Leperdbunny's 75er leap! for 2010 Thread 1

Hi Kids!

I felt like this would be a good place to put my thread- as all of my buddies are here anyway. :)

If you'd like to catch up on my first thread in the 50 book challenge thread:

50 book challenge thread

1)Little Women by L.M. Alcott
2) On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
3)Ill Wind by Rachel Caine
4) Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5) Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth by Tamar Myers
6) Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle
7) Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
8) Nice Girls don't Live Forever by Molly Harper
9) Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
10) Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
11) Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
12) Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
13) Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris
14) False Mermaid by Erin Hart
15) Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Crime by Tamar Myers
16) Merciless by Richard Montanari
17) The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
18) Souless by Gail Carriger
19) The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
20) Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
21) What's a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie
22) Spook by Mary Roach
23) Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
24) Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
25) The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
26) The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
27) Heat Wave by Richard Castle
28) Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas
29) Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
30) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
31) Dracula by Bram Stoker
32) War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
33) A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cossé
34) Murder Past Due by Miranda James
35) The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
36) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
37) Angelology by Danielle Trussoni
38) March by Geraldine Brooks

Title: The Vampire Tapestry
Author: Suzy McKee Charnas
Genre: Horror
# of pages: 285 pages
Start date:?
End date: 10/08/10
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B

Description of the book: Dr. Weyland is like any other overworked professor at an American University- or is he? The Vampire Tapestry is a excellently woven story about an ancient vampire trying to hunt and still blend into modern society.
Review: Cleverly, the author blends in several elements and themes into the story- such as what it means to be human or what it means to be an "animal". He thinks of himself as a hunter- what better way to start the story then by pairing a known hunter with another kind of hunter? Throughout the book and the original part of the story was the middle section in which Weyland goes to see a therapist, we read of his thoughts and feelings about his humanity or lack thereof. I really felt like the author could have expounded more on the story and fleshed it out, I was a little disappointed it wasn't longer.

I am first!!! woohoo you started a thread, and your in the year 2010 not time warped like me in 2009 LOL

got ya starred

The Vampire Tapestry, seems interesting to me, might look at this one a little more closely

i take it that it's a different spin on the normal vampire you see in books?

Right, the vampire in this story had a stinger beneath the tongue (rather than fangs)- and could go out in daylight. He also did not have to kill his victims. They also said he could not turn his victims by feeding from them. He said several times through the book that he did not know how or why he came to be, and had no family to speak of. Really, the book focused heavily on the psychology of the vampire and his point of view.

well then , that's my kind of vampire book

on to the wish list it goes :)

did you read The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro ?

Glad to see you take the jump!

Hello, and Welcome!

Angela

Hurray for switching to the 75 group! I did it earlier this year and it was a wonderful change!

Just stopping by to say HI!

Welcome! I know you've been hanging around for a while, but it's nice you've joined us, thread-wise.

Thank you all! I'm currently reading The Phantom of the Opera. :)

never read the book but I did see the broadway play and loved it :)

Just stopping by to say hi & welcome. How did you like Spook?

Hi and welcome to the 75er's. I think you'll like it here.

Thank you! I loved Spook! Can't wait to get around to reading her other books!

Ooo, I love The Phantom of the Opera. I hope you're enjoying it! There is a sequel of some kind by Susan Kay, called Phantom, funnily enough, that I read right after the original back in high school. I was flipping through Kay's book recently and a slip of paper fell out proclaiming my adoration for the book and that it had changed my life forever.

Seeing as how I don't remember what happens in the book in the slightest, it was probably my overactive romantic teenage brain talking there, but it did make me laugh and think of re-reading it.

Great to see you in the group, Ms. Bunny!

I liked The Phantom of the Opera, so I am hoping you are enjoying your read of it too!

>16 LauraBrook: I am enjoying Phantom of the Opera- you made me smile Laura! Our teenage selves always do/feel things like that, don't we?

>17 kidzdoc: Hi Kidzdoc! I need to stop by your thread- somehow I lost it and its well above 100 now, eek!

>18 alcottacre: Yes, I am enjoying it- thus far both Christine's and Raoul's characters are vastly different from how I pictured them to be. I don't remember them ever saying the Phatom's name either? Sigh, lol. Things are totally different than what I can vaguely remember from the film. But then again, that shouldn't surprise me.

Phantom?!? You are a braver woman than I am.

It is really not that scary I promise- its actually quite sentimental, maybe it is the language? I don't know. Christine seems rather silly to me.

woot!!! huge leap, glad you made it!

Thank you Mckait!

Morning

have a great day !

Thank you!

Title: The Phantom of the Opera
Author: Gaston Leroux
Genre: Horror, Mystery
# of pages: 336 pages
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: A

Description of the book: This story was set in a Paris Opera House in 1880. The story is of the Opera Ghost, a tale recounting the Phantom of the Opera, whom fell in love with Christine Daae.
Review: I loved the Phantom of the Opera movie, and I've been meaning to read this for a while. The underground lair of the Phantom was described a lot more and seemed more sinster- down to the torture room that the Phantom had. The background that described the Phantom was much different than what was portrayed in the movie/play. Towards the middle of the book he seemed very sinister, and was probably the creepiest part in the book. I hated Christine and Raoul's relationship at times, they seemed petty. Christine also seemed naive- which was intentional I am sure, so at times, she got on my nerves. My favorite characters were the new owners/managers. They were probably my favorite part of the book. I don't want to spoil the end- but it was a surprise to me!

