calm counting - Beyond 75 in 2010 - part 5

The first thread is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/79013

second is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/87980

third is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/92702

fourth is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/97408

All my reads are going to be in this group but for those interested in some of my goals for this year my 1010 thread is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/70719

As I reached the 75 book target I am going to try to double it, so my new target for the year is 150 books! OK reached that and don't like going over the end of the ticker so the new target is 175!




Comments and suggestions are welcome. I must admit to lurking and reading other people's threads but not posting very often (my bad!). I'll try to comment elsewhere occasionally.

Books read in this thread.

154) Red Earth and Pouring Rain by Vikram Chandra (post 17)
155) Crow Stone by Jenni Mills (post 21)
156) The Slaves of Solitude by Patrick Hamilton (post 23)
157) The Matter of Wales : Epic Views of a Small Country by Jan Morris (post 28)
158) Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver (post 32)
159) Against All Things Ending by Stephen Donaldson (post 43)
160) Muse and Reverie by Charles de Lint (post 47)
161) Towers of Midnight - Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (post 71)
162) Jizzle - John Wyndham (post 75)
163) The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England - Ian Mortimer (post 77)
164) The Robber Bride - Margaret Atwood (post 92)
165) The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius (post 94)
166) The Owl Killers by Karen Maitland (post 96)
167) The Golden City by John Twelve Hawks (post 108)
168) Chocolat by Joanne Harris (post 120)
169) Rocannon's World by Ursula Le Guin (post 126)
170) Drive-by Saviours by Chris Benjamin (post 132)
171) The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas (post 134)
172) The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun by J.R.R. Tolkien (post 149)
173) Nation by Terry Pratchett (post 150)
174) Love by Angela Carter (post 175)
175) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (post 176)
176) The God Who Begat a Jackal by Nega Mezlekia (post 178)
177) Hogfather by Terry Pratchett (post 179)
178) The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (post 180)
179) Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (post 192)
180) Alone of All Her Sex by Marina Warner (post 198)

book list so far

thread 1 http://www.librarything.com/topic/79013
1) Blood Music by Greg Bear (post 23)
2) Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre (post 28)
3) The Prehistory of the Mind by Steven Mithen (post 38)
4) Possession by A S Byatt (post 51)
5) Elidor by Alan Garner (post 64)
6) Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade (post 66)
7) Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green (post 67)
8) Rats and Gargoyles by Mary Gentle (post 70)
9) The Cave Painters by Gregory Curtis (post 84)
10) The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling (post 94)
11) An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (post 95)
12) Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (post 99)
13) Coastliners by Joanne Harris (post 111)
14) The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin (post 122)
15) World Without End by Ken Follett (post 126)
16) The Dawn of Civilisation : Prehistory to 900BC (post 130)
17) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 133)
18) Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint (post 139)
19) A Cat, a Man and Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki (post 155)
20) Fludd by Hilary Mantel (post 156)
21) Golden Witchbreed by Mary Gentle (post 159)
22) Green Rider by Kristen Britain (post 169)
23) First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain (post 178)
24) The Interpretation of Murder by Jeb Rubenfeld (post 180)
25) Virtual Light by William Gibson (post 184)
26) Destroyer of Worlds by Mark Chadbourn (post 195)
27) Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder (post 201)
28) Lords of Avaris by David Rohl (post 208)
29) Briar Rose by Jane Yolen (post 210)
30) The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (post 216)
31) The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander (post 221)
32) Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (post 222)
33) The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander (post 229)
34) The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint (post 233)
35) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (post 241)
36) Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde (post 244)
37) The Book of The Thousand and One Nights Translated by Richard Burton (post 245)
38) Flint by Margaret Redfern (post 253)
39) Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith (post 261)
40) Sorcerer's Legacy by Janny Wurts (post 267)
41) Civilization Before Greece and Rome by H.W.F. Saggs (post 268)

thread 2 http://www.librarything.com/topic/87980
42) The Forest of Hours by Kerstin Ekman (post 3)
43) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (post 10)
44) A River Sutra by Gita Mehta (post 19)
45) Steal The Dragon by Patricia Briggs (post 30)
46) The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 41)
47) Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (post 48)
48) Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander (post 52)
49) The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea (post 54)
50) The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa (post 56)
51) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (post 67)
52) Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn (post 74)
53) Surfacing by Margaret Atwood (post 80)
54) Who Cooked the Last Supper? : The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles (post 85)
55) A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (post 97)
56) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (post 104)
57) The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke (post 108)
58) The Mistress of Spices: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 110)
59) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (post 126)
60) The Widow's Tale by Mick Jackson (post 129)
61) Life of Pi by Yann Martel (post 138)
62) The Well-Versed Cat : poems of celebration (post 150)
63) The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart (post 151)
64) Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (post 157)
65) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl (post 158)
66) The High King by Lloyd Alexander (post 163)
67) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (post 164)
68) Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (post 171)
69) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (post 173)
70) Storyteller by G. R. Grove (post 175)
71) Rhone by John A Karr (post 188)
72) Credo by Melvyn Bragg (post 191)
73) The City and The City by China Mieville (post 197)
74) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 205)
75) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 217)
76) The Celtic Alternative by Shirley Toulson (post 225)
77) The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (post 238)

