Hi, I just followed this link from the 1010 challenge group. It sounds like a great way to add some spice to my reading choices until the new year dawns..

I like to keep things simple so no time limit and no order but a book will not appear on both lists.

Message edited by its author, Sep 3, 2009, 9:22am.

Author alphabet

A
B Extreme Measures: The Dark Visions and Bright Ideas of Francis Galton by Martin Brookes
C The Naming of the Beasts: A Felix Castor Novel by Mike Carey
D The Ghost of Alcatraz by John Dekker
E The Pilo Family Circus by Will Elliot
F The Crimson Petal and the White By Michel Faber
G The Lobster Chronicles by Linda Greenlaw
H House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
I
J
K
L
M
N Secrets from the Red Lantern by Pauline Nguyen
O
P In the Heart of the Sea: The Epic True Story That Inspired "Moby Dick" by Nathaniel Philbrick
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Message edited by its author, Dec 7, 2009, 4:22am.

Title alphabet

A Across the Nightingale Floor: Episode 1 by Liam Hearn
B Britten and Brülightly by Hannah Berry
C
D Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa
E Elephantina by Andrew Drummond
F Fugue State by Brian Evenson
G
H
I
J
K Kushiel's Mercy by Jacqueline Carey
L
M
N Night Has a Thousand Eyes by Cornell Woolrich
O 100 Bullets Vol 13: Wilt by Brian Azzarello (author) and Eduardo Risso (artist)
P
Q
R Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
S Set This House In Order by Matt Ruff
T Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Message edited by its author, Dec 7, 2009, 4:23am.

Would you consider telling us about Elephantina? There are no LibraryThing reviews!

Sure. Just finished the review, sorry its a bit long I seem to be bloating...!

Elephantina by Andrew Drummond is an amusing, deeply odd, historical novel which I throughly enjoyed.

Through the journal of one Mr Orum we learn of the truly bizarre (but true) tale of Dr Blair, who in 1702 was the first man in Britain to dissect an elephant. This 'journal' is presented to us by our stalwart editor, a man hopelessly at odds with Mr Orum's slovenly ways and who inserts himself into the story through frequent outraged footnotes.

So what we get is an amusing tale of three men at philosophical odds, two unreliable narrators and one poor elephant. It's a slim volume but the contrasting (yet equally silly) characters that fight over Dr Blair's good name make it a worthwhile read. I am not overly familiar with Scottish history but this didn't detract and whilst its not for the faint of heart it's not at all graphic. Currently its beautiful published in hardback form.

Message edited by its author, Sep 4, 2009, 8:45am.

That sounds strangely intriguing!

yes I just had to get it when I saw it! Looks like he has done a few more interesting books too..

I thought the style might not be for everyone but here so here is an excerpt on his site:
http://www.andydrummond.net/elephantina....

I was deeply disappointed by The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. After a truly wonderful beginning it just went down hill with few interesting characters, a thin plot and an abrupt ending. Far too long at 800 pages, even with wonderful writing it just wasn't worth the effort. However it has many good reviews so maybe I am just missing the point!

My long review (or rant!) can be found at http://www.librarything.com/topic/56096#...

Interesting thoughts on Crimson Petal. It's on my Tipping Tower of Tomes waiting to be read and its size has put me off a bit, now I'm really not looking forward to reading it.

I'll be the opposing voice, clfisha. I loved The Crimson Petal and the White, for its complex rendering of Victorian society. I especially loved that the characters were all truly Victorian, and not modern people dressed in uncomfortable clothing--the beliefs and values they held were not ours--and yet they were fully developed, complex and sympathetic. That's an almost impossible accomplishment; just think of all the historical novels out there with protagonists whose values exactly mirror our own.

I do agree that the ending came suddenly, but I think that may have been purposeful. How does an author wind down a story without everything after the dramatic conclusion boring the reader?

>10 ok, now I'm looking forward to reading it a little bit more.

Hello clfisha;
I am glad you are here and happy to welcome you to our happy little group. I know I was thrilled when I was told about this group. I hope you enjoy your time here with us. I think that those of us who work the 999 / 10/10/10 challenge are excitedly awaiting the first of the year. And this is just the right way to spend it.
Good to meet you.
belva

Message edited by its author, Sep 18, 2009, 11:12pm.

Hi sorry for late reply, just got back from holiday. I am glad you not put off reading The Crimson Petal and the White. I think the majority did like it, also in retrospect I don't think it helped that I had just read a history book set in that time period it just seemed so familiar! Anyway hope you enjoy it

#12 Hi Belva & thanks for the warm welcome. I admit I am champing on the bit to start the 101010 challenge. You are right it is a great (& relaxing) way to fill in the time.