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed Phantom so much. Now that you mentioned it in your review, I do recall the Phantom himself as being very creepy and the labyrinthine "basement" of the Opera house as even more scary. And Christine/Raoul? Barf! It's still a fantastic book. Would taking some anti-nausea medication be helpful pre-reading? ;-)

Maybe a re-read is in order for me, if for no other reason than to subsequently re-read that Susan Kay book that apparently changed my life.

Title: Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley
Genre: Horror
# of pages: 222
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B

Description of the book: Victor Frankenstein grew up in the picturesque Geneva and later Ingolstadt. Frankenstein toils away to create a creature and the moment it comes alive he runs away out of fear.
Review: Again, another classic book- very gothic horror- atmospheric with all of the descriptions of nature in juxtapose with the horror of the creature that was created. I really, truly did not understand Victor's sudden pure hatred for his creature. I think I would have enjoyed the read a bit better had I mentally made myself slow down when reading it. It did have a very ghost story feel to it. This would have been fun to read around a campfire!

> 27 Thank ya! I'm glad I am not the only one who thought of Christine/Roul as barf-tastic!

I enjoyed my read of Phantom earlier this year too, although I found it a bit melodramatic in spots (probably having to do with Christine and Rauol, lol.)

I have both Phantom and Frankenstein in the TBR pile: I must get to them both very soon!

Phantom I have never read, but Christine in the play made me want to hurl my program at her *sigh* so I understand your description of her being naive. You say the end was a surprise to you....different ending then the play or movie? if so I might check the book out and take that anti-nausea medication that Laura advised :)

I do not think I have Frankenstein on my wish list, will look and see

Different from the movie, then I remember (but it was a while ago, so I might be misremembering).

a very classic thread :)

Yeppers! That's what I was thinking the other day too!

Lord save me from my coworkers!

#36: Uh oh. Sounds like a bad day at work. Sorry about it, LB!

need to borrow my staple gun? ;)

Hi leperdbunny, glad to see you joined us. I finally started my second thread but I have been reading a lot more lately so hopefully I will add to my list quickly before the end of the year. My new thread is listed on my first thread so you can find it there if youare interested. See you later? Oh and did you love the girl with the dragon tattoo? I loved it. I have the second one ready to go now too.

Yes it was a bad day- my coworkers were being lazy and myself and one other person were carrying the load. Ok MM I need to stop by your thread :D. I'm making progress on Dracula hopefully I'll finish it tomorrow.

36 amen

Night all! I can't stay awake to read! :*(

Sleepy! I have 100 pages left of Dracula! Doesn't seem to matter how fast I think I am reading- I only seem capable to finish about 50 pages at a time!!!

Good luck finishing Dracula - I enjoyed it when I read it last year.

still reading Dracula?

I just finished it a few minutes ago. . will come back to post my review!

#46: Glad you finally finished it, LB! I hope you enjoyed it.

Title: Dracula
Author: Bram Stoker
Genre: Horror
# of pages: 400
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: Bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B+

Description of the book: This is the classic gothic horror tale that set the stage for all vampire horror. Johnathan Harker travels to Transylvania to service a client named Dracula. The story unfolds of the legend of Dracula and his travels to England among the living. This classic tale also includes an introduction of the character of Van Helsing.

Review: I really enjoyed the beginning of the tale when Harker is imprisoned in Castle Dracula- the atmosphere was perfect and Stoker's depiction of Harker's feelings in this part of the novel were perfect. I even enjoyed the middle of the story where Miss Lucy was turned into a vampire. I found that particularly interesting as it really explained the Modus Operandi of the "classic vampire". There were a few themes running through the novel such as religion and more specifically Christian salvation. I enjoyed these the least. The pages and pages of their fate "being in gods hands" was a bit much. As a result, the last 200 pages dragged. I found a compilation of Stoker's other works for 6.99 (in hardback) at Barnes and Noble and plan to read it at some point. I had a discussion about the book with my boyfriend and he reminded me that in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen included Mina Harker and she was a vampire, but the book ended with her having a child with Johnathan after they kill Dracula, so not sure what that is about? I guess I'll have to check it out and see if there is an alternative explanation/story line. Also- I see there are a few books out now taking liberties with the original story to create a love story between Mina and Dracula, after reading the original story it surprises me that they would do that. Mina's feelings about Dracula were quite clear! The epistolary style was a bit much at times just because it was so detailed at parts- particularly with conversations. Who really is able to remember that much? I liked the Victorian/Freudian characterization of Renfield. He was probably my favorite part in the entire book. I probably shouldn't have, but I giggled a lot in those parts of the book. :) Overall a very good read! I found the portrayal of Dracula in pop culture more true to this novel than of Frankenstein.

Stasia- I especially changed my ticker just because of your talk of pumpkin pie!!!!

Going to read Dracula...EVENTUALLY... :(

Hi Tam! Found your thread! Sorry it took me so long.

Thought I saw you in the kitchen looking kinda sick??? Hope you feel better soon!

glitter-graphics.com

Terrific review of Dracula! It looks like I'm going to be one of the few who haven't read it! And I have a copy! Go figure!

Nice review~ whats next up?

Loved Dracula...the book of course, not the vampire! Welcome to the 75-group. Looks like you know lots of people here. We're glad to have you. Can you pass me a piece of that pumpkin pie?

>50 Ape: I'll be waiting for your thoughts Stephen!

>51 -Cee-: Yes, I managed to pick something up *at* the doctor's office. Go figure! I've been drinking hot tea like crazy the last few days. I may have to break down and go to the doctor on Monday if I am not better :(.

