I thought I'd opt for a new and bigger challenge for the upcoming year, so here I am! You can find my 50 book challenge for '08 here: http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.ph...

Hopefully I'll reach my goal, though I fear I may not. Oh well.

I'm not going to start the challenge until January 1. And in the meantime I'm going to try to sqeeze in a few more books before the 31. =)

My progress:

Message edited by its author, Feb 4, 2009, 12:41pm.

Welcome to the group!

Thank you, alcottacre! =)

1) No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

I saw the Coen brothers cinematic interpetation of this books a few months ago, and have been wanting to read it ever since. The movie was really good, and followed the book very closely. This book kept me on the edge of mye seat, despite the fact that I knew what was going to happen. Llewlyn's desperate flight and Chigurh's endlessly determinded pursuit makes for a very exciting and nerveracking read. Chigurh is a very interesting character; his gruesome, cold and calculating nature is oddly intriguing and fascinating. I loved the relationship between Llewlyn and Sue Ellen; their interaction and conversations was heartwarming.

A quick, exciting and enjoyable read!

I'm leaving for London in the morning, so it looks like my challenge is off on a pretty slow start. I'll be away for a week and most likely won't have time to read. =( But yay for London! =D

Message edited by its author, Jan 17, 2009, 5:35am.

This one was one of my last reads in 2008. I completely agree! I'm hooked on McCarthy.

Edited because I posted on the wrong thread!!! argh :)

Hope you have a good trip. Looking forward to seeing your list :)

Message edited by its author, Jan 12, 2009, 3:01am.

Congratulations on the trip to London! I hope you have a wonderful time.

Thank you, I had an awesome trip! I enjoyed every second. =) I didn't read at all though - no time! =/

2) To Kill a Mockinbird by Harper Lee

What an emotional read! It made me hoepeful, angry, and sad. One thing I'll never ever be able to wrap my mind around is the consept of racism. I just don't understand it. I don't think there's a single thing in the world that provoces me as much as this matter does. Hm, perhaps injustice? I enjoyed this book a whole lot, and it's nice to finally get refrences in pop culture, and to know what people are talking about when they mention this book.

#7: I read To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time last year and felt much the same as you did. I know that several people in the Challenge last year count the book among their favorites and it is easy to see why.

Hurray, Ruth! I'm so glad you loved To Kill a Mockingbird! You too, Stasia. (I can't imagine getting to a certain age----like 20!--without having embraced this novel.) It's not among my favorites, it's my Number 1 novel, hands down, and this has been true since I first read it when I was 15 or so. I am now impatiently awaiting the arrival of the audio book from Amazon, read by Sissy Spacek, which must be wonderful.

laytonwoman3rd--the Sissy Spacek reading of TKAM is really perfect. It's hard imagine anyone else reading it as well. It might take about a chapter to settle in with her, but stay with it, she's worth it. Enjoy.

>9 & 10 That does sound like a good marriage!

I have had To Kill a Mockingbird on my TBR for ages. I will have to move it up!

Wow, it seems like To Kill a Mockingbird is a book loved dearly by a lot of people - understandebly so! The only reason why I haven't read it sooner is beacuse of my hopeless local library; can you believe they only own two Jane Austen books? So naturally, no TKM. It's tragic, really.

Cal, you really should bump it up; it's a great read. ;)

3) Embers by Sandor Marai

Hmm, ok. This book was pretty darn boring, really. The author's got an interesting idea, but fails to execute it, in my opinion. In Embers we meet two men, the General and Konrad, whom shared an extraordinary friendship, but do to a woman went their seperate ways never to see each other again. Then one day 42 years Konrad unexpectedly makes a visit. Now the time of reckoning is finally arrived.
I think this could have been a good book, but unfortunately its nothing more than bla, bla, bla - never-ending bla bla bla!

Message edited by its author, Jan 17, 2009, 5:35am.

4) Clark Gable: Tormented Star by David Bret

Ever since I read Gone With the Wind, and subsequently watched the movie, I've developet an interest in Clark Gable, so when I stumbled upon this book while bookshopping in London, I went for it! Unfortunately, this was basically trash, though quite interesting trash at times. What I was interested in learning more about was what kind of person he was, his life with Lombard and about the movies he played in (especially Gone With the Wind), instead I learned alot about his sexual life, and the sexual life of many other legendary actors and actresses; apparently every single one of them were either gay, bi or lesbian.. Also, Gable was, according to Bret, "gay for pay".

In other words this is mostly a collections of "shocking" and "controversial" statements strung together, with little pieces of facts thrown in in between, for good mesure. Not reccomeneded - you'll learn more about Clark Gable by reading his Wikipedia page.

LOL that last sentence says it all!

Still laughing! And he was supposed to have terrible breath! I thought he was a little too old for this role; but, then again, can't imagine anyone else saying, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!"

Yeah, he supposedly suffered from pretty bad halitosis. Oh, well. Even if he didn't smell all that good, he sure was pretty to look at! I think Clark Gable made the perfect Rhett Butler, I can't picture any actor doing a better job. Ah, that final scene just kills me every time - so brutal and heartbreaking!

5) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield is a troubled young man who's lost his way in life after losing his younger brother Allie to cancer. He doesn't care anymore, and flunks out of school - and not for the first time. After getting into trouble with his roommate he decides to leave school early, but doesn't want to go home and face the wrath and disappointment of his parents, he ends up filling the time by going to various and meeting up with several characters from his past.

I found Holden to be a very facsinating, yet very irritating; he is clearly sabotaging himself and subsequently destroying his future. It's heartbreaking reading as he keeps pulling himself down - dissapointing family and friends in the process.

I really enjoyed this book quite a bit.

6) Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

In this wonderful book we see life in China through three generations of woman. We see how they endure hardship, injustice, violence and torture in the name of equality and communism under Chairman Mao. But we also see love, friendship and the power of strong family-bonds.
I learned alot reading this book, about chinese culture, customs, and history. I loved the three woman we meet in Wild Swans, they're so strong; they stand up and fight for what they believe in. I can't believe what it's like to have lived the lives that these woman have, and I'm truly glad I was born in a democracy, where freedom of speech and thought is a constitutional right.

Loved this book, and I strongly reccomend it for lovers of historical-fiction.

January wrap-up:
1) No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
2) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3) Embers by Sandor Marai
4) Clark Gable: Tormented Star
5) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
6) Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Total pages read: 1830

I've had a quite good start to the reading year of 2009, despite it being a pretty slow one. Wonderful trips to London, and horrible biology tests has taken its toll, and I haven't read as much as I would've liked to. This months best book was Wild Swans, closely followed by To Kill a Mockingbird.

Nice review of Wild Swans, I really liked it as well, and To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my all time favorite books.

I confess:
I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird !
*patiently awaits while all over the world eyes open wide, jaws drop, and thuds are heard as thousands of people fall off chairs*

Judging from your thread so far, you read just the kind of books I tend to like, so I guess I have to try Harper Lee as well!
Thanks for the review!

#23 g-u-g: I never read it until last year, and I am older than you are, so don't worry about it! Go get it now, though - it is very good.

#20 RBR: Thanks for the review of Wild Swans. I will be on the look out for it.

Both To Kill a Mockinbird and Wild Swans are both great, although quite diffrent books, that I highly reccomend and think everyone *should* read.

Girlunderglass; it took me eighteen years to get around to reading To Kill a Mockingbird, you're not the only one a little behind! ;) When I think about all the books I want to read that I haven't gotten around to yet, and all those I never will get around to reading, I must admit I get a little overhelmed!

Yes, I think we all have the same problem. SMBSLT syndrome.
(so many books, so little time)

7) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In this classic dystopian novel we meet a society very diffrent from the one we know; where children are made in test-tubes in labs, raised by the government to become perfect, 'happy' and submissive workers, neatly divided into several casts. History and culture is destroyed, and books are forbidden, all in the name of creating a stabile society. Any sort of meaningful relationships are frown upon, and promiscuity is strongly encouraged - hence the slogan 'Everyone belongs to everyone else.' When Bernard Marx start rebelling the system, and the interesting Mr. Savage enters the picture, the horn's nest is shook..