Mini reviews:
Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck
What can I say? I think this is my favourite Steinbeck book so far. So much more than a travelogue it contains a lot of himself, his history and his feelings as he travels around the US in his tiny camper with his dog charley. Highly recommended.

In the Heart of the Sea: The Epic True Story That Inspired "Moby Dick" by Nathaniel Philbrick
Fascinating, easy to read and extremely well researched account of the doomed whaling ship that was attacked and sunk by a giant whale. Philbrick brings the story vividly to life but manages to keep it well balanced. However I still don't want to read Moby Dick :)

Message edited by its author, Oct 6, 2009, 9:22am.

Tales from outer suburbia was amazing, a collection of wonderfully imaginitive short stories illustrated with beautiful drawings which only shaun tan could draw, very enjoyable!

Thanks for the feedback.

Night Has a Thousand Eyes by Cornell Woolrich is an utterly compelling noir about a man who sees no hope when his manner and time of his death are foretold. The police think it's a con and a race against time begins. I really recommend this for fans of old noir, deeply atmospheric and doom laden I just could not put it down!

The Ghost of Alcatraz by John Dekker (no touchstone) is a tiny, too short memoir of a bank robber. Starting with childhood up to incarceration in Alcatraz. Starts well, engaging, often humorous but half way though feels rushed and starts to just list in order to squeeze too much in.

Fugue State by Brian Evenson . 19 superb tales of isolation, powerless and dissolution. Funny and chilling in turns. Highly recommended for horror/dark fantasy fans. A longer review has been posted plus one of the short stories can be found on www.brianevenson.com/fugue.html

Hi clfisha - just wanted to drop a note to say I love how you have bolded the touchstones in your posts. I am a 'newbee' when it comes to basic html code and LT has been most inspiring in helping me learn more... besides the obvious of reading more!

Elephantina and The Ghost of Alcatraz have both hit my TBR pile thanks to your posts for the challenge. Happy reading!

thank you :) I was a complete html newbie when I joined LT too.. you probably don't need it but I found this thread really useful:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/52135

I am not sure how easy The Ghost of Alcatraz is to get hold of.. I picked it up at the Alcatraz shop but I can't see it anywhere on the web!

House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne is not my usual fare but I picked this up after a visit to the house (in Salem, MA) .

Oddly this book has many aspects I usually dislike: exaggerated characters, a sedate and contrived plot but it has enough charm, wry humour and underlying kindness to keep it enjoyable for its short length (240 pg). It was perfect to settle down for a quiet half and hour (but no more!) and immerse myself in this odd little book. I am glad I read it but I am unsure if I would try another of his books and would only recommend it to American classic completists.

Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa is a dark tale, told from the perspective of 16 year old Hailey, set amongst her families disintegration and waning faith. It took me a short while to get into to it but once I did I really enjoyed it. Its an unsettling gritty tale but not one without hope plus it is filled with great unsettling characters and some wonderful gothic imagery. All in all I recommend it those who like their fiction dark and gritty. Posted a long review on LT.

I've added it to my wishlist!

Just finished the darkly funny horror The Pilo Family Circus by Will Elliot . Much slapstick violence, a great setting (think circus from hell) and cool characters. It's a debut novel I do highly recommend it to horror fans, especially those who like to be scared by clowns.

Jamie is going nowhere fast. That is until gets the attention of a bunch of psychopathic clowns... “You have two days to pass your audition. You better pass it, feller. You’re joining the circus. Ain’t that the best news you ever got?”

Message edited by its author, Oct 19, 2009, 11:03am.

Extreme Measures: The Dark Visions and Bright Ideas of Francis Galton by Martin Brookes

Next up is the biography of Victorian polymath Francis Galton. Fascinating, well balanced and easy to read account a man who legacy includes exploration, statistics, psychology and unfortunately eugenics (the study of selective breeding in humans).

Added two more books (both one of a series).

Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott lynch
Book 2 of the fantasy swashbuckling world of con men Locke & Jean and it's funny, entertaining and gripping but unfortunately disappointing compared to the 1st one (Lies of Locke Lamora, which I adored and recommend). I just feel it wasn't as tightly written or as polished at the first, still I am looking foward to the next one.

The Naming of the Beasts: A Felix Castor Novel by Mike Carey
I cannot recommend this supernatural noir series highly enough. Always gripping, with an evocative urban setting and truly fascinating overarching plot. Pitched perfectly between the supernatural and edgy realism, embued with dark humour and avoiding over blown cliches. I find this series deeply refreshing (and wonderfully British) in a genre that's deeply overcrowded.

Argh no spellchecker.. forgive me..

Message edited by its author, Oct 26, 2009, 7:01pm.