>52 msf59: Thank you, Mark! I vote you read it a.s.a.p.! ;D

>53 mckait: Kait, I am reading War of the Worlds- after that I am not sure! I have a hankering for Steampunk or some magical realism. . so we shall see!

> 54 Well pull up a seat Miss Donna! Coffee? Tea??

War of the Worlds taught me a new word!

. . It has been a while since that happened!

In·fu·so·ri·a
   /ˌɪnfyʊˈsɔriə, -ˈsoʊr-/ Show Spelledin-fyoo-sawr-ee-uh, -sohr-
–plural noun
1.
protozoans of the phylum Ciliophora (or class Ciliata).
2.
(formerly) any of various microscopic organisms found in infusions of decaying organic matter.

Decaying organic matter...ahhh, reminds me of home. Thought I was on my thread there for a second. :)

I'll be waiting for your thoughts Stephen!

Don't hold your breath! I've been meaning to read it for...err...years, I suppose. I thought for sure I was going to read it last year for Christmas, but never got around to it. Maybe this Christmas I will... :)

I'm done with horror for awhile though.

#49: LOL!

>56 leperdbunny: Wow, even after your definition, I still dont know what it means! Would love to have the guts to read War of The Worlds, but the record I listened to as a kid scared me so much I dont know if I can! (hello btw!)

some magical realism sounds like what I need to read right now..
not sure I have anything to fit the bill..

Last night I was considering The Hypnotist, but keep perseverating on that blasted sticker/ad. It is like a lock on the book. I still haven't gotten it to open.

Good review of Dracula. I'm convinced I must read this next October.

Infusoria. Hmmm. Now, I need the definitions of phylum and Ciliophoria.

>59 LovingLit: Hello to you too!

>61 Carmenere: In my vague rememberings of high school Biology- Cilia referred to the hairlike structures on microorganisms. So I assume Ciliophoria refers to the group of microorganisms with Cilia?

Did I just nerd out?

Morning Tamara- Funny, I did not read any traditional scary books for October, but a few I chose had plenty of horror, Matterhorn, Sharp Objects and to a lesser degree Room. So I think I'm good. Have a great Halloween!

> 63 Thank you Mark!!!!

Ok, so I am *miserable* today. I am debating on whether or not I should work ( I work from home so not as much of a dilemma- although I will not be able to talk on the phone). I hate being sick. I'm sick of being sick. Can I whine anymore?

Whine as much as you like! It is your thread :)

Yes, I decided I was pitiful enough to skip work- so I got War of the Worlds finished and watched Dracula a la early 90s version with Keanu Reeves. I'll come back to post my review- off to bed in a bit!

Still off work. . .I have vacation planned to visit family the week of Christmas- that being said- I still have a lot of vacation time to plan- so I am taking a bunch of three day weekends- specifically Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, and Dec 5th. I was planning on doing some read a thons on these days. Anyone interested in joining me?

Oooh, I'm up for a readathon this weekend! What are you thinking for times, length, etc?

Hmm- I was thinking 12-9 est. . Thoughts? I believe that is the fallback day too, so we'd get an extra hour of sleep! :) We could do a check in once an hour or something?

eta: I'd love your company!

That sounds great to me! That would be 11am to 8pm for me, leaving plenty of time for a bit of a lazy morning and prep time for food and things. Sounds perfect! And a check-in every hour sounds great too. That way if I inadvertently fell asleep or something (who, me?!?) my alarm would wake me up to keep on going. Yay! I've got it in my planner! So excited!!!

ROFL ROFL! Ok sounds awesome!

Needed to add- Anyone else is welcome to join us! :)

eeeek! planned reading is scary... have fun though!

I would join, Tamara, but I have to work. I do not get an extra hour of sleep - I get an extra hour of work :)

Darn Stasia! I know I was looking at the calendar and I am not sure yet if I will be working around the 2nd or 3rd when you and Ellie were planning a read a thon :(.

#75: Oh well, maybe I can make the next readathon. I work every weekend, so that is why I like Ellie's readathons since she does as well and we can read together during what is, for just about everyone else, their work week.

Yeah I have Friday Saturday off currently but we'll see what my days off will be in a bit because we are changing the schedules around. .

I'm up for whatever, just let me know what your schedule is like whenever you know. I have off Saturday & Sunday this week, so I'm flexible!

And can I just say that I'm so excited to have more readathons? With this one, and Ellie's in Dec/Jan I should hopefully make it to April without any adverse withdrawal-like side effects!

ROFL! No withdrawals here- Dr. LT prescribes a read a thon.

Ok I have to tell someone because I am so happy I am going to cry. .I found my long lost brother! I'm so excited. I hope he wants to talk again (bad blood in the family- nothing to do with me- I was a child at the time).

I hope he wants to talk again too, Tamara! Great news.

That is huge news Tamara. I have an idea of how huge it is for you... My dad vanished when I was a child and I found him as an adult. . . So yeah.. huge big thing.. and I wish you much goodness and many good years with him.

It took some time with my dad, but His wife worked against me. I have a feeling it will be better with your brother. Congratulations.. and someday tell us about your search, if you can.

That is beyond fantastic, Tamara! Congratulations on finding your brother - I hope everything works out as wonderfully as you hope it does. Thanks for starting my day out on a positive note!

Really happy for you :) reconnecting is a good thing, hope things go as you plan

Great news Tamara! I'm happy for you. :)

I'm anticipating on him not checking his facebook account for a while- but I'm gonna check once every few days. I really would like us to reconnect- Last I heard he had 3 kids so I'm an Auntie- I need nephews and nieces to spoil!