I quite enjoyed this book, but not nearly as much as other dystopian novels I've read such as The Handmaid's Tale and 1984.

Haha, exactly! Great term, btw, fits perfectly!

8) The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

When fifteen year old Micheal meets the much older Hannah, they embark on a passionate realtionship that will change him and influence him throughout his life. Their relationships comes to an sudden stop, when Hannah picks up and leaves without a single word. Several years later, as a young law student attending the trial of nazi war criminals, he sees her again, as the accused.

This was a lovely little book, with a somber tone to it.

I loved The Reader too - can't wait to see the movie!

9) American Gods by Neil Gaiman

I've had a few days now to digest, and must say that overall I really enjoyed this book. I problably picked the worst possible time to read a book of this size and complexity; a week with no time at all to read, being constantly busy and stressed out. Thus it took me far too long to read, and I didn't get the fluent-ness (not a word, but you get the picture!) I need and enjoy while reading - I went several days without reading a single word!

Despite this American Gods is a very good read, highly reccomended.

Message edited by its author, Feb 22, 2009, 10:08am.

10) Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon

First off, let me just say: What an awful and cringe-worthy title! And with a equal horrific cover to boot.

After an exhausting week of rehearsals every day - all day, I needed a book I could really fall into and escape reality for a few hours. Some good 'ol fantasy to the rescue! I quite enjoyed Sheepfarmer's Daughter, I liked the classic, and frankly overused, setting of a young woman leaving her family and life as a sheep hearder to become a soldier. Paks is a vey interesting main character, I liked her a lot.

I really enjoyed this book, however; it's a bit too long draftet. Too little is happening to warrant its 400pages, in my opinion. Still, I will read the other two books in the series.

I have not read a single book you have listed in this thread, but there are some four books which have been a part of my TBR pile for quite some time now. I will have to mark your thread and check out the other books I don't know about.

Piyush -- the Paksenarrion trilogy is a good fantasy work, imo. You just might enjoy it :)

Ruth, glad to see you enjoyed it. I really do like it a bunch!

It was a lot better than I thought it was going to be, given the title and cover. But I really liked it! Piyush, if you're a fantasyfan you might just like this. It's quite well written, something I often times miss while reading fantasy. :)

Hi Susan and RedBowlingBallRuth

Apparently Librarything also agrees with you, it says I would like the book with a very high certainty.

Adding the book to my next month's TBR list, thanks for the recommendation.

Awesome! :)

11) Moral Disorder by Margaret Atwood

I really liked this charming book. These eleven short stories can stand firmly on their own, but together they create a novel almost. While I enjoyed all of them, I especially loved the ones with Nell on the farm.

Adding this one too :(
Your thread has also become "one of those" which are heavy on eyes and excel sheet maintaining the TBR pile, right along side with Susan's (for fantasy and Sci-fi) and Mac's (for horror and Classics).

And let me point out that the author of the Paksennariontrilogy, Elizabeth Moon, is well into a new book about Paks as we speak. Her blog is chronicling her progress. (and sorry, no, I don't have a link, but assume it can be found by googling for it.)

ronincats

Is this the blog you are referring to?
http://www.paksworld.com/blog/

Haha, thank you, Piyush! =)

Oh! Cool, I'm definitively checking that out. Thanks, Roni and Piyush!

Yup, Piyush, that is it. Thanks!

You are most welcome, glad I could be of some use.

12) Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

I loved this book! This superbly written historical fiction takes place in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War, a country torn a part and broken down under the harsh regime of Franco. Many soldiers have died in the many battles in the fight against facism, and many more taken captured. When soldier Bernie Piper is reported lost and presumed dead, his family in a fit of despair and desperation sends his old friend Harry to search for him. He comes up empty handed, but is Bernie really dead or is there a chance he still might somehow be alive?

Strongly reccomended for anyone really, but lovers of historical fiction in particular.

#44: Ooh, sounds like I would really like that one. On to the Continent it goes! Thanks for the recommendation.

February wrap-up:
7) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
8) The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
9) American Gods by Neil Gaiman
10) Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon
11) Moral Disorder by Margaret Atwood
12) Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

Books read: 6
Pages read: 2140
----
Total books read: 12
Total pages read: 3970




I've read some very good books this month, but the winner is hands-down Winter in Madrid.

Yay, I hope you'll love it as much as I did, Alcottacre! =)

13) The Flight by John Steinbeck

A very enjoyable and exciting short story, which has really fueled my desire to read more Steinbeck. I have The Grapes of Wrath in my TBR pile, but I'm somewhat hesitant to read it. I will, sometime in the not so distant future, though.

#47: Since I like mysteries, historical fiction and war stories, I probably will.

Just passing by to second Ruth's recommendation for Winter in Madrid. Great book! :)

14) Divided Allegiance by Elizabeth Moon

This is the second book in the Paksenarrion-triology, and so much better than the first, Sheepfarmer's Daughter. I loved it.

We follow Paks on her journey as she leaves the Dukes Phelan's company, in search of what to do with her life. Her journey takes her into many a strange and dangrous situations, and we learn more about Paks as a character.

I really liked how this book was so action-packed; there was always something interesting and exciting going on. On the draw back, I didn't like all the religious elements in this book, and how Paks was more or less preassured into becoming a Girdsman.

Reccomented to all lovers of fantasy.

15) Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx

I absolutely love the movie Brokeback Mountain, and when I found out it was based on a short stoy, I simply had to read it!

Close Range: Wyoming Stories is a collection of short stories based on life in Wyoming. Life here is tough, harsh and cruel; Proulx manages to tell the stories of it in a gritty, yet beautiful way. Of the 11 very enjoyable stories I loved the gutwrenching "People in Hell Just Want a Drink of Water" and, of course, the heartbreakingly touching "Brokeback Mountain" the most. Lovely.

16) Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig

Rhett Butler's People is a retelling of the wonderful Gone with the Wind, told from the persepctive of the mysterious Rhett Butler himself. Being the huge Gone with the Wind fan that I am, I could'nt wait to get my hands and eyes on this book!

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't really what I pictured it to be. I sort of had an idea of how it would be; a perfect retelling og GWTW only know we finally got to see what was going on in that pretty head of Mr. Butler. Well, I'm not fully satisfied. Things were diffrent and I felt some of the characters didn't match those we got to meet in GWTW. Most importantly, it had none of the magic that makes Gone With the Wind so special to me.

Still I enjoyed it and am glad I read it. It was interesting and refreshing, and nice to meet again the characters I loved so.

Nonetheless, if you're a Gone with the Wind fan, like myself, it's well worth a read. :)

17) The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart

This is one of my most treasured childhood books, and the very first book I read in English. It's a book I love, and often reread.

In Beyond the Deepwoods we meet the young Twig, who is forced to leave his home among the woodtrolls when he learns what he always suspected; that he isn't one of them. As he prepares to leave, his mother gives him a piece of advice - to never, ever, not under any circumstances, stray from the path. He promises her not to, but soon breaks this promise and finds himself in an arrey of dangerous and life threatning situations, and incounters many strange and gruesome creatures. Twig only want one thing, to learn who he really is, and to one day, sail the sky with the skypirates.

A cute and exciting book, suited for everyone, really. The illustration by Mr. Riddle are fantastic and adds a special touch to this great little book.

March wrap-up:
13) The Flight by John Steinbeck
14) Divided Allegiance by Elizabeth Moon
15) Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx
16) Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
17) The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Steward

Books read: 5
Pages read: 1588
---
Total books read: 17
Total pages read: 5558




Not a very good reading month unfortunately, but the best book this month was problably Divided Allegiance by Elizabeth Moon.

18) Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

I tried reading this novel a few years ago, after watcheing the movie for the first time, but abandoned it because I found it so dull. Looking back on this now, I can't believe I ever thought such a thing about it! I just loved it this time around.

Cold Mountain tells the tale of Ada and Inman, two people just meeting and starting to fall in love when they are thorn apart by war. While Inman is fighting for his life in a war hospital, back home in Cold Mountain Ada is also fighting to survive, after the death of her father. Sick and tired of war, Inman becomes a deserter, and begins the long and hard journey home to Cold Mountain and his Ada.

"Come back to me is my request." Sigh.