thread 3 http://www.librarything.com/topic/92702
78) Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (post 4)
79) Nine Lives by William Dalrymple (post 17)
80) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (post 22)
81) Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb (post 28)
82) Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman (post 35)
83) The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (post 40)
84) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull (post 46)
85) Flight of the Hawk by G. R. Grove (post 58)
86) The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester (post 62)
87) Kraken by China Mieville (post 68)
88) Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier (post 82)
89) Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 88)
90) Watermark : A Novel of the Middle Ages by Vanitha Sankaran (post 101)
91) Celtic Saints Passionate Wanderers by Elizabeth Rees (post 102)
92) Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (post 107)
93) The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett (post 108)
94) Hyddenworld Spring by William Horwood (post 118)
95) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (post 124)
96) Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie (post 130)
97) XIsle by Steve Augarde (post 132)
98) The Gathering Night by Margaret Elphinstone (post 141)
99) Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel (post 143)
100) Codex by Lev Grossman (post 149)
101) The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (post 156)
102) Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (post 157)
103) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Burrows (post 169)
104) The Ash Spear by G.R. Grove (post 177)
105) One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (post 178)
106) The Stonor Eagles by William Horwood (post 193)
107) Heroes and Villains by Angela Carter (post 194)
108) Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (post 199)
109) Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende (post 206)
110) Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (post 212)
111) An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro (post 213)
112) Elementals by A. S. Byatt (post 227)
113) Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (post 235)
114) Kanthapura by Raja Rao (post 236)
115) The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (post 244)
116) The Hero of the Ages By Brandon Sanderson (post 248)
117) Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones (post 249)

thread 4 http://www.librarything.com/topic/97408
118) On The Beach by Nevil Shute (post 14)
119) Ze by Renee Smith (post 18)
120) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (post 32)
121) Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson (post 41)
122) In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden (post 51)
123) Incendiary by Chris Cleave (post 55)
124) Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris (post 62)
125) Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida (post 63)
126) The Histories by Herodotus (post 73)
127) Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder (post 75)
128) Rusalka by C. J. Cherryh (post 88)
129) Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (post 90)
130) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (post 91)
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (post 108)
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (post 109)
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (post 110)
134) Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin (post 111)
135) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (post 112)
136) Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (post 121)
137) Sky Burial by Xinran (post 130)
138) The Mabinogion translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (post 137)
139) The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds (post 144)
140) Body of Glass by Marge Piercy (post 168)
141) I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett (post 169)
142) Jack Maggs by Peter Carey (post 180)
143) A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester (post 196)
144) The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan (post 198)
145) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (post 199)
146) The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman (post 200)
147) The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears (post 207)
148) The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt (post 218)
149) Little, Big by John Crowley (post 227)
150) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (post 228)
151) Cold Earth by Sarah Moss (post 229)
152) Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernieres (post 237)
153) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (post 243)

Found you again!

What a surprise!

Thanks Stasia:)

Wait, wait, my gif is not working...........

O.k, here goes.........

Lynda, you find really great GIFs.

Wow - I scanned your thread and found The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana somewhere in the middle. I must see if you wrote a review.

eta: And so you did. You appreciated the book more than I did. While I loved the idea, it often felt like wading through cement to me. I admire your enthusiasm. And the illustrations were quite lovely.

#6: Oo, I like it!

I agree with Richard and Stasia - lovely gif Lynda.

ffortsa - nice to see you here. I wrote some thoughts for most of the books I have read since joining the 75ers this year. Actually I can only think of one I didn't - Night Train to Lisbon which I thought was amazing but I couldn't articulate why:)

I think I either love or hate Eco's work, maybe it is dependent on how I felt when I read them:). On the love side The Name of the Rose and The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana. I remember not liking either Foucalt's Pendulum or Baudolino - maybe it is time for a re-read and see if I like them any better now:)

Foucault's Pendulum was a slog, only valued in comparison to The DaVinci Code. I have't tackled Baudolino yet - maybe next year.

Found you and starred you again! :)

Found you!

#6 I share everyone else's love of the gif Linda!

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days. Thanks for stopping by everyone:)

ffortsa - maybe I'll join you when you read Baudolino. It might go better with company:)

Nice to see you Angela, thanks for the star:)

Heather - Thanks for finding me:) Lynda does find great gifs.

I've finished three books since I was last here.

In short
Red Earth and Pouring Rain by Vikram Chandra - good to very good
Crow Stone by Jenni Mills - meh
and The Slaves of Solitude by Patrick Hamilton - good but still thinking, so might go up to very good

Proper thoughts/comments going up in the next day or two.

I will be interested in your thoughts on Red Earth and Pouring Rain, calm.

I hope The Slaves of Solitude slides up to very good on your scale :)

Hi Stasia. I got Slaves of Solitude off one of your weekly lists so knew that you liked it. Still mulling on that one. I did like the writing.

154) Red Earth and Pouring Rain by Vikram Chandra (5 November - 12 November)

I really enjoyed this novel. Abhay has recently returned to India from college in America and irritated by the thieving antics of a monkey injures it. His parents bring the monkey into the house and discover that it remembers its previous incarnation as a man. As the monkey tells its story of early colonialism in India we also hear some incidents from Abhay's time in America.

This is a multi-layered story that works very well, in my opinion. The history section is the longest and most interesting for me. I loved taking my time with this book, as the stories intertwine and build it becomes a wonderful picture of India and its inhabitants in the past and how the effects of that history are still felt today. I must admit that some of Abhay's story shocked me slightly - not the kind of thing I would talk about in front of my parents (if I had ever done such things!). Fortunately these sections are brief and work to show that some of the old colonial attitudes are still extant. Overall a very good read.