*crossing parts still crossable*

Awww...that's really great...I'm happy for you! :)

>80 leperdbunny:: That is so cool! A brother and nieces and nephews to spoil. Talking is good...but I hope you get to meet him face-to-face soon. Do keep us posted. I'm one book reader who loves a happy ending!

Ms Bunny, I now have to work tomorrow morning, so I'll be absent from the first hour or two from our readathon. (I know! I'm sorry!) However, I'll be listening to an audiobook on the way to work, reading up until my client arrives, and then as soon as the room is cleaned up, I'm out the door to come back home and read!

In other words, I'll miss the first hour post, hopefully not the second, but I'll be reading away as much as I can!

Hey Did you want to do it Sunday? I thought we were doing it Sunday?

I see you have Saturday and Sunday off- Sunday will work better for me :) and not sure you may have just misspoken (typed) but lemme know! Sorry about the confusion!

Very happy for you, Tamara!
I "found" 5 brothers and 1 sister several years ago - or I should say 2 of my brothers found and contacted me, and that led to discovering the others. (They weren't lost - but part of my Dad's previous marriage/family - never talked about till after my Dad died.)
We are all so happy to have each other. It's been fun! Hope you discover all you wish for. :)

Wonderful news about the new brother find, Tamara! Hope it works out well!

Thanks all for the well wishes everyone! I am looking forward to hearing from him!!!!

Also posted this to your profile, but essentially I'm a dope and got the days confused. Yes, it's on Sunday - really I thought that today was simultaneously Tuesday and Saturday. Make sense? No, not to me either!

I'll be at a funeral for a bit in the early afternoon, but will hopefully only be gone from here for an hour and a half/two hours.

I'm really Really REALLY looking forward to it! Highlight of my week!

What time are you starting the readathon on Sunday, Tamara? I will be up for at least part of it, especially if you are doing a 24 hour one.

12 noon EST :) Stasia. We will be going till 9 pm est. :) We'd love your company!

Nope, I cannot make it then. I lay down around 11am CT or so which is when you will be starting and will either still be asleep or visiting with my hubby when you end it. Sorry. Maybe next time. (Unless you are going until 9pm Monday night?)

I'm off on Sunday and I'll probably stay inside all day, so count me in for tomorrow's readathon.

No Stasia we are just going on to Sunday night :(. My days off will be changing beginning of Dec so we'll have to plan something if it works with your schedule :). (Don't know yet what said schedule change will be).

Yay Darryl!

Title: War of the Worlds
Author: H.G. Wells
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
# of pages:
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: C

Description of the book: Aliens land on earth in big cylinders and start attacking humans.
Review: This was an enjoyable read for Halloween- I finished it Halloween night and remembered I haven't posted a review yet. Definitely a fun classic.. Not a whole lot to it but I like the discussion about humanity. The first page reminded me of what Stephen Hawking was saying about aliens visiting us being like Europeans discovering the new world. Scary stuff and this book definitely still has some relevance to the discussion about extra terrestrial life.

Yay, Darryl is joining us!

Funnily enough, I was just planning on choosing War of the Worlds for my next choice for my in-real-life book club. I'm not expecting it to be my book of the year or anything, I just mostly want to read it because it's got Edward Gorey drawings! Sad, I know.

Less than 24 hours now until the readathon!

The puppy keeps drooling massive amounts in her sleep today! We're talking lakes!

Yay for readathon countdown!

I hope you all have fun tomorrow!

I'll be watching football... :)

If you have time to stop by you should tell us how the games are going, Stephen. :p

Oh yeah- being the graceful creature that I am- today at the movie theater I tripped down some stairs and managed to slightly bang my left leg and sprain my right ankle. *Sigh* I guess its good I am going to be relaxing tomorrow as I'll probably be sore for a few days. This was all going on as we were exiting the theater so OF COURSE- everyone had to witness it. . .*shakes head*

#107: Tamara, maybe you and Caro could write a book together?

106: When I check in, I'll be too busy encouraging you to bother with scores. GO TAMMERS! :D

ouch! poor your :(
yeah.. maybe an occasional appearance in Caro's reality show..

Have fun with your readathon!

Thank you! Yes, apparently Caro and I were separated at birth because we are the most clumsy people evar!

Ow! Sorry to hear about your fall Ms. Bunny.

I'm planning to read, and hopefully finish, I Hotel for your impromptu readathon.

I'm hoping to finish at least 2 of the books I'm currently reading and to make some progress on my audiobook too.

Are we doing some kind of a form for our hourly updates? Or just whatever?

Ouch! Hope the ankle is okay soon.

The War of the Worlds is one of those books I keep thinking I have read, but actually haven't. I really must read it one day.

How about we start a thread just for our readathon? You can post what you are reading- your thoughts- and progress (# of pages)- I'll also take encouragement. I have a hard time sitting still for more than a couple hours for reading.

Readathon

About to post 2 reviews from Sunday. . stay tuned! BTW, I went to the library on Friday and this is what I got:

Wolf Hall : a novel / Mantel, Hilary, 1952-

Meet me in St. Louis / Benson, Sally, 1900-1972.

Never let me go / Ishiguro, Kazuo, 1954-

Eifelheim / Flynn, Michael.

Angelology / Trussoni, Danielle.

The lost cyclist : the epic tale of an American adventurer and his mysterious disappearance / Herlihy, David V.

Surrender bay / Hunter, Denise, 1968-

I also have some more books waiting for me!

The boy with the cuckoo-clock heart

Badlands : a novel of suspense

Hex Hall

Wesley the owl : the remarkable love story of an owl and his girl

...