A beautiful tale of love and war, told in a stunning way. At times Frazier took the descriptions of the mountains a bit too far and it became a tad tedious - however, this is done in such a beautiful way, that it doesn't draw the book down. Quiet, longing and passionate - just lovely.

Reccomended for lovers of historical-fiction.

Message edited by its author, Apr 6, 2009, 3:06am.

Well, of course you found it dull a few years ago! How old were you then? Thirteen? ;-) This old lady of 59 admires both what and how much you are reading at your very tender age. And, believe me, that comment is not meant to be patronizing at all. I'm in awe of you! What a life you're going to have! :-)

Edited to take out a redundancy. :-)

Message edited by its author, Apr 5, 2009, 1:38pm.

I started Cold Mountain a few years ago too, and like you, I found it boring. Your review has pushed me to give it another go!

#56: I just acquired a copy recently - definitely going to have to move it up the Continent! Thanks for the review.

Bonniebooks, thank you! But still, I don't quite get it; it has everything I seek in a book, even back then, it just didn't click I suppose. I'm a bit behind on my reading, as I've been unusually busy this year. Hopefully things slow down soon!

Cait86 & Alcottacre: Good! I hope you'll enjoy it like I did.

I saw this on several threads and it looked like fun!

The average person is expected to have read six of these one hundred books. I put an * infront of the books I've read, as I'm not computer-savy enough to figure out how to do the italics. :)

*1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
*2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
*4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
*5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
*7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
*8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
*9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare - read some, but not others...
*15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
*18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
*19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
*21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
*22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
*25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
*32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
*34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
*37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
*39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
*41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
*42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy.
*48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
*49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
*50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
*54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth.
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
*57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
*58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
*59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
*61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
*68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
*71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt.
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton-partial
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
*99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

You've read a lot already! I notice you didn't state the number. No need to be modest here. All of us who have seen the list have figured out the number we've read--right, everybody?Hmmm. Which book on that list would I most want you to read next? I'm thinking you've GOT to read Little Women while you're still in your teens! What does everyone else think?

Charlotte's Web and Little Women would be my picks . . .I am sentimental about both and think everyone should read them.

Bonnie, I was just glad I'd read more than six! I can't wait to read Shadow of the Wind, I think I'm going to love it. The Remains of the Day is another I really want to get to soon. Oh, thank you both for the recomendation on Little Women - I'll look for it when I hit the library tomorrow! I see refrences to Charlot's Web frequently, so I'm definetively interested in reading that one too.

19) Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

The Twilight Saga has been hyped beyond all reason, and I was thus hesitant to read them. But when one of my best friends, whose opinion I regard highly, starting raving about them too, telling me how wonderful these books are I thought "what the hell!" and gave in.

Taking it for what it is; cheap and easy entertainment - it did its job. I was grabbed by the story and it kept me reading. However - parts of it was plain stupid. Sparkling? And it really got on my nerves Bella constantly commenting on how unhumanly beautiful Edward is. Come on!

There's not much to add, everything's been said - twice atleast! A cute and easy read. I'm glad I read it, as I finally know what everyone is talking about!

Message edited by its author, Apr 7, 2009, 4:14pm.

One of the better reviews for this Twilight thing, I have read, totally unflattering and to the point.

20) The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

I had heard such wonderful things about this book, so my expectations were high. Perhaps a bit too high. I mean, I liked it, but I didn't find it as great as it seems the majority did.

Yes, I wonder what you would have thought about it if you had discovered it on your own? That's one of the reasons I even stopped reading the backs of books. I'm invariably disappointed. If I find a book, myself, I'm much more open to its charms.

Was this your first Ishiguro book? I have heard great things about him, but haven't tried any of his books. How does he compare against someone like Murakami?

I think hype can be both a positive and a negative thing; it brings focus to books you perhaps otherwise would never have heard of, but it also builds up the expectation that the book is going to be great and utterly life-changing - something it's very hard for any book to live up to. However, I think I would've abandoned The Remains of the Day if it hadn't been for all the good things I'd heard about it; I kept on reading in hopes of it becoming better - I really wanted it to be as good as I pictured it to be. I'm glad I read it, despite not enjoying it all too much.

Yes, Piyush it was my first Ishiguro book. I've so far only read one Murakami book, Kafka on the Shore, and I loved it. I will definitively read Murakami again, not too sure if I'll bother with Ishiguro again though.

I understand the feeling, it happened to me with The Outsider which I really wanted to like, but in the end couldn't, I am still happy though that I read it.

I have read one Murakami, Pinball, 1973 and no Ishiguro yet and I plan to read 2-3 more Murakamis this year.

What did you think of Pinball, 1973? Would you reccomend it? I want to read more of Murakami, but I'm not sure which of them I should read next.

21) Oath of Gold by Elizabeth Moon

Oath of Gold is the third, and so far last, in the Deed of Paksenarrion-triology. We now follow Paks as she slowly recovers from her injuries, and finds herself, once again, as a warrior - and so much more. Yet another great book.

The Deed of Paksenarrion are some really terrific fantasy novels. They've got everything I'm looking for in my fantasy reads; beliveable and interesting characters, an interesting plot and tons of action. I only miss a teensy-weeny bit of romance! In my opinion, every book needs a little lovin'!

I would definitely recommend Pinball, 1973, I have left a review of the same on my thread in case you are interested.

Thanks Piyush, I'll be on the look-out for it! :)

Okay, so I'm really bored and should be preparing for a huge politics test I have tomorrow, buut.. it's so boring! This however, much more fun!

1) What author do you own the most books by?
J. K. Rowling

2) What book do you own the most copies of?
So far I’ve managed to keep from buying duplicates.

3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
No, I didn’t notice it at all.

4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Mr. Rhett Butler! Oh, and you know, Mr. Darcy.

5) What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books
That’s got to be Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In addition to reading the entire series before every new release, I had an obsessive HP-face when it first came out where I read it over and over and over.

6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Steward.

7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?
I’m going to have to say Embers by Sandor Marai

8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?
It’s a toss-up between Cold Mountain and Winter in Madrid.

9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank and Wild Swans:Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang.

10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
I have no idea, honestly.

11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
I don’t think I can come up with a book that hasn’t already been made into a movie.

12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?

13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I know I’ve had a few, but can’t remember any on the top of my mind.

14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?
Twilight, definitively.

15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?
Nothing springs to mind.

16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen?
Hamlet. So, not obscure at all.

17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
Russians, I think.

18) Roth or Updike?
Sorry, both unfamiliar to me.

19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
Haven’t read either of them.

20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?
Shakespeare. But only ‘cause that’s the only one I’ve read anything by.

21) Austen or Eliot?
As I’ve only read Austen.. I’d have to say Austen! Lover her work.

22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
Definitively classics. Tolstoy, Eliot, Hemmingway, Dickens. The list goes on and on. Working on it though.

23) What is your favorite novel?
Oh my. Hmm. Too hard, can’t pick just one you know?

24) Play?
Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen

25) Poem?
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

26) Essay?
Not an essay fan, to be honest.

27) Short story?
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

28) Work of nonfiction?
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

29) Who is your favorite writer?
I couldn’t possibly say!

30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephenie Meyer. I meet people everyday trying to convince me she’s the greatest writer ever! Oh please.

31) What is your desert island book?
Oh, wow. That’s an impossible question to answer! Perhaps Gone with the Wind; it’s thick, with a lot of action and layers.

32) And... what are you reading right now?
Right now I’m reading The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

I'm really enjoying reading other people's answers to these surveys. I don't think I could answer half the questions. You gotta read Naked by David Sedaris though. How do you like The Time Traveler's Wife? I've read very few books that could be classified as science fiction, and almost all of them include time travel (e.g., To Say Nothing of the Dog along with other books by Connie Willis, The Sparrow, Kindred) but maybe that's at the heart of science fiction? Anyway, I think those books only get to me because they're 'cross-over' books.

Oh, I love The Time Traveler's Wife! I read it last year, and loved it so much I had to read it again this year too. I wouldn't classify it as science fiction, it's first and foremost a love story. I'm not too fond of science fiction, but I love this book - whatever you want to call it. Oh, Naked sounds good. I saw a review where someone called it "so funny I peed a little", so now I have to read it! :D Thank you for the reccomendation.