Set This House In Order by Matt Ruff

"I suppose I should tell you about the house.... The house, along with the lake, the forest, and Coventry, are all in Andy Gage's head, or what would have been Andy Gage's head if he had lived. Andy Gage was born in 1965 and murdered not long after by his stepfather ... It was no ordinary murder.. though the torture and abuse that killed him were real, Andy Gage's death wasn't. Only his soul actually died, and when it died, it broke in pieces. Then the pieces became souls in their own right, coinheritors of Andy Gage's life. . . . "

A gripping, wildly inventive thriller. Whatever you feel about multiple personality disorder*, Ruff has created an extremely believable world packed with fully rounded characters. He has also made a complex plot eminently readable, woven heartbreak with humour and outrageousness with realism. Its not perfect, with a sudden shift towards murder mystery half way through, but I still highly recommend it.

The first four chapters can be found at:
http://home.att.net/~Storytellers/setpre...

*also known as dissociative identity disorder

edited to fix bold issues

Message edited by its author, Nov 2, 2009, 8:15am.

clfisha - Ooohhh your have hooked me with your post above.... and my library has a copy, even better!

Hope you enjoy, my short review should really of added a warning that it whilst funny and hopeful it get still get quite dark as it doesn't hide the abuse behind the MPD.. so if you are bit sensitive you might want to avoid and go for his Bad Monkeys instead (also v good).

Need to get better at short reviews!

Kushiel's Mercy By Jacqueline Carey

Hmm. Just go read the 1st trilogy in the series starting with Kushiel's Dart. That's a stunning expertly crafted fantasy, heavy with political intrigue, heartbreaking romance, gripping action and wonderful characters (and yes some erotica). However I would then just stop and pretend this 2nd trilogy never happens, its missing much of what I mentioned above and the main character just isn't that interesting to carry 3 books.

I am doing very badly with the challenge, out of my last 4 reads only one fits!

Britten and Brülightly by Hannah Berry.
Noir graphic novel. I highly recommend this to all fans of noir, this is astonishing. Most reviews seem to give away to much so just mention that the artwork is beautiful, all subdued and 'rain washed'. The murder mystery is satisfying but enhanced by wry puns, touching characters and some wonderful oddity.

Message edited by its author, Nov 16, 2009, 8:43am.

Across the Nightingale Floor: Episode 1: The Sword of the Warrior by Liam Hearn

A fun light YA fantasy set in feudal Japan, with a tiny bit of fantasy to spice it up. The plot is the classic coming of age/revenge and its very well done and has likable protagonists which is always a plus. Going to be looking out for book 2*

*This is 1/2 of the book Across the Nightingale Floor. The whole trilogy(?) has been cut down into smaller segments, not sure why.. although they do have nicer covers. :)

Message edited by its author, Nov 20, 2009, 7:32am.

There's 5 books in the Otori series by Lian Hearn (not counting split versions). I remember getting the first book from a book club, being their book of the month, and not having anything else that took my fancy at the time. Enjoyed it a lot so naturally read each of the sequels and prequel that she has released since. You've also reminded me that I'd meant to add a recommendation of Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka for Across the Nightingale Floor, so thanks for that.

Thank you for the clarification. It's nice to know the series is worth sticking with (and is longer!) plus I get to check out another new author. :)

I too loved the "Otori" series. Got totally wrapped up in them, I read them in order published and was a little put off at first by the prequel that was published lastly, but actually I think it became my favorite of the series, it certainly explained a lot regarding character motivation and wrapped up the series nicely.

I am always wary of prequels published at the end as well. You never know how much its going to change your view of an enjoyable series! So thanks for the heads up.

The Lobster Chronicles: Life on a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw

An odd but likable memoir of starting again as a Lobster fisherman on her families ancestral home. Greenlaw is likable and amusing and mixes antidotes with snippets of history and tales of fishing. In fact sometime its tends to meander and become disjointed. She is also brutally honest which can make uncomfortable reading as her loneliness jumps out at you. Still overall all a worthwhile and quick read.

100 Bullets Vol 13: Wilt by Brian Azzarello (author) and Eduardo Risso (artist)
Last in the series of 100 Bullets. An over the top, complex crime thriller. Think gangster, think government conspiracy. I have really enjoyed the series but this was such a let down, seemed so huried and ho hum I hesitate to recommend it to anyone except hard card crime/comics fans. It seems just too a heavy an investment for such a payoff.

Secrets from the Red Lantern by Luke & Pauline Nguyen
A beautifully presented Vietnamese cook book and biography telling the story of the authors escape from communist Vietnam and struggle to grow up in Australia. The biography is fascinating and although sometimes hard to read the food is given an emotional resonance .The actual recipes? Well mostly useless from my point of view since %70 contain meat but the one fish curry dish I tried was nice.