I'll probably go get those on Friday. .

That being said. . I wish I was awake 24 hours a day. . :)

Nice haul, Ms Bunny!

If you're not working or otherwise disposed please consider participating in my copycat readathon (12-9 pm EST today).

I have to work-otherwise you know I'd be there- I'll of course check in when I can to cheerlead. :)

Title: A Novel Bookstore
Author: Laurence Cosse
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Fiction, French Literature
# of pages: 424
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: A

Description of the book: A French bookseller and his friend have a dream of opening a bookstore where they only sell good novels. Soon, someone or someones start attacking their private selection committee.
Review: If you like Bibliophile literature- you will enjoy this book. Many parts of the prose are Beautiful. I had to read this book slowly just because I enjoyed the bibliophile talk so much! There was a lot of talk about french literature I had no idea about- so I think I'll be going through the book to look for the literature the author was talking about. The ending was so sad- by then I was so emotionally invested in the characters I had to take a breather- definitely turned into a favorite for me.

I don't know why, but I have never tried a "book about books." Not that I've avoided them...it's just...for some reason, I have never picked one up. I need to change that soon!

Tam- Good library haul! I have still not got to Wolf Hall. One of these days. I loved Never Let Me Go and I have Angelology waiting in the stacks.
Good review of A Novel Bookstore. It also needs to go on the list.

I really liked Angelology, and look forward to the sequel...

Nice review of A Novel Bookstore, Tamara!

Congratulations for your hot review. YAY TAMMERS!

hot review??? yay !!!!!

LOL! I have to get out of the house today to get to the store before work because I need an ingredient for dinner- drats I'm feeling a little agoraphobic today.

I hope the agoraphobic feeling goes away! Hold your head high - you are one Hot Reviewer :)

Haha, what Stasia said. You have nothing to be afraid of, you Hot Reviewer you! :D

LOL! Yes, I got out and glad I did- the grocery store down the street got redone on the interior and had a grand reopening and its really nice. :)

Cool!

Good Heavens, Tam! You haven't been out of the house in that long?

I love when grocery stores have grand openings - that's when they are shiny & clean - with their very best food selecions! Bet you $pent more than you thought you would...

Yeah I spent 60 dollars!!! But. . .I needed a new stock/pasta pot. . so it was 30 dollars and well worth it. LOL

I don't usually go to this grocery store even though it is closer than the other one I like to go to. I may start going to this one.

Wow, so want to know something silly? I thought you guys were just joking about my review being "hot". .then it occurred to me this must be something in librarything and it took me 10 minutes to figure out it was a hot review and then where to find it. ROFL. At least I learned something new!

#133: LOL, Tamara!

Well, here's another...
Kath just pointed out the "Talk" tab to me on my profile.
I never hit that one before and I've been struggling with the small list on the home page (plus scanning the 75 group, etc) for starred threads. :P

Let's see... that's taken me since April to see... 7 months!

#135: Learn something new every day, huh Claudia?

135: Don't feel bad, Claudia. I've been on here for 2 1/2 years and have never clicked on the Talk tab until just now when I read your message. Doy!

oh dear!

okay.. well you both need to look at the list at the top left of this page.. and click on the different links under your world.. it sorts things down even more for you :)

OMG... look at all that stuff in the little blue box! I feel like a dork now...or maybe an ostrich. How did I ever get this far in life? I give up.
Anyone want to join my club?

glitter-graphics.com

ROFL! I feel the same way too- especially with stuff on Facebook.

I learned a new word today from reading- pip! a seed of fruit such as an orange. Imagine that!

Title: Murder Past Due
Author: Miranda James
Genre: Murder Mystery, Cozy
# of pages: 304
Start date:11/5
End date:11/8
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B

Description of the book: This new cosy series follows the exploits of Diesel, a Maine Coon cat and his owner, a rare books Librarian in a small southern college town. When Charlie's nemesis gets killed its up to Charlie and Diesel to found out how.
Review: A pleasant cast of characters. I can't believe how obsessed the writer was with convincing the audience that the young boy in this story was just a kid and he needed all sorts of emotional protection. I mean, yes, he probably does but you don't have to tell us every 5 pages about it. That being said, still a fun read.

#142: Looks like a cozy I would enjoy. I will have to give it a shot some time. Thanks, Tamara.

Except for the cat, something I might enjoy...but the cat....

Lol Richard!

Making my way thru The Eyre Affair with side trips to The Lost Cyclist- I have a ton of liberrry books now that I need to start- hopefully I can start them on Sunday.

On the agenda is Wolf Hall, March (not a liberry book), Angelology, and Devil in a White City (also not a liberry book). These all meet TIOLIS.

Some good reading ahead for you, Tamara!

Yeppers!!! Seal of approval from Stasia- I'm set!! Woot!! BTW, My puppy lost her baby canine tooth on the bottom right hand side and she looks like a little old lady!! Her adult back molars have already come in. :) She's growing up so fast!

Make sure she puts her tooth under her pillow tonight!

Have you heard from your brother yet? Keep us updated and good luck!

I haven't heard from my brother yet- and I sent him another message- but who knows- he was never a big computer person so I am thinking he just doesn't check it often. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

I hope she at least loses one tooth I can find so I can get it put into a necklace. This is the first dog I've raised from a puppy- so that's a bit special to me. Although Sugar had one of her teeth pulled (it was impacted) so I might put them together. :)

So, are you ready for the Readathon tomorrow? I hope you get to some of your library books!