I agree, I think Time Traveler's Wife is first a love story too and loved it as well, but then I'm always calling books love stories that other don't (e.g., just recently I called Cold Mountain a love story).

In my book Cold Mountain is definitively a love story, so I agree with you. I consider almost every book with a certain amount (a pretty minute amount, I might add) of love in it it a love story. :)

22) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler's Wife is a love story with a twist. Henry and Clare met for the first time when Clare was six years old and Henry thirty-six, but they married at twenty-two and thirty. Confused? You see, Henry is a timetraveler. At any time and place he can dissapear and be relocated, against his own will, to another place in time. We see the relationship between Clare and Henry unfold and blossom, despite being faced by the constant trials of timetravel. Words fail me when trying to describe this book, it's just wonderful.

Niffenegger does an excellent job in describing the characters. You really feel that they are real people! I thought the way she handled the relationship between Henry and Clare was beautifully done.

It is a bit confusing keeping track of years, dates and ages, but when you get into it it's no problem. It helps that this is my second time reading it, and it's just as good this time around!

This book really touched me. It's wonderful, gripping and utterly heartbreaking. Be sure to keep your tissues close-by! Reccomended to one and all.

Message edited by its author, Apr 18, 2009, 12:22pm.

Nice review of The Time Traveler's Wife. I read it last year and loved it.

Me too!

23) Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

This is my first ever Lahiri, and I'm very impressed. The eight short stories Unaccustomed Earth consists of are all great. Lahihir writes about the challenges of integration, of love and grief in a beautiful way. I'm looking forward to read all her other work as well.

Interpreter of Maladies is my favorite collection of short stories by a single author, so am looking forward to reading Unaccustomed Earth. Thanks for calling it to my attention.

24) Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay

At first I didn't like the book's narration, it was just trying to be so "cool", if that makes any sense at all. But when I got used to it, I was able to enjoy the book. I've never been fond of "whodunnits" and I usually shy far away from them, but after seeing the Dexter TV-series I decided to make an exception. I'm glad I did.

A nice fluffy and exciting read.

#86: Are you planning on reading the rest of the series? There are 3 of them out now with a fourth one due out in September.

Yeah, I think so. I really liked it, despite it usually not being my cup o' tea. Dexter in the Dark is the third in the series as far as I know, so it'd definitively be interesting reading the whole thing in its right order.

#88: I think it is helpful to read the series from the start. I hope you like the books!

A little late, but none the less, here's the April wrap-up:

18) Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
19) Twilight by Stepehnie Meyer
20) The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
21) Oath of Gold by Elizabeth Moon
22) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
23) Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
24) Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay

Books read: 7
Pages read: 2683
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Total books read: 24
Totale pages read: 8241




This has been a great reading month! I've read so many great books that's it's really hard to pick a winner for this month. After some hard thinking my favourite book this month will have to be Cold Mountain; stunning prose telling a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of love, war sorrow and hope.

Have you seen the movie? It was one movie that I'm really glad I saw in a theater as the colors were so beautiful, so saturated. Some people think the movie was "slow," but I've watched it several times and loved it every time. The DVD I have also has the music from the movie.

Why yes; it's actually one of my all time favourite movies! I love it, and have seen it time and time again. It's such a beautiful movie and I bet it's quite an experience watching it in theatres - I only wish I did it when I had the chance.

I can totally see how people may find it slow; it's not an action-based movie at all. It's all about the characters and their emotional journey and growth. I own the soundtrack as well, and it's so much great music on it. I especially love Wayfaring Stranger, as performed by mr. Jack White. The instrumential pieces are truly stunning also. :)

25) Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemtion by Stephen King

In Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemtion we meet Red, a convicted murderer serving time in Shawshank, telling the story of the brutal life in jail and of one inmate, Andy, who's unlike all the rest. This novel is a beautiful story of brutality, friendship and hope.

#93 Again, an excellent movie was made, starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, in case you haven't seen it.

That was a fantastic movie!

One of the few examples where a movie made from a book was wonderful.

oh yes yes yes lovely movie. Too bad Morgan Freeman is everywhere nowadays - it's kind of spoiled his magic. I mean seriously did he really need that part in Batman? Or that voice in the penguin movie?? I wish he would just take a break - surely he has enough money - and not return until he's got a REALLY good part that shows his talent as an actor.

And Eliza gets carried away again *sigh*

I love Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption too - and the movie as well! So many lines from the movie are taken right out of the book, which I think is great. My copy of this novella is in an anthology of four novellas by King called Different Seasons - one of the other stories, The Body, is also excellent, and was made into the movie Stand By Me, which I love too! King wrote a great intro to the collection about how these stories came about - definitely worth reading if you are a fan :)

Wow, I guess I relly need to see this movie then - it sounds so good!

>99: It's one of the best movies ever made!

26) Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Stardust really is a modern day fairy-tale, and a wondeful one at that.

Message edited by its author, May 31, 2009, 6:58am.

# 100: Okay, now I'm so seeing this movie sometime this weekend! Thanks for the reccomendation, y'all! :)

Message edited by its author, May 26, 2009, 8:43am.

27) Empress Orchid by Anchee Min

"Love is survival, seduction is power, and treachery a way of life.."

In this wonderful piece of historical fiction, we get a fictional account of the life of Orchid, the last empress of China. We follow her joutney from poverty, to one of thousands of concubines, and eventually becoming one of the Emperor's seven wives. Life in the Forbidden City is tough and ruthless, and the way to the Emperer's attention and affection near impossible. As China's foreign problems increase, Orchid finds her life of loneliness getting even more harder as she helplessly watches her country falling to pieces at her feet.

I loved this book. I greatly enjoy reading about diffrent cultures, and I especially enjoy reading about Asian cultures. This combined with my love for historical fiction and romance made this novel a perfect fit for me.

Message edited by its author, May 31, 2009, 6:59am.

Empress Orchid sounds like something I would enjoy. I'm adding it to the TBR pile. Thanks for the review.

Lorie, I hope you'll find it as enjoyable as I did!

28) Peter Pan by J. M. Barre

Watching the movie Finding Neverland fueled by interest in reading this childhood classic. I only wish I read this, or had it read to me, as a child. I would have loved it!

Peter Pan is a book filled to the brim with magic and charm. I really liked it. If I ever have children, this is definetively a book I'd read to them.

Message edited by its author, May 31, 2009, 7:00am.

Most Norwegian high school students will agree with me when I say that their senior year consists of only 11 months. The entire month of May is dedicated to exams, and of course, being russ. Essentially, the entire month is spent partying. Hard. Thus, this has been a really poor reading month. I have some catching up to do in June that's for sure!

May wrap-up:

25) Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
26) Stardust by Neil Gaiman
27) Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
28) Peter Pan by J. M. Barre

Books read: 4
Pages read: 743
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Total books read: 28
Total pages read: 8984




As already stated, a pathetic reading month. May have been perfect in all other aspects, so it's alright. The best book of this month is without a doubt Empress Orchid by Anchee Min. Interesting and gripping historical fiction.

I hope June shapes up into a better reading month for you!

Eleven months! You go to school 12 mos. a year?! You deserve to party! Congratulations!

# 108: Thanks, Alcott! So do I. :)

Bonnie, thank God no! =) We do of course have vacations like everyone else, but we "lose" an entire month to the tradition of being russ ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ ). I've also had four nasty exams in the month of May too, that deprived me alot of my spare time. Luckily, only one to go now! I was so busy in May that I hardly had the time to eat or sleep! It was tiresome, but wonderful at the same time.

"they wear from the 1st to the 17th of May without interruption (except when sleeping), and without washing it" LOL

Haha, yeah. It's a bit disgusting, but super comfy. If you're caught washing it before the 17th the "law" is that you have to cut one of it's legs off at the knee! Ah, I miss wearing my red and filthy overalls. :)

The car/bus/van and the cards were the other interesting bits I found on the wiki page, care to explain what did you do about those?

29) People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Picture a episode of CSI where the mystery case is that of an ancient, breathtakingly beautiful religious text with a hidden history - now combine this with a story of love, loss, religion, sacrifice, family and war, and you get Geraldine Brooks' masterpiece People of the Book.