#17: Into the BlackHole it goes!

Have you heard about the mini-blackhole recently discovered? That's mine!! and Red Earth and pouring rain have now been added to it.

ETA: Oh my, I need a flashlight for my blackhole cause I see, now, that it has already been added due to Cameling's (Caroline's) review.

Hi Stasia - oh well! what's one more. You'll escape the next two anyway:)

Lynda - hope you enjoy it as much as Cameling did:)

Really behind on reviewing and reading threads, I hope to catch up soon.

155) Crow Stone by Jenni Mills (12 November - 13 November)

I thought that this was a novel that I would like more than I did. The premise and the existing reviews on LT made it sound good but I had a few problems with it. Maybe I should bear in mind that this is a debut novel and I do hope that she writes another as this does show some promise. It is not a bad book but some of the characterisations and scenes were just slightly off, in my opinion.

With a new name, a successful career and a failed marriage behind her Kit returns to Bath to work - stabilising the old mining quarries that are causing subsidence in the buildings above. But memories of her childhood (and an incident in the first chapter) seem to affect her judgement and she acts in ways that seem irresponsible to me. I preferred the sections of Katie as a child, as it seemed the most interesting part of the story.

So it wasn't a complete waste of reading time but it could have been better.

#21: I think I will give that one a pass. I know, big surprise :)

Thanks to Stasia for recommending this one.



156) The Slaves of Solitude by Patrick Hamilton (13 November - 15 November)

I thought that this was an author I had never heard of but it turns out that I have seen two of the films that were based on his plays - Rope and Gaslight. I didn't realise this until I read the introductions, after I read the novel. Writing in the middle of the twentieth century he captured the quiet desperation and depression of the times. He is an author who I feel has been unfairly neglected in the intervening years, there is a real quality to his writing.

So has created a real feel of the time and the place in this novel. The time - 1943; the place - a boarding house just outside London. There are believable, but not very likeable, characters and a good story. Miss Roach is the central character and her experiences with the other inhabitants of the Rosamund Tea Rooms boarding house reflect the attitudes of the day. I think my only problem is that I am so separated from those times that the attitudes of the characters are alien to me but that is a very good reason to read this book - to understand our history and how the events of the time effected everyday life. One I will continue thinking about and I will definitely look out for any other of his books that have been re-published.

I wishlisted The Slaves of Solitude when Stasia mentioned it, calm. I like the way you sought it out so quickly, while my wishlisted items languish for a bit too long.

Wishlisted The Slaves of Solitude and Red Earth and Pouring Rain. Now I will ignore you.

Hi Lynda, it all depends on the local library - if they've got a copy in the system I will request it and read it as soon as I can. I've got loads on the wishlist that I can't get my hands on:(

Still slowly catching up on the reviews.

Lynda - look away from the next one as it's on your to read list for next year. Though I got it from the library after you mentioned it!

Richard you snuck in while I was looking the other way! Don't ignore me for too long please, I like having you around:)

This isn't the cover I have on the copy I read, but that one isn't in the LT system.



157) The Matter of Wales by Jan Morris (2 November - 17 November)

I should say that I read the original edition published in 1985 and there is a new edition (2000) that will probably deal with the only issue I have with the book, some of the information is out of date. That is things have changed in Wales in the intervening years, there is now some self government (the Welsh Assembly) and also Welsh language schools.

That said this is still a good overview of what it means to be Welsh, or to live, in this small country which has been dominated by a more powerful neighbour for centuries. The history, language, landscape and people are all well described by Jan Morris. A good introduction to any one who is at all interested in Wales and how it survived with its own character despite the efforts of England.

#28 You know I couldn't resist a peek, calm. It's not like you were giving away the ending. But thanks for the heads up, just the same. I checked and I have the 2000 edition. I'm glad to see it is a good overview and introduction to Wales and not some inaccurate hodge podge of irrelevant information. Can't wait to read it!

#23: I am glad you ended up enjoying that one! Another one of the people in the group (Liz) has read several of Hamilton's books this year and I am looking out for those too.

Hi Lynda - I guess nonfiction hasn't got such a potential for spoilers, though I try to avoid them in my comments anyway. Thanks for the mention of the book and I will probably be picking up some more Welsh history next year - it's good to remind myself of all those things I learnt in school xxxxx years ago:)

Hi Stasia - yes I did like it, Hamilton can write for sure. Interesting insight into characters and their motivations and very much of his time.

158) Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver (15 November - 18 November)

My first Kingsolver novel but it certainly will not be my last. After reading this I found out that it is the second in a series but, as far as I am concerned, it does stand alone. There is a great sense of place on this trip across the United States. There are interesting characters, some of them extremely quirky but not completely unbelievable. It is a wonderful book and I loved the writing; the characters and the story.

#32: I have not managed to get to the second book yet either, calm. I thoroughly enjoyed Pigs in Heaven though.

Pleased to hear that I'm not adding to the Blackhole with that one , Stasia. It is a great book though, one of my favourites of the year - so far:) I've already got The Bean Trees requested through the library. So I hope to be reading that soon.

Greetings, calm! I'm happy to see you enjoyed Pigs in Heaven. I've just now wishlisted it. I read The Bean Trees a few years ago so I will be looking forward to your review.

I do not think I have read a Kingsolver book yet that I have not either really liked or loved, including several of her nonfiction books.

