the Giants' victory!

123lindapanzo
Oct 23, 2012, 4:15 pm

Congrats to your Giants!! What a pair of comebacks they've had, first against the Reds and then against the Cardinals.

This should prove to be an interesting, hard-fought World Series.

124tymfos
Oct 23, 2012, 4:23 pm

Adding my congrats regarding the Giants' great comeback. I am so impressed.

125blackdogbooks
Oct 23, 2012, 7:32 pm

torture, MM but good torture

126MusicMom41
Edited: Oct 23, 2012, 8:47 pm

Thanks to one and all--I'm still feeling the Euphoria! I think they deserve the comeback award of the year. I just hope they don't feel the need to put us through that agony again!

Won't be getting as much reading done as usual this week--I'll be watching TV!

127blackdogbooks
Oct 24, 2012, 6:33 am

you know they are likely to continue to torture us this week

128tymfos
Oct 24, 2012, 7:57 pm

Well, it's time. They just introduced the starting linup.

Best wishes to your Giants!

129tymfos
Oct 25, 2012, 8:14 am

The Giants got off to a great start -- no torture for you last night. I'm sure you're pleased.

130blackdogbooks
Oct 26, 2012, 6:01 pm

MM, I know you're holding your breath like I am. There's always torture. I am just hoping we can win one of the 3 in Detroit and get it back to SF.

131porch_reader
Oct 28, 2012, 8:12 pm

Hi Carolyn! Despite being a Cardinals fan, I am glad to see the Giants doing well in the World Series. Six straight wins in post-season play is pretty impressive!

132ronincats
Oct 28, 2012, 11:51 pm

Congratulations! That was pretty impressive!

133tymfos
Oct 29, 2012, 12:01 am

Congratulations to your Giants on their World Championship! :)

134tututhefirst
Oct 29, 2012, 12:25 am

WOOT WOOT - Giants RULE.

135MusicMom41
Nov 1, 2012, 4:55 pm

Thanks for all cheers for the Giants. We are still basking in it. The Big SF Parade was yesterday and no one let a little rain spoil it at all. After no WS wins in SF for so long it feels great to get two in three years! Now we don't plan to skip another year--just waiting for April!

Finishing October:

Book 77:

Robb, JD: Creation in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #25
Nook
The discovery of the body of a young woman who has been tortured brings back memories of a case about serial killer Eve assisted on before she became a lieutenant that was never solved. This time the targets are young women who work for Roarke which adds a personal interest.

Book 78:
Robb, JD: Strangers in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #26
Nook
The title of this book gives a clue to the solution—if you are a movie buff!

Book 79:
Robb, JD: Salvation Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #27
Nook
When a priest dies sipping the communion wine at a funeral Eve discovers a tangled web as she discovers that nothing seems as straight forward as it appears.

Book 80:
Eddings, David: Castle of Wizardry
Fiction: Fantasy Series #4
Nook
Garion has united the Orb with the sword on which it belongs and has been crowned as King. But there is still much more to be done to ensure that their world is not destroyed. And there is also a 5th book to follow.

I think I have set a record for myself--15 books in one Month! And I'm a slow reader. Of course, October does have an extra day, ;-)

136MusicMom41
Nov 10, 2012, 7:09 pm

So far in November:

Book 81:
Robb, JD: Promises in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #28
Nook
This one hits close to home when the victim is not only a cop but is also the woman is Eve’s friend and co-worker Morris’s lover.

Book 82:
Robb, JD: Kindred in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #29
Nook
A policeman and his wife return from a weekend vacation to find their teenage daughter brutally murdered. As Eve starts to look for the murderer there are other women, seemingly unconnected, dying in the same manner. Is this the work of a madman or a man with a mission?

Book 83:
Robb, JD: Fantasy in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #30
Nook
A young, talented computer game programmer dies in a horrific manner in a sealed holo-room. How could a murderer have managed to get in and out of that room? I did figure out the solution of how the murder was committed almost immediately—since it is described for the reader—but discovering the perpetrator was much or difficult.

Book 84:
Eddings, David: Enchanter’s End Game
Fiction: Fantasy Series #5
Nook
This is a satisfying conclusion to the Belgariad series in which many questions are answered and many surprises occur. Although this was not the best written fantasy series I’ve ever read it did manage to hold my interest enough for me to want to find out the ending.

I've pretty much given my brain a couple of months off--so I'm planning on reading something with a little more substance for my next book--to still be chosen. Too much brain candy can lead to atrophy!

137tymfos
Nov 11, 2012, 1:20 am

Good luck selecting just the right book to read next, Carolyn!

138MusicMom41
Nov 24, 2012, 5:47 pm

It's been a busy month and right now we are in Chicago celebrating Thanksgiving with our older son, his wife, and our two grandsons. So I have been indulging myself in entirely "fluff" reading.

Book 85:
Robb, JD: Indulgence in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #31
Nook

Bizarre murders with unusual weapons are occurring and Eve Dallas suspects it is a game of competition between two wealthy men who are friends. But proving this theory is a problem as the victims keep piling up and probability figures point to Eve as being the final victim.