When the treasured Sarajevo Haggadah is recovered in the aftermath of the war in Bosnia, world renouned rare-book restorer Hanna Heath is hired to solve the mysterious journey of the book. What she discovers is an remarkable journey across the world, filled with miracles and tradegies. We learn of its origin and meet the people which had the book in their care, risking everything to keep it safe.

I loved this book! An ode to books and those that love them, written in a beautiful, thoughtful and gripping way. Highly reccomended.

#114: Glad you enjoyed People of the Book. If you have not read any of Brooks' other books, I would recommend Year of Wonders as well.

Piyush, I'll give it a shot! :) Me and seven of my closest friends got together and bought a old, used VW Caravelle which we painted red and blue - representing that there were both red and blue russ in the car. Having a russe-car (or van/bus) is a very important part of being a russ. You drive the car to different parties and meet-ups, and sleep in it when you travel to the big national russe meet-ups. Essentially, we lived in that car, all eight of us, for seventeen days.

All the cars are given a name (ours was named "No Stress"), and it's common for the cars to have an overall theme.

The cards is quite interesting really. I don't know the reason for them - they serve no real purpose. Russecards have always been extremely popular among children, they collect and trade them (just like baseball cards!). When you leave your house as a russ you always have to be sure to be well stocked with cards, as you'll be attacked by children wanting cards! Just like the wiki page said it's common to have a picture of yourself or whatever you'd like, your address, phone number and "member of". These are made-up, funny jokes or spoofs. It's also normal to have a joke or a funny quote on your card.

I believe this tradition is unique for Norway; I've never heard of anything similar tradition any other place. :)

# 115: So far People of the Book is my first Brooks, but surely not my last! Thanks for the reccomendation, I'll look for it at my local library. :)

Here you can see some examples of russecards. http://images.google.no/images?hl=no&q=r...

Oh, and a picture of our car! :)

Message edited by its author, Jun 6, 2009, 6:02am.

Nice, looks classy :D

I have never heard of this tradition or anything similar either! It does sound like a lot of fun though!

30) Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

I've read another book in the Dexter series earlier his year, Dexter in the Dark, but Darkly Dreaming Dexter was much better! I really enjoyed it.

Dexter Morgan works as a blood splatter analysis for the Miami Police. Oh, and on his spare time he's a serial killer. But don't worry, he only kills the bad guys - those that really have it coming. When Miami is plagued by a brutal serial killer murdering and dismembering hookers, Dexter finds himself unwillingly and unexpectantly drawn in by the case. Who is the killer, and why is he so interested in Dexter?

This fast and exciting read will have you on the edge of your seatthe through the entire read.

31) Genesis by Bernard Beckett (wrong touchstone!)

This dystopian novel is set in a future very different from our reality. The people are under the control of the Republic, Artificial Intelligence is a part of everyday life and every thought and action is supervised. When Anax begins her test to get into the prestigious Academy, she has no idea she will expose a secret so dangerous it will turn everything she knows upside-down and what the ultimate consequence of her discovery will be.

A interesting read, which will make you think. I found it to be an okay read.

#120: Peter recommended this book on his thread and I am looking forward to reading it since I love dystopian novels. Thanks for your input as well.

32) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I'm so glad that I've finally gotten around to reading this must-read classic!

Jane Eyre is a classic love story, filled with despair, mystery, intrigue and obstacles. It kept me on the edge of my seat, always wondering what was going to happen next. Highly reccomended!

#122: I love Jane Eyre, too. Glad to see you enjoyed it!

#122 Now you just have to read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde - it's lots of fun.

Oh, The Eyre Affair sounds great! I'm going to be on the look-out for it at the library. Thanks for the tip, Aviatiakh! :)

33) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokav

Oh dear. I don't really know what to say about Lolita. Nabokav's utterly creepy and disturbing tale of the relationship between the adult man Humbert Humbert and his love interest, the twelve year old Lolita, is a tale filled obsession, lust, and oddly enough, love. A twisted and distorted form of love, that is.

I quite enjoyed the first hundred or so pages, but after that it got increasingly tedious. I'm glad I've read it though, now I know what all the fuss is about!

I really like Nabokov's writing - his Speak, Memory is an absolutely wonderful book - but I just cannot make myself read Lolita. I would recommend some of his other books to you though because he is a very good writer.

Yeah, I really like his writing style too, and I'm looking forward to reading more by him.

34) Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl is easy, girly, stupid and fun - just the kind of fluff I needed after reading the somewhat difficult and very serious Lolita. The perfect book for a lazy day in the sun, that require very little, if any, brain power. :)

LOL Great description of Gossip Girl - and the rest of the series is more of the same. Cecily Von Ziegesar actually only wrote the first few, and then the rest of the series has been ghostwritten by other people, but still under her name. My sister, who is your age, has read the entire series, I think. Do you watch the television show?

Really? How hard can it be to write the Gossip Girl books? Just namedrop a whole lot, and be as melodramatic and teenage-angsty as possible. I'm not going to bother reading the entire series, I'm just going to finish the one I'm currently reading. It's fun and what not, but not really my thing. Yeah, I watch the show. I haven't been watching since the beginning though, it's a resent thing. It's cheap entertainment, a shallow and fun way to kill some time. :)

I agree - it's not like they take any writing skill! I watch the show too, and I think it's a good diversion from real life - plus the clothes are always fantastic :)

Oh yes, the fashion! :) And, there are some pretty cute guys in there too. ;)

35) You Know You Love Me by Cecily Von Ziegesar

This is the second book in the Gossip Girl-series, and like the first book its fun and girly. Nothing special; just some good ol' no-brainer fluff.

36) The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Wow.

I loved this book. I don't have the words in which to describe it. Wonderful and engrossing. Beautiful and fragile. Breathtaking and heartbreaking. Moving.

Hi RBBR - I'm just reading your thread for the first time and adding about four books to my wishlist. I've been enjoying your reviews. I have a copy of The History of Love on a shelf somewhere; I might need to actually pick it up sometime.

Liking the look of Genesis. Like Stasia, I really enjoy dystopian novels.

Hi, dchaikin and lunacat! Thanks for stopping by! :)

#137: Thanks! :) I urge you to pick up The History of Love, it was really a great read.

#138: I really enjoy dystopian novels, too. But somehow, Genesis didn't quite do it for me. I hope you give it a shot and enjoy it more than I did!

Happy reading!

37) Everyday Use by Alice Walker

38) New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

I must admit, these books are growing on me. I still don't get what all the hype is about, though. However, I find this series to be highly engrossing, they really pull you in.

June wrap-up:

29) People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
30) Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
31) Genesis by Bernard Beckett
32) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
33) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokav
34) Gossip Girl by Cecilt Von Ziegesar
35) You Know You Love Me Cecily Von Ziegesar
36) The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
37) Everyday Use by Alice Walker
38) New Moon by Stepehnie Meyer

Books read: 9
Pages read: 2666
---
Total books read: 38
Total pages read: 11663




A great reading month! This month's best read is a tie between People of the Book and The History of Love. Both wonderful books, that I highly reccomend. :)

39) Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Way behind on my starred threads. Just wanted to say I loved History of Love too. Loved the narrator's voice, will definitely will read it again.

40) The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

I really enoyed this book. The Cellist of Sarajevo tells the story of life in the war torn city of Sarajevo through the eyes of two civilians and a sniper.

41) A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle

In A Dog's Life we see the world, and humans, through the eyes of the dog Boy. He's full of witty coments and observations as he tells the story of his life from puphood up until mature doghood.

A cute little story reccomended for dog lovers.

>146: It seems like his writing output has dropped to almost nothing. I hope we'll get at least a few more from him before he's done.

The Cellist of Sarajevo - one of my Top Ten for this year so far.

#148 - Mine too!

The Cellist of Sarajevo made my memorable reads list for the year too!

#147: Aw, that's too bad. I really liked his writing style.

The Cellist of Sarajevo was indeed a very good read, I enjoyed it very much! It's nice to see everybody's enjoying it too. :)

42) Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

As long as I can remember I've been strangely interested in and fascinated by gorillas. So when I unexpectantly found Gorillas in the Mist on the shelf in my local library I did not hesitate.