Hi Lynda - at least you are reading them in the correct order. I think I'll still enjoy reading the first - I'll just think of it as a prequel:) Not sure when I'll manage to get to read The Bean Trees - all depends on when it is returned to the library and transferred to my local branch!

Stasia - she has the potential to be added to my favourite authors list. When I've tried a few more of her books.

#37: I should add her to my favorites. Thanks for the reminder, calm!

That's alright Stasia. It sounds like I'm going to have a lot of good reading to look forward to and the library actually has a lot of her books ... now I only have to find the time to read them.

#39: now I only have to find the time to read them.

I understand that problem!

I've wishlisted The Slaves of Solitude following yours and Stasia's recommendations. The Bean Trees is the next Kingsolver I want to read, glad you enjoyed Pigs in Heaven. You should definitely also read The Lacuna!

Don't we all Stasia!

Heather, hope you like Slaves of Solitude as much as Stasia did. I will get to The Lacuna some day, I promise:)

159) Against All Things Ending by Stephen Donaldson (18 November - 20 November)

If you have followed the story this far you know what you are getting into; if not don't start here. OK - I admit I'm a long time fan and the latest instalment in The Thomas Covenant books is just as good as all the others. I love his flawed characters and the setting of the story; the richness of the language and Donaldson's imagination. Now all I have to do is wait for the next (maybe final!) part of the story.

#43: I have tried a couple of times now to get into the Thomas Covenant books and have officially given up. I am glad you enjoy them!

I know not everybody likes them, but I was on major fantasy kick for years and I still love to get back to them - my idea of comfort reading:)

Gotta love those comfort reads!

Yes and another one coming up!


160) Muse and Reverie by Charles de Lint (20 November - 22 November)

A collection of short stories from de Lint's Newford series, not one to read unless you are already familiar with this world. Familiar and new characters appear extending our knowledge of their lives.

I guess like most short story collections, some of the stories and characters I would like to know more about and some are complete in themselves. It is still a very enjoyable collection to read, typical Charles de Lint - well worth reading if you already like his work.

I really need to get to more de Lint one of these days!

*continues ignoring calm*

Hmm, I must make a note to look for de Lint at the next booksale. I've been seeing so much about him and I'm really curious.

Stasia - I love his work, unfortunately it is not so easy to find over here and those P&P costs from the US/Canada are awful. I love my local library:)

49 - did someone say something?

Lynda - Hope you find something. He does write some YA and stand-alones as well as the Newford books.

#51: I love my local library too!

You're very quiet, calm.

#47 I'm another person who hasn't read any de Lint. Assuming I can find them, where is a good place to start?

My favorite de Lint is Moonheart. it's a standalone novel, so you don't have to make a commitment to a major series.

So many good books since I lost ( then found) you!

Terrifying, really...

also, great gif Lynda!

I liked Slaves of Solitude very much too. I bought Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky, but haven't read it yet--hope to get to it soon.

A book I found to be similar to Slaves of Solitude that I liked very much and would recommend to anyone who liked Slaves of Solitude is The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore.

Sorry for the double post. Fingers were faster than the computer.

#55 And my library even has a copy of Moonheart - thanks!

Ouch - my post just got eaten!

Hi Stasia, Lynda, Heather, Jim, Kath, Deborah

Lynda - sorry not felt up to typing, still hurts but thought I should at least stop by my thread:)

Heather - Jim's given you a good suggestion. I'm pleased you can get it from the library. If you like it I suggest you try the first Newford book which is Memory and Dream.

Jim - nice to see another de Lint fan around here:)

Kath - thanks for stopping by.

Deborah - thanks I'll check out those ideas sometimes.

edit - cos I remembered a name:)

Latest reads - thoughts coming when I feel up to it

161) Towers of Midnight - Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
162) Jizzle - John Wyndham
163) The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England - Ian Mortimer
164) The Robber Bride - Margaret Atwood

All very good in their different ways.

Aha! Here's the new thread. I knew I had to have missed an announcement somewhere.

Some interesting reads. I'm glad you enjoyed The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England: I've got that one in the TBR, waiting for me to work through about 47 other history books first.

Hi Caty, it's a good popular history, very readable and also informative. Hope you get to it sometime soon:)

Sorry to hear you've not been feeling well calm :-( I will look forward to hearing about your latest reads when you feel up to it.

I read the first book in The Wheel of Time series ages ok and then realised how long the series was and how incomplete. Now Sanderson's almost finished the series I have been wondering whether I should try it again...

Hi calm, I had The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: in my house for 3 weeks and unfortunately never got around to it. I could have renewed but I knew I would not get to it, so why deprive another prospective reader from enjoying it. It looks really interesting and I'll try to get to it another time.

Hope you are feeling better now, calm!

Yes, hope you're better!

Heather - I must say that I think Sanderson is doing a better job than Jordan was doing. I had invested so many years in the series but Jordan's books were getting a bit repetitive and (to be honest) annoying. Sanderson has tightened it up, stayed true to the characters and hopefully the last book will be published next year.

Lynda - I hope you manage to get to it someday. It is very worth reading, if you are interested in Medieval England:)

Stasia and Angela - thanks for asking, just a flare up of an old problem that makes it difficult to type. My hand swelled up like a balloon after my last attempt. Hoping that things won't be so bad today!

Let's try some short reviews;)

#68: Hoping that things won't be so bad today!

That sounds like a good plan - I hope that things are not so bad today too!

not fun.. hope healing comes soon.