Book 86:
Richardson-Moore, Deb: The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets
Nonfiction
ER Book for LibraryThing

Deb Richardson-Moore started her working career as a newspaper reporter but when her child went off to college she decided she wanted to return to college also. She planned to major in Comparative Religion but soon felt the call to go into the ministry. Although when she graduated she was ordained as a Baptist minister her first assignment was at Triune United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a church that had started out as a typical suburban middle-class neighborhood church but when Deb was assigned there the neighborhood had become run down, with many poor and homeless constituents. The church now served a few remaining original members and worked as a mission service to the needy and homeless who dominated the neighborhood. With great compassion Deb struggled to serve these people as she learned the lessons of the difference between helping and enabling and the necessity of “tough love.” Her journey to become the successful pastor of a mission church is fascinating and heart-warming and a tribute to how God can give us the strength and courage to minister in ways that we never imagined we could.

Book 87:
Robb, JD: Three in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series
Nook

Three J.D. Robb novellas: Midnight in Death; Interlude in Death; and Haunted in Death

Book 88:
Robb, JD: Treachery in Death
Fiction: Mystery Series #32
Nook

Eve has to go after corrupt cops in the Illegals division who are using their positions to make money by dealing in drugs.

Okay--it hasn't all been fluff--the ER book was definitely worth the time to read.

139tymfos
Nov 24, 2012, 7:39 pm

That ER book definitely sounds interesting, Carolyn! I may look for that one. Has it been released yet, and if not, when is it due out?

140ronincats
Nov 24, 2012, 9:07 pm

Glad you had a good Thanksgiving, Carolyn! You mean, you aren't ready to dive right into the 5 books of the Mallorean now? Probably a good decision.

141tututhefirst
Nov 26, 2012, 2:02 pm

Carolyn....you've already hooked me on the "in Death" books but I'm taking them slowly--avoiding the temptation to OD on stunning studs.

OTOH the ER book, Weight of Mercy definitely sounds like something I must search out.

Hope your travels home are as enjoyable as the visit. So glad you got to spend time with the kids. I can hardly wait for our trip to DC/MD/VA to see all our family at Christmas.

142TadAD
Nov 30, 2012, 8:35 am

I tried one J. D. Robb—Naked in Death—but it seemed a little too hard-core romance novel rather than police procedural. Did the series change as it went on or is this just not one for me?

143MusicMom41
Dec 6, 2012, 6:16 pm

Terri--I'm not sure when it is coming out, but probably soon if it isn't out yet.

Roni--I think I'm through with Eddings--time to move on! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all our family together in Chicago. Unfortunately Jim and I contracted "the plague" there and are still fighting it 2 weeks later. Can't seem to find a medicine that touches it.

Tina--I would be taking them more slowly if I had the energy to read anything with some substance, but fluff is all I can handle right now--don't have to think!

Tad--definitely nor for you! This is pure chick lit--I can't believe I got hooked on it as it isn't my normal type of book--even if it is a mystery series (although sometimes there really is no mystery!).

Not a lot of reading lately--but here it is:

Book 89:
Robb, JD: New York to Dallas
Fiction: Mystery Series #33
A pedophile escapes from prison in order to seek revenge on Dallas for putting him there. Much of this takes in Dallas, Texas, the site of Eve’s personal nightmares.

Currently reading:

Killing Kennedy

I thought I would be able to make 100 this year but, alas, I won't b able to this time.

144ronincats
Dec 6, 2012, 6:26 pm

I was being satirical, Carolyn. ;-) Sorry to hear you got sick in Chicago--they breed some tough viruses there, and if you aren't a native, you suffer.

145TadAD
Dec 9, 2012, 7:35 am

>143 MusicMom41:: Then I shall take your advice and not even consider giving #2 a try. :-D

146MusicMom41
Edited: Dec 11, 2012, 8:53 pm

This has been a slow reading time for me. I'm worship leader and music director of my church so I've been really busy getting ready for the Christmas program we will do on Dec. 16--putting it together, writing the narration and working with the choir to learn it.

Meanwhile, both hubby and I are still fighting the effects of whatever bug attacked us in Chicago and came home with us. Thankfully, we are finally beginning to get our strength back and getting caught up on all we had to let slide.

I finally read a book that isn't fluff.

Book 90:
O’Reilly, Bill (with Martin Dugard): Killing Kennedy
Nonfiction
History
This is an excellent portrayal of both the character of JFK and how he “grew into” the job of the presidency and of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man whose main goal in life was to become famous and who became infamous by becoming an assassin, not because of any deep beliefs he held but because he just needed to do something that would be memorable. I was especially fascinated with the portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy, a fascinating and sympathetic character in this book. Dugard is an excellent historian and O'Reilly writes in a flowing style that carries the reader along easily. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Back to "fluff" to finish the year. I'm now starting The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen. It is the first in a series with Jane Rizzoli as the detective. So far it is intriguing. I'd love to have another mystery series to read.

147thomasandmary
Dec 22, 2012, 10:14 pm

Hope you are feeling better, and that your Christmas program went well. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

148ronincats
Dec 24, 2012, 5:22 pm


Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics


I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Carolyn!

149tymfos
Dec 25, 2012, 3:33 am

Merry Christmas, Carolyn!


glitter-graphics.com

150ronincats
Dec 31, 2012, 10:07 pm



Here's to a great new year ahead, Carolyn!

151MusicMom41
Jan 2, 2013, 9:42 pm

Thanks, Roni. Hope you have a great New Year also.

I hope I have more time next year to be on LT--this year has been really hectic and I haven't had as much time to keep up with the threads.

Next job is to find the 2013 75 challenge and start a thread there.