Dian Fossey, the world famous American zoologist, dedicated her life to researching, documenting and saving the Mountain Gorrilas of Rwanda and Zaire. Without her effort there would be no wild linving mountin gorillas left in the world today.

Dian Fossey is not an author, but she still manages to write about the individual gorillas in a way that makes the reader feel like they themselves are right there with her, experiencing the gentle giants face to face. Her passion for these animals clearly shines through, and her pain as bad things happen to the animals is obvious. Dian Fossey ended up paying the ultimate prise for her work and passion; in 1985 Dian was found murdered, most likely by poachers.

I loved this book! It combines facts, data and information about the species gorilla, their habitat, the situation in Rwanda and Zaire and much much more, with interesting and touching stories about the lives of one of our closest relatives, the gentle and kind giant the Mountain Gorillas.
Reccomended for people interested in zoology, conservation and, especially gorillas. :)

Her fight against for the gorillas involve destroying cruel and deadly traps put out by poachers, collecting money and most importantly, spreading the knowledge.

If you're interested in other apes, as well as how their behavior relates to ours, you might also like Frans De Wall's book, Our Inner Ape.

Oh, I'm really interested in all apes, but gorillas in particular. It's almost like looking in a mirror - the thought of evolution just blows my mind, it's such a fascinating topic! Thank you for the reccomendation, Bonnie. It looks like a must read! :)

I've had a copy of Gorrillas in the Mist sitting on the shelf for years and have never managed to get to it. After reading your review I will have to bump it up.

43) Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy

When JJ is released from jail after six years a media frenzy breaks out, and the hunt for the whereabouts of the notourois chilmurderer is set into action. All JJ, or Alice as she now goes by, wants is to start her life fresh, somewhere no one knows about her dark past. As we follow her struggle to adapt to her new life, the truth about what happened that faithful day six years ago, slowly unfolds.

Dang, I need to read Gorillas in the Mist. I've recently become fascinated with Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees, read one of her books and watched a documentary... I love animals so much, it's a wonder to me how I managed to NOT read her work and Fossey's for so long.

Gorillas are amazing... I remember being at Disney's Animal Kingdom last year, and the alpha(?) gorilla came and sat right across from us, not more than 5 yards away, and just watched us... looking into those eyes will take your breath away. You can see intelligence. You can see understanding. You know how you meet someone and you look into their eyes, and it can often tell you a lot more than what their words are saying? Looking into a gorilla's eyes was like that. I get shivers just thinking about it...

You'll love Gorillas in the Mist! The edition I read had these incredibly beautiful pictures too, that made the reading experince even better.

Wow, that sounds like an absolutely breathtaking experience! I can only imagine what something like that would feel like; to look into a pair of beutiful black eyes and see so much humanity. You're very lucky. I dream of one day seeing them for myself, in the wild. It's crazy expensive (so I've heard), but would be so worth it!

I feel like gorillas have all the qualities we value in ourselves as humans; intelligence, kindness (altruism), they are peaceful and calm, and will protect their own (especially babies) to their death. What they lack however is what I personally think seperates humans for animals; humans can and will to things to hurt other humans and animals on purpose, only humans can truly be "evil".

Oh, and the alpha male is the one with the white-silvery back, known as the silverback.

I'm on the lookout for some Jane Godall books myself, as she also is a woman I admire very much.

44) The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

Wow, this is an eye-opener that I think everyone, no matter religion or way of life, should read.

It's on my list of books that I bought but haven't read yet. Maybe I'll put it closer to the top of the pile. It will be a good followup to The 19th Wife. Thanks for reminding me.

45) City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Lucien is an ordinary boy suffering from cancer, but when he is given a notebook by his father his world is turned upside down. The book enables him to travel to a paralell world, similar to our world's Venice.

I liked this book, and I will read the others in the series too.

July wrap-up:

39) Eclipse
40) The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
41) A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle
42) Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey
43) Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy
44) The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
45) City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Books read: 6
Pages read: 2466
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Total books read: 45
Total pages read: 14129

What they lack however is what I personally think seperates humans for animals; humans can and will to things to hurt other humans and animals on purpose, only humans can truly be "evil"

I agree! In fact, I had this exact conversation with my husband a few weeks ago, after I read the Goodall book. We humans have the capacity to choose good or evil, we're not ruled by our instincts and can make conscious choices to do good or harm. When it all boils down to it, the violence perpetrated by animals, for the most part, is based on instinct. Now, I know there are arguments against that - especially when it seems that chimpanzees are thought to premeditate attacks against other chimp family groups when they want to expand their territory - but I just don't see that as being equated to the horrors and evils that we humans do to each other. Psychologically in that regard, we differ to a significant extent. In the same way, we can choose not to be violent, even when our instincts tell us otherwise (ie. we're really ticked off about something).

...too bad we live so far away from each other, this is the kind of thing I'd love to sit down over coffee and have a good, solid discussion about... what can I say, animals are fascinating :)

I remember reading the Stravaganza series. I enjoyed it quite a lot, though I never got around to reading the fourth book. I look forward to your reaction to the other books!

# 163: Oh, I love discussing these sorts of things! I totally agree with you regarding free choice of humans (good/evil) vs. animal insticts. We discussed this in class a few weeks ago, and one of mye classmates used the example of cats toying and, in his words, "torturing", their prey before eating it as "proof" that animals also can be "evil". While I thought it was an interesting argument, that also is caused by the natural and primal intinct the cat, not the cat being mean.

Animals are an endless source of fascination and admiration for me.

# 164: I'm going to pick up book nr two and three the next time I'm at the library. I enjoyed the first book, and hope the rest of them are just as good. :) How come you stopped at nr four?

Chimps can be quite sneaky and planful in their agressiveness, and they do kill other chimps. Evil is an interesting term, isn't it. There's a level of "badness" and "intention" inherent in that word that probably can't be applied to other animals. You might find Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We are Who We Are an interesting follow up read. The author actually describes both chimpanzee and Bonobos. We share 97% of our DNA with these apes. Chimps are much more aggressive and violent while Bonobos use sex to solve problems. People like to point to agression in animals as an explanation of human behavior, but we human animals are more actually more closely connected (genetically speaking) to Bonobos than chimpanzees. That may be one of the reasons we humans are also so good at forming communities and working collaboratively. It's terrible the things that humans do to each other, but that's partly because of our intelligence has allowed us to build ever more hurtful weaponry. If we look at humans and one-to-one behaviors (without access to weaponry), you could say that we've also evolved in the direction of caring, empathy, collaboration, cooperation, etc.

Message edited by its author, Aug 7, 2009, 3:00pm.

Our Inner Ape sounds really interesting! Thanks for the rec, I'll surely look for it at the library.

"People like to point to agression in animals as an explanation of human behavior.." I agree with this. I think that people blame the less favourable aspects of human and behavior on our animal ancestors in stead of owning up to them as a part of what it is to be the animal homo sapiens. Our intelligence is both a blessing and a curse; it has enabled us to create and accomplish extraordinary things, but also, as you said, build sophisticated and extremely efficient ways of destroying and hurting eachother, our fellow animals and the entire earth itself.

46) Different Seasons by Stephen King

This is a collection of four short stories, one for each season; spring (Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption), summer (Apt Pupil), fall (The Body) and winter (The Breathing Method). I really loved all four of them, but I enjoyed the first two the best.

I found Apt Pupil to be pretty disturbing. There were some scenes with animals and consentration camps that made me feel uneasy and quesy. However, it was very engrossing. A bit too long to be a short story, in my opinion.

I love both Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and The Body, though for some reason, I have never read the other two stories. If you haven't seen the movie adaptations, I highly recommend both - the first is just called The Shawshank Redemption, and The Body is titled Stand By Me.

The Shawshank Redemption has to be my favourite film ever. I think........its pretty much up there in my top 5!

Cait, if you loved those two, I'm sure your going to love the remaining two aswell. No I haven't, but after hearing all the raving about The Shawhsank Redemption I guess I'm going to have to see it. It must really be something; I keep hearing how fantastic it is!