161) Towers of Midnight - Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (22 November - 27 November)

If you've followed the story so far I'm sure you are going to carry on to the end of the series and Brandon Sanderson is doing a very good job of pulling together the strands of the story that Robert Jordan started all those years ago. As the climax approaches we see the familiar characters preparing to face the Last Battle.

Given the sprawling nature of the story that Sanderson inherited I think he is doing well to mature the characters and plot-line, while still staying more or less true to the foundations set by Jordan. I can actually see the possibility that the next book will be the last and I don't think I'll be disappointed.

Hi Stasia and Kath - bit of a tingle but at least I can still move my fingers. Back later with the next one. I really want to get caught up before I finish another book:)

At least I can still read and I am following other people's threads - even if I'm not saying anything:)

Hi calm, please don't over do it. Hands are very important for not only typing reviews but for turning pages as well, so take it easy.

I haven't followed Sanderson's series but good synopsis none the less. The cover of the book makes me think of Mickey Mouse. Couldn't the publisher see that?

#72: At least I can still read and I am following other people's threads - even if I'm not saying anything:)

That is a good thing!

162) Jizzle - John Wyndham (25 November - 30 November)

A great collection of short stories from John Wyndham. Very much of their time (this was first published in 1954) but still very readable. A touch of horror, a touch of humour - some of the endings had me smiling (or laughing) - I don't think there was a disappointing story in this book. A definite keeper.

Lynda - definitely no overdoing it. I'm taking a break between each short session of typing - and am wearing both my neck and wrist braces:) Fortunately I can manage to turn pages even when I can't bend my fingers ... for some reason I find it harder to type that way.

Stasia - I guess I nearly always do that anyway but I do like to say *hi* sometimes.

163) The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England - Ian Mortimer (17 November - 30 November)

This does exactly what the title says, gives you information about Fourteenth Century England as if you could actually visit. Includes lots of helpful advice on how to survive and what life was like. A great social history - informative and accessible. The information is well presented - with endnotes; index and a bibliography which has some interesting sounding books for more in depth reading.

>77 calm: LOVE this idea!! I have an elderly book in much the same vein, Daily Life in Roman Egypt, that I dote on...and it's not a model of crisp prose styling. And I even liked What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew, though I thought it was a teensy bit arch in its execution. Which, come to think on it, is in keeping with the time...might've missed a subtlety there.

Hi Richard - pleased to see you don't always ignore the pretty blue words. Though I notice it has been on your wishlist for a while.

Looks like Jack Lindsay might be an author worth looking into for social histories. I'll have to check the library... they've got The Normans and their World - I think I might borrow that next time I visit town.

I keep seeing WJAAandCDK mentioned around the threads - maybe I should look for it ... even though it's not one of my favourite historical periods:)

It was solely due to the wishlisted status of #77 that I ventured to read the review. And the 19th century, well, the book is involving enough for the dilettante to find value in it, a great strength.

And I shall Ignore the other Jack Lindsay book. Yep, that's me, Ignoring it. Mmm hmm that's what...

...

...oh hell. *trudges off to wishlist, shaking a listless fist in calm's direction*

drat ... drat... drat... seriously rd.. can't you keep your opinions to yourself? Now I went and got What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew,.. and it is entirely your fault.

Oh yes it is!!!!

What on earth are you on about, my good woman?

#77: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. Eventually it will rise to the top!

#77 Add me to the list of people who have had that one on the wishlist for a while. My local library even has a copy and every time I visit it's on loan.

I read WJAAandCDK a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed it although I found I wanted more details than the book gave. But then I do like 19th century British literature, so that probably helps.

I liked WJAAandCDK. I definately could have use more. But I did like it. It is also a good reference for me when I am reading 19th century lit. I always get their diseases mixed up. Dropsy? Croup? etc., etc.

Richard - just cos I mention a book doesn't mean you've got to look for it. I haven't even read it yet:(

LOL - Kath! and Richard

Stasia - I'm sure it will ... one day:)

Heather - guess it's a popular book then, can you reserve it? Library hasn't got WJAAandCDK so I doubt if I'll get to it anytime soon. I studied 19th Century British history (and a fair chunk of literature and poetry!) at school so I have a reasonable knowledge of the period already and there is so much that I would rather be reading.

Jennifer - doesn't sound like I need to read it then:)

Oh well failed completely at catching upon reviews before finishing more books. It's been a few days of hell here:( Freezer broke - so had to go out to buy a new one; then the water pipes froze so I had to spend ages defrosting them with a hairdryer and when I finished doing that my phone and broadband connection went down! That's enough bad luck for anybody!

Coming soonish - thoughts on The Robber Bride; Suetonius's Twelve Caesars and Karen Maitland's The Owl Killers.

I will be interested in seeing what you think of the Maitland book. I read her Company of Liars and cannot say I was overly impressed with it.

Sorry to hear about your freezer and pipe troubles, calm! The broadband problem would be a major disaster in my house too!

Sorry to hear about freezer, pipes and broadband - sounds like you have had a rough few days :-(

Ye gods and little fishes, calm!! How you can remain civil in the face of a few days like that...!

I agree with Heather and Richard! Yikes - how can you remain calm like your name?

Thanks all ... staying calm? ... well none of the problems were life threatening ... just very inconvenient:)

164) The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood (27 November - 30 November)

Probably not Atwood's best novel. This story of three middle-aged women united by Zenia (the robber bride of the title) is good but not great. There is no doubt that Atwood is a talented writer but there is something slightly off here. Maybe it is because the male characters are very anaemic, hardly present apart from how their stories relate to the hardships of the main characters lives. The women are very different characters whose only point of contact is the fact that they all attended the same college and at different stages in their lives Zenia appears - manipulative and plausible in her need for them. Strands from past and present are told in the voices of the three narrators, explaining how Zenia is able to find the chink in the defences of the women.