Yes I am ready Stasia! I finished The first Thursday Next novel just now- The Eyre Affair. :) Very delightful read! I will post an official review either tonight or tomorrow.

Glad to know you enjoyed The Eyre Affair. I have liked that whole series. Cannot wait for your review.

Good luck with the Readathon. I will be there in spirit at least.

Oh! In all of my rushing to get things done for the chestnut roasting party I temporarily forgot about the readathong tomorrow! Yay! I'll be around for about 5 hours in the afternoon. Maybe I can finally finish up one of the 5 books I'm reading! Sheesh...

See y'all tomorrow!

Mini Readathon:

Sunday Readathon

looking forward to your thoughts on those reads.. especially The Lost Cyclist and Angelology

Thank ya Kath!

I'm exhausted and March is a little more emotionally taxing than I would have expected! May need to pick up something fluffy. . .

I am glad you had a great Readathon, Tamara! Sorry I missed it.

I am supposed to read March this month too. I did not know it was emotionally taxing. Thanks for the heads up.

catching up :)

Wolf Hall Angelology and Devil in a White City have been on my TBR list for awhile.

Will have to check on March

YW Stasia!

Hi Kara!

Hey Tamara. Thanks for hosting the mini Readathon on Sunday. I really enjoyed myself. I hope that I get to do it again sometime soon.

Hi Velma! Glad you had fun! :)

*drive-by hug*

Oh I love those Richard!

Title: The Eyre Affair
Author: Jasper Fforde
Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction, Literature, Time Travel, Fantasy
# of pages: 384
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: Bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: A

Description of the book: Thursday Next is a Literatec in an alternate English reality. It is Thursday's responsibility to keep all the great works of literature safe from harm. When Acheron Hades, a highly sought after criminal, decides to steal valuable pieces of literature- it is up to Thursday to stop him.
Review: Fforde has a wonderful blend of british humor and love for classic literature that just makes you want to pick up Charles Dickens or Charlotte Bronte. I most enjoyed Thursday's Uncle and his crazy inventions- I think he would make a fun spin off character! The storyline was quick and interesting and kept my interest through the whole book. There were tidbits in the book about how time travel works and theory behind it (in a science fictiony fashion) that was interesting. I think Fforde's style reminded me much of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I think Fforde has a wonderful gem here and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.

I feel bad today :(. Had a really hard time. :( I'm gonna go take a hot shower and then try to read and have a piece of pie.

Pie good, hard time BAAAD. More pie, less hard time.

Have TWO pieces of pie. You deserve it.

LOL guys- I feel much better after my shower btw. :)

Now that you have had the shower, on to the pie!

mmm pie!

The 2nd piece of pie would negate a future hard day, right?

Hi Tamara,
Showers and pies! Two of life's blessings.
The Eyre Affair looks interesting. I love time travel books. :)

I hope so Stephen! Today was better!! Thanks Claudia!

Why oh Why am I up?

Update:

My brother did accept my fb invitation- I sent him a short message with a few questions.

Good news about your brother, Tamara!

Small steps Tamara... I am glad he accepted your friending..
I hope that he gets more comfortable with you soon

hugs

Thanks Stasia and Kath!!!

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Paranormal, YA, Romance
# of pages: 336
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: borrowed
My rating of the book, F-worst to A best: A

Description of the book: Sophie Mercer is a witch with more than enough problems for one teenager. A few too many magical mishaps land her in the Juvenile delinquent boarding school for prodigium children- Hecate Hall- also known as Hex Hall. When she arrives she learns of a very strange death of a former classmate and it is up to her to find out what happened.
Review: This was a lovely fun little tale with a Harry Potter-esque feel. The ending had a bit of a twist I was not expecting so the series seems to have already rapidly changed- I am interested to know what will happen in the subsequent books. :)

Glad to hear that you liked Hex Hall, and even more glad to hear that you and your brother are now chatting, tentative though it may be.

Hope you have a good night!

Thank you Laura!

I'm having an excellent evening- since I got off work at 9 pm- I've been perusing LT and reading Angelology- I hope to finish March tomorrow- but tonight it wasn't keeping my interest so I started Angelology instead.

I was just fondling my copy of Angelology yesterday, wondering when I'd finally pick it up! Look forward to your thoughts on it. And it's nice to see someone who works late hours sometimes too. When I get home at (or after) nine I tend to feel like the rest of the world has been home for hours and is in their pj's.

Yeah believe me- I work from home so it is ESPECIALLY hard when Grant gets home at 5-5:30 and I have to work for 3+ more hours. X/ At least I'm already home I guess. . . My schedule is changing in December and I will have more normal hours BUT still won't have Sunday off! Poo!

I should be "fondling my copy of Angelology" too! A friend lent me her copy a couple months ago and it still sits there. Sad! Maybe you'll give me the inspiration I need. BTW- I loved March. Have a good weekend!

Thank you Mark!

#183: I guess this means no more Sunday Readathons then? You can always join us in the midweek ones :)

Yeah no more Sundays for me! *sad face* I'll probably you join ya in the midweek ones after work!

I think next year we are planning on having Readathons at least twice a week, so hopefully you will be able to participate some time or the other, Tamara.

I never can do the Sunday ones, so I am glad for the midweek ones!

OK... here is a stupid question, but I can't keep it in any longer.
What is a Readathon, exactly?
It looks like:
Specified hours for steady reading,
Breaks are ok (even leaving the house?),
Stopping for ADLs perfectly fine,
and periodic posts on reading progress?

just askin'

189: Well, there is an anual "readathon" some place or another where everyone reads for 24 hours straight, with as few breaks as possible so you can get as much reading in as you can.