47) The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

This is really an fantastic YA book about a 9 year old boy whose family moves away from their comfortable, stabile and luxurious home in Berlin to "Out-With", due to his father's position as a Nazi officer at a consentration camp. Here he meets and befriends a jewish boy named Shmuel.

This story really broke my heart. It shows in a beutiful, yet horrific, way the inocense and naivety of children, the horrors of war and the power of true friendship.

#173, You're absolutely right, I loved the book and was also shocked by it. I think of going to see the movie. Did anyone here see it?

I saw the movie two weeks ago, but I've never read the book. I thought it was very well done. Not a happy movie by any means, but well acted and thought provoking. I walked around in a daze for a few hours after seeing it. It's educational too - I think it shows the way life was in Germany at that time.

Oh, I wasn't aware a movie existed! How exciting! I think the story could make a very good film if done the right way. Amwmsw04, by the way you described it, it sounds like they did!

Yeah, a friend of mine got it through Netflix. I can't compare it to the book but I would guess you would 'enjoy' it - if anyone CAN enjoy a movie like that. It was done very well in my opinion.

Let us know what you think when you get to watch it!

I sure will! ;)

48) The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh

A great, well recearched historical fiction about three generations and their lives in the turmoiled Burma. Reccomended.

I had a totally opposite reaction to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, but then I had just read A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal, a real-life account of his experiences in Auschwitz.

49) A Series of Unfortunate Events; A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

50) Animal Farm by George Orwell

I have tried reading this book three-four times before, but have failed to complete each and every time. Since it's been a good five years or so since my last attempt, I thought the time was here for yet another shot.

This time it was a breeze, and I loved it! I don't have anything to add about this book that has not already been stated numerous times already, so I'll stick with saying that I greatly enjoyed it and that I think it's an absolute must read.

51) The Shadow of the Windby Carlos Ruiz Zafòn

When ten-year-old Daniel stumbles upon the work of the mysterious author Julian Carax, his life is forever altered. During the course of this book the truth behind Julian and his extraordinary lifestory is slowly unraveled.

I absolutey loved this book! It was so gripping and engrossing that I had a hard time putting it down. Reccomened!

#183: I love it too! Glad to see it has found another fan.

August wrap-up:

46) Different Seasons by Stephen King
47) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyle
48) The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh
49) A Series of Unfortunate Events; A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
50) Animal Farm by George Orwell
51) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafòn

Books read: 6
Pages read: 1999
---
Total books read: 51
Total pages read: 16128




Favourite book of this month was The Shadow of the Wind. I, along with numerous other readers, loved this book! Animal Farm came in at a pretty close second.

Message edited by its author, Sep 4, 2009, 5:32am.

52) Crime and Punishment, part 1 by Fjodor Mikhajlovitsj Dostojevskij

#185: Nice summary! I am a huge fan of The Shadow of the Wind, too.

Thanks! I can't wait to get my hands on The Angel's Game, it may not live up to the greatness of The Shadow of the Wind, but it's still bound to be a darned good book.

53) Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This was a challenging, but fun read. I've never read a book quite like this before; written in poems almost, with rhyme. I found I had to read it alound to myself in order to really aprreciate the way its written and at the same time understand what was happening in the story.

I love the story of Faust. Glad you enjoyed it.

For a fun twist on the Faust story, try Johannes Cabal the Necromancer.

Oh, that looks interesting, I'll check it out. Thanks for the reccomendation! :)

54) Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

When Emma Rouault marries the good, but rather boring, doctor Charles Bovary, and becomes Madame Bovary, she believes her life is destined for the "happy ever after"-ending she's always dreamed of. Quickly, however, reality dawns on her and she realises her life will not be as in the many novels she spends her time reading, and starts regretting her decisions.

"Oh, why, dear God, did I marry him?"
- Emma Bovary

Soon her life is overcome with the tediousness and monotony of habit and consistency, and she becomes increasingly unhappy and bored with her life. It is this insisting need for love, passion and luxury that drives Madame Bovary into a never-ending downward spiral, and makes Madame Bovary such a tragic read.

I quite enjoyed this book, but found it pretty tedious certain spots.

55) Å Lese Litteratur (To read literature) by Hans H. Skei

Had to read this for Uni.

56) The Host by Stephenie Meyer

After reading several slightly dry and demanding book for Uni I needed some fluff. The Host certainly did the trick, as it's a very engrossing and exciting read, with plenty of action. Just what I needed; an escape from reality.

While not a great read, I found it pretty good. It was much better than her Twilight books, that's for sure! Although some of the characters in The Host did share some of the same annoying traits I found so unbearable in the Twilight books. Having said that, Wanderer/Melanie isn't half as annoying and pathetic as Bella!

I'm in a fluff mood myself as I have two more exams left for this month, so I picked up Dracula (in between long and annoying history and linguistics books). It's part of the Halloween challenge theblackdogbooks has organized AND it's easy, relaxing & non-demanding so there: two birds with one stone! :)

Everybody needs some fluff every now and then (although I personally would hardly consider Dracula as fluff)! I've been meaning to read Dracula for quite some time now. Maybe I should join the Halloween challenge, and finally do it.

57) Bodily Harm by Margaret Atwood

A interesting read. I liked how the story jumped from the present to Rennie's past all the way down to her childhood. I didn't enjoy the political aspect of the book too much, I liked more the parts focusing on Rennie and her story.

58) One Flew over the Cuckoo's nest by Ken Kesey

Ever since I first saw the movie with the fantastic Jack Nicholson a couple of years ago, I've wanted to read this book.

This was a very powerful read. It shows the terrible conditions patients at mental asylums were kept under, but more importantly the how the system keeps people down, and crushes anyone that's brave enough to stand up and fight.

That was such a scary book, and all the more so, because so much of it is based on real life conditions at that time.

Indeed! And also very sad.

59) Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

I greatly enjoyed this read. I've never read anything by Yates before, but now that I have I must read more. This novel was quiet and interesting, simple yet complex. Highly reccomended! :)

60) The Good Major by Andrew Nicoll

This is basically a story of love. Secret love, forgotten, crushing and neglecting love. Of broken hearts, of falling in love. Of being alone and lonesome. Of being together. I quite enjoyed this book, despite it's few bizzare elements, especially towards the end.

I think I've already got The Good Major on my list, but if not, I'm going to put it on. Thanks!

I've been without internet for three weeks, so I'm a bit late with the monthly wrap-up this time. Anyhow, here it is:

September wrap-up:
52) Crime and Punishment part 1 by Fjodor Michajlovic
53) Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
54) Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
55) Å lese litteratur (To Read Literature) by Hans H. Skei
56) The Host by Stpehenie Meyer
57) Bodily Harm by Margaret Atwood
58) One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey
59) Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
60) The Good Major by Andrew Nicoll

Books read: 9
Pages read: 3047
---
Total books read: 60
Total pages read: 19175




A good reading month. :)

61) Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

I think I've enjoyed Breaking Dawn the most of the books in the Twilight-saga. Fast paced, exciting and full of action. Bella was not as patethic as she usually is, thank God. It seemed like Meyer was like "I'm on page 700 and there's still no end in sight. Shit! Oh well, I'm just going to let Alice fix everything at the last minute, and everything will be peachy forever and ever." I was not satisfied with how she wrapped it all up in a neat little package. Also she needs a new editor. Jeez, this book is way too long; lacking in sufficient plot to warrant its mammoth lenght.

62) Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: the Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body by Courtney E. Martin

This is a book I hink every girl and woman should read. I can garantee you that you will find yourself nodding along in agreement and recognition many a times, and shake your head in disbelief, shock and horror of some of the facts and stories that are revealed about everyday woman and their relationships with food and their bodies.

63) All I Want Is Everything by Cecily Von Ziegsar

A pretty ironic read to choose after Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters.., I know, but oh well. Pretty boring and mindless fluff. More of the same.

Nice summary. I hope your internet stays up for a while!

Tank you! I sure hope so. I've been suffering from withdrawals without LT. :)

64) Because I'm Worth It by Cecily Von Ziegsar

#210: I bet you have! I do not think I could handle it for an extended period of time.

65) The Edge Chronicles: Stormchaser by Paul Stweard and Chris Riddell

A reread of on og mye favourite childhood series. Just tas good as I remembered it! :) Exciting story with interesting characters, and absolutely stunning illustrations.