Still it was readable, but not the best introduction to her work. So I'm just pleased that this wasn't the first time I read one of her novels as I probably would have missed out on some good reading.

#92: I already have that one in the BlackHole, but think I will prioritize some of her other books above that one.

I read this as part of my 1010 Challenge - reading about one of the Caesars a month.



165) The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius (4 January - 4 December)

This is an important source book for early Imperial Rome. It contains gossipy, salacious accounts of 12 Roman rulers. Suetonius's accounts of their lives is a fun read though he seems to prefer focusing on the bad side of things and even any positives are always outweighed by the nasty things that these men were rumoured to have done. This is pure propaganda but a worthwhile read.

Stasia - I do like Atwood's writing maybe I was just isn't in the right frame of mind for this one:)

166) The Owl Killers by Karen Maitland (1 December - 5 December)

I quite enjoyed this novel. The village that is at the heart of the story is suffering from failed harvests; sickness and a pagan cult that had been suppressed a hundred years before is gaining influence. The conflict between cult; church and the villagers lives are told through the eyes of two members of a group of women who have set up a community outside the village; the village priest; the local lord's daughter and a village child.

I liked the historical detail; the five different narrators and the way Karen Maitland brought the story of the attempt to set up a Beguinage in England to life. I must admit that I hadn't heard of the Beguines before but it seems like a fascinating movement. For those, like me, who don't know they were communities of women (not nuns) who lived and worked together, without men.

The only thing I found disappointing is the ending of the novel. It seemed to just fizzle out but I must say that I don't know how else it might have ended.

Glad to see you and everything else are back up and in running order.
What an interesting way to read The Twelve Caesars!
I'm a bit on the fence when it comes to Atwood. However, I will keep your coments on The Robber Bride in mind should I ever come across it.

Hi Lynda - Hopefully that's it for things going wrong (for a while anyway).

When I was setting up my 1010 I thought 12 Caesars and 12 months for the challenge - so it seemed like a good idea:)

There was just something about the characters in The Robber Bride. I think I'll give it a re-read when things aren't going wrong around me:)

So this is weird. I just spent ten minutes on Google and Amazon searching for The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England because I had forgotten the title. Then I with no small amount of satisfaction requested it from my library as something I might enjoy reading over the holidays.

I return to LT and the very first thread I opened has a review of the book. I'm glad you enjoyed it but wish I would have looked at your thread first and avoided the search!

Calm: I'm glad you liked Suetonius - I always tell my students that he's Rome's version of the Weekly World News! And The Owl Killers sounds pretty interesting - I think it's gonna find its way onto the wishpile.

Ye gods woman!! All that inconvenience would have my hair standing on end.. yikes!

The Owl Killers sounds good.. but do they? Kill owls, I mean?
Drat.. I simply refuse to add another one to the list. I mean it. I Really Mean IT..

i think

>92 calm: I agree with your assessment of The Robber Bride. Not her best. Alias Grace is my all time favourite, but in terms of similars themes, I think she does a much better job of tackling female friendship and backstabbing in Cat's Eye.

I think I will stay away from the Maitland book. It sounds too like her Company of Liars for me and I did not care overmuch for that one.

I enjoyed Suetonius when I read it several years ago and if I )(ever) finish The History of Rome, I will probably re-read The Twelve Caesars.

#102 Yea! I own both Alias Grace and Cat's Eye. Maybe those two books will have me changing my mind about Atwood.

I've wishlisted The Twelve Caesars - which comes as a surprise to me. Another book I never would have looked twice at before LT!

Wow what a lot of visitors, thanks for stopping by.

Nancy - That is weird, pleased you found it and hope you enjoy reading it.

Amber - Suetonius is a good read. Hope you like The Owl Killers

Kath - I guess I just try to stay calm:)

No owls die:) Maybe you can get it from the library?

Karen - I really liked Alias Grace as well and agree that Cat's Eye is better than The Robber Bride. She is still a good writer even when I don't like the characters or story too much.

Stasia - Another Suetonius lover. Good to know.

Good to hear that I'm not adding to the Blackhole, but from what you say The Company of Liars is now going on my wishlist.

Lynda - I'd say start with Alias Grace. I think it was an amazing piece of historical fiction.

Angela - There seem to be a lot of Suetonius fans around here. I don't think that we are all pushing you in the wrong direction :)

I have Suetonius somewhere in the TBR pile - a really nice Folio Society edition that I picked up for about two quid in a charity shop.

*removes it from the book case and blows the dust off*

I must read it very soon.

167) The Golden City by John Twelve Hawks (6 December - 7 December)

This is the third book in the trilogy that John Twelve Hawks started in The Traveler. There was enough information to remind me of events in the previous two books and it is a fair conclusion to the series. For what it is it is a good book. I like the characters and the world that John Twelve Hawks has created. The plot and the action are interesting and well developed. Unfortunately, in some ways, it doesn't feel as though the story is complete - I am left with some questions and a need to know what happens next.