These 'mini' readathons are just LTers reading together for a few hours or half a day or whatever the host decides.

I'm not sure when the big anual readathon is...or where it is...somewhere in the blogs. It's pretty funny though, reading the posts of people who have been reading for 20 hours straight. >:)

189 & 190: Yep, our readathons are fairly casual, breaks/trips/ADL-stoppages are perfectly legal. It's just a way for us to read "together" and have a dedicated spot during the week to do so. No biggie.

I've been told that LT has its own readathon, though I have never participated in it. I have done, however, Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon (24hourreadathon.com) the last 3 times it has been held. Twice a year (in April and October) people from all over the world read together for as long as they can, there are hourly challenges/prizes to be won, plus more prizes you can win just for participating - it's really a lot of fun. Most people update their blog every hour or so, but you certainly don't have to have a blog to participate. I hope you see both of you around one of them at some point!

And Stephen you're right - reading posts of overly tired readers are a hoot! Kind of like drunk dial messages, only about books.

Yep- what Laura said. :)

There's a Readathon group for the official LT readathons. I've done one or two, but I haven't always been able to take part.

I've never done Dewey's readathon, although I've encountered it regularly on blogs.

Thanks all! I just wondered.
Hate to be ignorant.
I'm not sure my eyes could read that long...
I might try a short one sometime. :)

Book Haul on Abebooks:

Steamed: A Steampunk Romance by Katie MacAlister

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Book Lust by Nancy Pearl

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

I've been finding myself purchasing classics lately. . I seem to be sorely lacking. I had a few childrens books that were beat up so I decided to get some nicer copies. :)

Great haul, Tamara!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank You Stasia!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone- I made a yummy bkfast this morning and I am going to start Dinner here in the next hour or so ( Cooking Tofurky- not real turkey so it doesn't take as long).

Tam- Looks like you landed some good books there! Speaking of classics, we are doing a Group Read of Jane Eyre starting later next week. Interested?
Have a great Tofurky Day!

Yes I am definitely interested in Jane Eyre- Thank you for the heads up!!! Do we have a thread for it yet?

Happy Thanksgiving Tammers! :)

Don't you just love a new batch of books.

Exactly why abebooks is addicting- cause with 20 or 30 dollars I can make off with a lot of nice books.

Finally finished Angelology!!! I'll have to post a review soon- probably tomorrow evening. I need to finish my last few pages of March as well. :)

Congrats on finishing Angelology, Tamara!

Finished March- will try to post both reviews tomorrow!

So, Tam. How does it feel to finish a book?
I forget.

LOL Claudia! Actually, if it makes you feel better I thought I'd never get through Angelology.

I'm having the devil of a time finishing a second read of Matterhorn for review-writing purposes. It's dragged me through the keyhole in both directions, and I feel a wee tidge fragile. Still think it's an excellent book, though. Just unnerving.

I loved Angelology

Title: Angelology
Author: Danielle Trussoni
Genre: Historical Fiction
# of pages: 451 pages
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: borrowed
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B

Description of the book: The story begins with a man named Percival Grigori contacts a modern art scholar named Verlaine to help him with some research. Soon enough we are sucked into a world of Angelologists who's long standing duty it is to fight evil Nephilim ( Angel Hybrids) and we glimpse the life Sister Evangeline as she meets Verlaine to help him with his research and her unique connection to the story.
Review: This was very much in the vein of the Da Vinci Code. The idea of a secret society of Angelologists whose job it is to keep the Nephilim in check was fascinating. There was a lot of Christian dogma in the story that I found fascinating. My only complaint was that the ending seemed dull and anticlimatic. I thought maybe she would make a sequel or somesuch as a result- so we'll see I guess?

Title: March
Author: Geraldine Brooks
Genre: Historical Fiction
# of pages: 304 pages
Start date:
End date:
Borrowed/bought: bought
My rating of the book, F- worst to A best: B+

Description of the book: This book follows the story of Mr. March of the famous March family of Little Women by L. M. Alcott. Mr. March enrolls to be a Chaplain in the Union Army. The story is told from his point of view with bits of epistolary style and then the last part of the book during his illness ( mentioned in Little Women) is told from the viewpoint of his wife.
Review: While definitely not a children's book in the same sense that Little Women was- I think Alcott would have been pleased with this story were she still here. I felt like the story definitely did add a lot of depth to not only Mr. March but to Marmee as well. There were a lot of issues discussed in the novel that had never had occurred to me but definitely fit in with the characterization of the March family such as them being a safe house for the underground railroad. Brooks definitely did do her research with Alcott's background and Mr. March finally has his own voice.

Tam- Good reviews! I have a borrowed copy of Angelology, that I seriously need to get to. I've had it for months.
March was my first book by Brooks and I loved it! And I've still never read Little Women. Maybe, it's a sad guy thing.

Nice reviews, Tamara! I've had both on my shelf for far too long. I missed Danielle Trussoni when she spoke at my local independent bookstore (got her to personally sign a copy, though!), but from what my friend who works at the store told me, I think she is planning on writing a sequel of some sort. I could totally be wrong, but for some reason, I think she'll be continuing the story. *shrugs*

Today was puppy's first snow! And she loves it! She has done this twice now when we let her out- she runs around the backyard like a maniac and uses her mouth like a snow shovel to scoop and eat the snow! Its like the backyard is a giant snowcone! Muahahahah!

I wish we could get a video of it!