66) When We Were Romans by Matthew Kneale

Such a touching and moving story. Told from the perspective of nine-year-old Lawrence, we experience a fantastic, yet terriying adventure as Lawrence, his little sister and their mother travel to Roma, Italy in order to get away from their father.

As the story unfolds it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.

Sounds good, RBBR! Somebody else was just talking about Matthew Kneale--maybe it was you on someone else's thread? Anyway, I notice he also wrote English Passenger. Did you read that one? I wonder because I didn't find that book particularly memorable.

Hi, Bonnie! :) It was and I quite enjoyed it. No, I don't think that was me. Atleast not that I can remember. I haven't read that one. Not reccomended?

I don't remember either liking or not liking English Passengers.

I liked English Passengers quite well. I think Kneale did a very good job of capturing the 'voice' of each of the narrators - everyone from the preacher to the ship's captain. I hope you give it a try.

Hey, I'm bored. Should be writing a analysis of "Ode on anGrecian Urn", but I thought "why not find out which Disney Princess I'd be", instead? I love the Disney Princesses! :)

Disney Princess Survey:

Mark the statements that apply to you with a * and find out who our princess alter-ego is. :)

Cinderella
One of your parents is dead.
You are expected to do a lot of chores.
*You love to dress up.*
*You love animals.*
*You are waiting patiently for your Prince Charming.*
*Your mom is really strict.*
You have sisters who seem kind of jealous of you.
You’re afraid to speak your mind sometimes.
*You have left your shoes at a friend’s house before.*
*You have blonde hair.* Not right now, mind you.
Total: 6

Belle
You’ve kissed someone your friends didn’t like.
*You’ve been lost in the forest.*
*You love to read.*
You are not shy at all, and not afraid to speak your mind.
*One of your family members is a bit weird.* Everyone's got one of those, right?
*You have done volunteer work.*
*You have a wild imagination.*
You love to take care of people in need.
You’ve had guys like you only because they think you’re pretty.
*You’ve rejected at least one person when they’ve asked you out.*
Total: 6

Jasmine
Your dad is very rich/important.
You are very clever.
You’ve been with someone way different from you.
You’re unique and different from everyone else.
*You’d never marry someone just because they were rich.*
You have set a lot of goals for yourself.
You don’t have a lot of friends.
*You’re independent.* Sort of.
You are wealthy.
Your parents try to control your life.
Total: 2

Ariel
Your parents expect a lot from you.
You really try to follow the rules, but it’s hard for you.
You’re a bit of a trouble maker.
*You’re the youngest in your family or in the last two.*
You have a lot of sisters (three or more).
*You collect something.*
*You have/had long hair.*
*You have/had a pet fish.*
*You’re extremely curious.*
You believe everything people tell you/you’re a bit gullible.
Total: 5

Snow White
You know that you’re beautiful.
Sometimes it seems like your mom is jealous of you.
You’ve almost been killed.
*You have at least seven good friends.*
You’ve had food poisoning.
*You have/had short hair.*
*You get along with almost everyone.*
*All of your friends are different.*
*You love to have a good time.*
You’re happier when you’re out of the house than in.
Total: 5

Mulan
You can be a tomboy sometimes.
People wish you could be a bit more girly.
You’ve pretended to be someone you’re not.
You’ve had a physical fight with someone.
You have/had considered running away from home.
Your parents try to plan your life out.
A lot of your friends are boys.
You sometimes find yourself in bad situations.
*You love your family so much that you’d do anything to protect them.*
Total: 1

Aurora
You live/have lived with someone other than your parents.
You almost died at a very young age.
*You are gentle, loving and/or thoughtful.*
You have a decent singing voice.
*You like to sleep in late on the weekends.*
You spend most of your time outside, or try to do so.
You’re adopted.
*You’re very romantic.*
Pink is one of your favorite colors.
Total: 3

Pocahontas
*You love to walk around and explore big cities.*
*You are more spiritual than religious.*
You’ve been in an interracial relationship.
*One of your family members is dead (mum, dad, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa).*
Your parents are very protective of you.
Someone you know has been in war.
*You love nature.*
*You have/had black hair.*
*You would love to move somewhere exotic and beautiful.*
*You’re very adventurous.*
Total: 7

Darn it, I wanted to be Belle. :( Pochahonats is cool though.

/end stupid procrastination.

Nice way to spend your procrastination time, though :)

219: Darn it, I wanted to be Belle...

Just kiss a friend's brother and you'll be all set!

Haha, I might just do that! ;) Belle really is the best princess in my book. Beauty and the Beast is my very favourite Disney movie.

67) World Without End by Ken Follett

This mammoth of a book is like the TV show "Days of Our Lives" set in the middle ages. That may sound like a recipe for a catastrophe, but it actually is a winning compination. At least for me; I loved it! :)

October wrap-up:
61) Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
62) Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: the Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body by Courtney E. Martin
63) All I Want Is Everything by Cecily Von Ziegsar
64) Because I'm Worth It by Cecily Von Ziegsar
65) The Edge Chronicles: Stormchaser by Paul Stuart and Chris Ridell
66) When We Were Romans by Matthew Kneale
67) World Without End by Ken Follett

Books read: 7
Pages read:
---
Total books read: 67
Total pages read:




This has really been a fluff-o-rama of a month for me. Some good fluff, and some bad. My top two reads are Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters and World Without End. Both very diffrent and highly reccomended!

It's official. November has arrived, and with it my annual uncontrollable itch to, yet again, read the Harry Potter books. Bliss!

68) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Brings me back to when I first read it as a wee seven-year-old-girl. Still just as magical! :)

Oh, I envy you rereading them. I did it earlier this year and I hated to see it end. I'll have to do it again, maybe before the movie comes out next year...

Here's to annual uncontrollable itches! I hope you have a lovely time re-reading HP.

Library Lover, do it again! ;) My annual HP rereading marathon is one of the reading highlights of every reading year. Finally it's here! I'm a bit sad that not a new book will be added to the series this year, but I'm just glad I get the chance to revisit my old friends. :)

Cheers, Stasia! (Can I call you Stasia?) I am loving it. :)

69) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

Oh how I love that Gilderoy Lockhart! Such a funny character. Some of the funniest moments in the entire series can be credited to that man. :)

Of course you can call me Stasia!

Oh - and I agree with you about the narcissistic Lockhart :)

70) Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

This is one of mye favourite books in the HP-series. It's got two of my all-time favourite characters; the scruffy and loveable Lupin, and og course Sirius Black.

Slight spolier ahead!

One thing I don't like about HP is that Ronny's pet rat Scabbers turns out to be the villain. Poor rats, they always get scum/pest/bad guy/evil villain stample in books, on TV and in real life. That was one of the things I really liked in the series, that it shed light on how rats can make amazing pets. Then as it turned out, the rat was a real "rat", working for the most evil of all wizards. Go figure.

I really like the character of Sirius Black in the books - he is one of my favorites :)

#182 Animal Farm features in my all time favourites, its so simple, yet so witty.
#186 Crime and Punishment is another favourite of mine.
#189 I tried reading Faust once, but gave after a couple of pages, poetry isn't my thing I guess, glad you liked it, will give it another try maybe next year.
#231 Sirius Black's character was one of the best sketched character in the book, I liked it too, not so much a fan of Lupin.

Hi, Piyush! I have to agree with you about Animal Farm. A suberb piece of litterature. Man, Faust was no piece of cake for me to read. Although I wasn't too into the way it's written I did enjoy the story itself.

I too love Sirius! A great character indeed.

I've been a little slow in my reading as of lately. Been in Paris for a few days (a absolutely beautiful city!), been slightly ill and have had an exam. :)

71) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling

72) The Tale of One Bad Rat by Bryan Talbot

This was my first time reading a graphic novel, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about them. This particular one I didn't enjoy that much; I felt it was too much a cliche for my taste. Beautiful illustrations of Little Rat though. :)

#236: There are some very good graphic novels out there, Ruth. A couple of them have made my memorable reads list for the year: Maus and Maus II by Art Spiegelman. I hope you give the genre a few more chances before writing it off completely.