That was a very good price, Caty. Definitely time to blow the dust off:)

I don't know why, calm, but Twelve Hawks failed to snag my interest with The Traveler. I still don't understand why, since it's the sort of book I'd expect myself to enjoy, and he's not at all a bad writer. *shrug*

I liked The Traveler and The Dark River

Haven't read book #3 yet, but glad there is enough information to remind me of #1 and #2

maybe he will do a #4 to complete the story?

I was quite disappointed by The Robber Bride when I read it, think Cat's Eye is probably my favourite, I also really like her short stories, and enjoyed Moral Disorder earlier this year.

Added The Owl Killers to the list! And I really like your 12 Caesars challenge... I might try it myself... it's been quite some time since I read any Suetonius, and I wouldn't mind reading it all in a row (pretty sure I just read sections here and there during undergrad).

#108: I have not read any of Twelve Hawks books yet although The Traveler has been in the BlackHole for a while now. I will have to dig it out one of these centuries. Thanks for the reminder, calm.

Just dropping in to wave, but not adding anything this time. I'm not good with books within a series so I can merrily hop away.

Richard - ah well, there are plenty of books out there that do catch your interest:)

Kara - there's an author's intro that says that this is the end. But I do think that he has left himself plenty of room to return to the story if he changes his mind.

Lucy (?) I haven't got Moral Disorder yet - I'll have to get a copy someday.

Faith - hope you like The Owl Killers. Same as you I had only read parts of Suetonius before. I think if I ever did it again I might add a more recent book about the emperors just to learn a bit more.

Stasia - at least he says the series is complete so you won't be left waiting for a book to be published:)

Lynda - *waves* back. I know what you mean about series books. I do like them but I'm not in any hurry to start any new ones.

John Twelve Hawks is a cagey man, but that is why I find him interesting. He truly lives "off the grid" and I am pretty sure there is no published picture of him. I guess he could really be a she unless confirmed.

I subscribe to his newsletter and frequently visit his website http://www.randomhouse.com/features/johntwelvehawks/ and I recently saw on the "message board" that a film of The Traveler is possibly in the works.........

September 13, 2010
THE TRAVELER FILM


Dear Everyone

The process of making a feature movie turns out to be a long and difficult road -- with a lot of dead ends along the way.

Near the end of September, Alex Tse's screenplay of The Traveler will be sent to the executives at 20th Century Fox studios.

I hope that we will know by Christmas time if the film is actually going to be made.

My only surprise during the last year is finding out how many young actors and actresses have read and enjoyed the Fourth Realm Trilogy.

Just because a star wants to do the film does not mean that she or he will be attached. Movie stars are surrounded by an entourage of people that can only show their power by saying no.

As always, I will put up any news on this message board.

Your Friend,

John

I have that book.. I liked it! I had a hard time finding it in my list just now.. I had never rated it.... reviewed it..

anyway.. a movie?? fascinating :)

Kara - interesting:) I don't watch many films (and very rarely ones that come from books I like) but it is good to know about them.

Kath - good to know that you liked it:)

168) Chocolat by Joanne Harris (8 December - 9 December)

I don't think this is Harris's best book, but it is still very readable. When Vianne and her daughter arrive in a small French town she comes into conflict with the priest and some members of his congregation. It is Lent and her opening of a chocolate shop is seen as threat to the morals of the town. Told from two points of view (Vianne and the priest) this novel creates a feel of family and community; what is seen as a threat and the consequences of past actions. Touches of magic and a very sensuous feel to the prose create a compelling story, well worth reading.

Okay, so I know that you just said you rarely watch movies from books you like, but the Chocolat movie has Johnny Depp as a river gyspy (!). For me, that's pretty hard to pass up. All kidding aside, I haven't read the book, but the movie is just lovely. Very well done.

#121 I absolutely agree with Amber on this one. The movie is charming.

#120: I really enjoyed that one. Which others of hers do you recommend, calm? I tried the follow up to Chocolat and did not care for it.

Hi Amber - nice to see you here, it's strange I don't mind seeing the film and then reading the book - but something about the other way around doesn't go well for me.

Hi Lynda - I give in! I'll see if the library has the DVD!

Hi Stasia - I must admit I haven't read many but my favourite (so far) is Holy Fools and then Gentlemen and Players.

I've got the direct sequel The Lollipop Shoes and her other "food" books - Five Quarters of the Orange and Blackberry Wine on my TBR shelves and the local library has lots of her other books (and the DVD of Chocolat). I'll get to them one day!

#124: I am in luck! I own Gentlemen and Players - no idea where it is, but I know it is here somewhere in my house - and the local library has Holy Fools. Thanks for the recommendations, calm.

169) Rocannon's World by Ursula Le Guin (10 December)

This is a quick and entertaining read, a combination of science fiction and fantasy. First published in the 1960's it has stood the test of time but don't expect a lot of in depth characterisation - just a good story, well told.

I do love le Guin

>126 calm: Rocannon's World was fun, but for me, the finest hour of LeGuin's career was The Left Hand of Darkness. Oh my!

And of course who can NOT love the Earthsea books? But I think I am the only person ever to love Orsinian Tales.

#126: Dodging that particular BB as I have already read it. Whew!

Hi Kath, Le Guin is really good!

Richard, I've got The Left Hand of Darkness on my to reread pile; also loved Earthsea but I've never read Orsinian Tales. I'll have to find a copy.

Stasia, pleased that you are avoiding that BB!

Calm, I so hope you can get Orsinian Tales! It was sort of a gateway drug to Kafka for me...my older sister gave it to me when I was a teen and said, when I raved about it to her, "oh good, glad you liked it...here's a little something you'll like, too" and handed me The Metamorphosis.