Thanks for the good reviews! They both sound interesting. :}

I think I'll have to give up LT for 2011, catch up on what I want to read and come back for more in 2012. But I would miss you guys sorely :(

I have no idea who has my copy of Angelology..
I think it is Chris.. our vision specialist.
I hope I get it back .. I am sure that there will be a sequel and I will
want/need a reread.

I agree bout the ending, but since I expect it to lead to a sequel, I didn't mind much. I would have minded more if I liked the book less... and was not interested in a sequel. Does that make sense?

she runs around the backyard like a maniac and uses her mouth like a snow shovel to scoop and eat the snow!

That's exactly what Shyanne was doing! :D

{broadcast}

Its 10 pm . . .do you know where your book buddies are?

{/broadcast}

LOL

We're old and cranky, girlie, quieten down! Beauty sleep's at a premium 'round these parts.

ROFL. . beauty sleep, eh? Nope, not going there. . I don't want to offend my Richard's delicate sensibilities. :P Although, had a been a lesser person I might've said you walked right into that one. . Nope, not going there. . .

Go look at Mark's current thread...I've posted the me-in-a-muumuu picture.

Dire.

Hey, Tamara. I am glad to see you liked March too!

Have you tried making a snowball, showing it to the puppy, and then throwing it??? We do that a lot to our Barkley and he always has a blast trying to "find" the snowball...

LOL Angela- We'll have to try that soon- we are supposed to have snow from tonight until like Wednesday.

Even though I feel like crap today- I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family- (Parents & Boyfriend) and my wonderful fur babies. Java (the puppy) was cuddling with me (all 40 plus pounds) and putting her head on my shoulder and sitting in my lap like a child. :)

Aw, I love it when pets cuddle up like people. Hope you feel better soon, Tam!

I love my fur daughter too, Tamara. She cuddles so warmly when I don't feel up to much. She saves love-licks for the big stuff, but when she just wants me to know she loves me, she puts her cold nose on whatever piece of uncovered skin she can find, just for a second, then rubs her head on the spot. Such a darling!

Tam- Hope you feel better! Keep cuddling!

such a warm and fuzzy thread....

Fur friends are definitely the best. Sorry, I can't think of Shyanne as a kid/daughter. 'specially since she beats me up all the time.

Hope you are feeling well tomorrow, Tam. Your puppy sounds sweet. :)

She beats you up Stephen? *blinks*

Feeling much better all- even though I took pain medicine ages ago- maybe I was actually stiff and moving around helped? I dunno! Thanks for all the well wishes! :D

Tamara: Yep! Lots of arm-gnawing and nipping and trampling over my lap whenever I'm immersed in a book. *Groans*

Yep, I have to give her my full attention 100 percent of the time or I get beaten up! :P

Yeah, Java is the same way-we've really had to work on the "no bite" command. She still bites but if we say no bite she obeys (mostly). She still jumps a lot and her nails have grown out so I'm going to have to those groomed before we take her for Christmas to my parents. I don't want her scratching up the family. How old is Shyanne again? Java will be six months in a few weeks.

Shyanne's a little older, but I'm not sure exactly how old she is. I picked her up at the pound in the spring and she was just dropped off with no papers or anything. Probably 8-12ish months is my guess.

Ah ok!

Ok soooo I *guess* could talk about books. . *snort* :D

Did you find the conversation between the priest and the aliens really funny? I mean I was actually laughing out loud at some bits due to the almost absurdity of it all. :) It is getting good!

Glad to hear you are feeling better, Tamara!

Tamara: Yes, it was a bit absurd, but as I got further into the book I thought their conversations became very intriguing! But then Im, y'know...kinda nerdy. :P

"kinda" *snort* :)

Well some of the things the priest says makes me think he still doesn't fully grasp that they are aliens- I don't know its like he thinks they are fallen beings or something and then there's the part when one of them asks to be introduced to God. . and he says sure. . of course they think this is a real person like a king, and the priest assumes they want to be introduced in the spiritual/religious sense. I just found that part really fascinating too. . .so I guess I'm "kinda" nerdy also. I read to Grant some of the philosophical discussions they were having. . and I think he got bored!!!Harumph!!! I was sure that he was going to find it fascinating like me. . but alas!

Kath: Careful dear, you wouldn't want to snort an olive! :o

Tamara: Indeed, it's the whole mix-up that's interesting. With the translation device confusing what the two parties are talking about, the priest thinks he's having deep philosphical discussions with foreign beings and the aliens can't seem to figure out why this 'man in the sky' can't come and actually help them.

And HAHA re reading it aloud to Grant. Hmm, maybe Java would find it more interesting? :D

Good morning, Tamara!

I think Java would find anything interesting as long as I scratch behind her ears. :P

Hi Richard Dear! Muah!

How have I not visited your thread before?!?

I love seeing a puppy experiencing their first snow.

Hi Linda! Pull up a chair dear!

Made a lovely meatloaf tonight! It was scrumptious!

Settling down to read some Jane Eyre- I read quite a bit last night too. I am hoping to get to my halfway point tonight(per the group read). I started my new shift today- this morning wasn't too bad, but not good either. Pure chaos I tell you! Every time we go through this I think- wow people are acting like we've never done this before- and yet- we do this every three months. *Shakes head*

Tam- I just crossed the halfway point in Jane Eyre. It's great stuff. I'm not flying through it but it's keeping me engaged.

I hope you are enjoying Jane Eyre, Tamara!

Jane Eyre is Lovely! It is very well written and easy to read and engaging especially for a classic!! Still not quite half way through (very close though)- we will see if I finish the halfway point tonight!

New Thread!!!

75er thread Part Deux