She was a good sister, before she Got Religion.

170) Driveby Saviours by Chris Benjamin (11 December - 14 December)

An Early Reviewer book. This is the story of two men :- Bumi, from Indonesia and Mark, from Canada. To begin with we have alternating chapters telling their life stories until they finally meet and change their lives. I must admit that to begin with I preferred Bumi's story, it is told in chronological order, while Mark's is just various incidents from his life, the things that led him to be the man he is, in some ways this felt disjointed and episodic.

Overall I found this to be a reasonable read. A look at families; social issues, immigration and what makes a community are melded into an interesting story. There are flaws but, for a debut novel, I think it shows that Chris Benjamin has promise as a writer.

#132: Someone else in the group also read it (do not ask me who because I cannot remember!) but they did not care for it as much as you did, calm. Now I am in the frustrating position of having to read it to find out whether I like it or not - and my local library does not have it yet!

I spotted this on Blackdogbooks Halloween thread and it was getting a lot of positive feedback. I finally managed to get a copy from the library



171) The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas (14 December - 15 December)

I think this is a novel and intriguing take on the vampire. Dr Weyland is one of a kind and the five incidents in his life are a great read. He has created a comfortable niche in life as a college professor but as the hunter becomes the hunted things change. Not just for him but also for some of the people he meets.

Very readable, almost un-put-downable, Suzy McKee Charnas has created a new look for an old genre. A brilliant piece of story-telling.

#134: One of these centuries I will get hold of that one.

Hi Stasia, I'm not sure when it will be published, though the book I rad is a finished trade paperback - not an ARC! I just looked at the other reviews and the only other name that I recognise as a 75er on the review page is sandancer, they only gave it half a star less than I did and all the other reviewers seem to have liked it more.

EEKS - you are so quick. I hope you can get hold of a copy of The Vampire Tapestry sometime, it's a good one!

Hi Calm! I'll keep my eyes peeled for The Vampire Tapestry. Sounds slightly similar in setting to The Historian, have you read that one?

Hi Lynda, yes I've read The Historian. The Vampire Tapestry is better, IMO, more focused on the vampire's story and he is a very different vampire - not as Stoker derivative as Kostova's.

#136: OK, I will continue to look for Drive-by Saviours. My local library does not have it yet though. The Vampire Tapestry is available for the Nook. Maybe next Halloween.

Touchstones seem to have gone haywire at the moment :(

Oooo, better than The Historian? Definately, must find that one!

I actually just started The Vampire Tapestry. I picked up The Historian a year or two ago, and could not get into it. I hope I like Charnas better as well!

I'm also intrigued! Better than the Historian? In my books that's high praise indeed. Definitely going on the wishlist. Thanks!

Lynda - well I think so:)

Luxx - I hope you like it:)

Karen - it's a different approach and I did have a problem with The Historian as I found all the different voices too similar. So for me it's better:)

Just a quick visit to catch up!

The Vampire Tapestry now lives snugly in my Amazon wishlist, thanks to you!

I have The Vampire Tapestry wishlisted but my library doesn't have it :( have to find it somewhere else

#134 Hi calm, I will look out for The Vampire Tapestry

Hi Kath:)

Amber, Kara and Heather - hope you all manage to find a copy!

I spotted this on Stephen's (ape's) thread and, as it finished off my 1010 mythology/folklore category, I borrowed it from the library.



172) The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun by J.R.R. Tolkien (15 December - 19 December)

Christopher Tolkien continues to dig into his father's papers and this time he has chosen to publish two poems based on Old Norse/ Germanic mythology. Tolkien has taken the form of traditional poetry in these languages and created a very readable version in (more or less) modern English. Christopher's use of notes; letters and snippets of his father's lectures help to put them into context.

I think this will be of interest to anyone with an interest in poetry; Norse/Germanic mythology and language. I really admire the way Tolkien managed to use the metre; alliteration and form of the original poetry to create his own versions of the legends.

173) Nation by Terry Pratchett (18 December - 20 December)

As a standalone novel I think that this might make a good introduction to Pratchett's work. It isn't the same as the Discworld but it is a wonderful piece of storytelling full of engaging characters and insights into science; religion; tradition and being part of a community. So Pratchett does it again - creates a thought provoking, easily read novel. In this one we are on a parallel Earth in the middle of the nineteenth century and a massive tsunami causes death and destruction in the Great Southern Pelagic Ocean. Mau is on his way home after a month on another island; Ermintrude is on her way to join her father, who is Governor of one of England's colonies. Together they find themselves on the island of Nation. I recommend that anyone who wants to know more reads the book!

I enjoyed (if that is the right word)--I was moved by Nation as well.

>150 calm: Okay, calm, to add to your already egregiously long list of personal sins, you've added my Very First Pratchett to a wishlist. I've resisted, I've bucked and reared, and now you've gone and done it. I *must* read Nation, it sounds too good not to.

I probably ought to track down a copy of Nation: I haven't read any of Pratchett's non-Discworld books yet.

And I *definitely* ought to read the Tolkien book.

OK, This Pratchett is definately coming home with me from the library. Ya got me wanting to find out more about Nation

calm.. I am impressed. You have Pratchett-ed RD..

I also find it a little scary.

I will have to check out Nation although I must say Pratchett's Discworld books have not done all that much for me.

I found Nation to be atypical of Pratchett, but I really loved his movement into a different genre. I think it really displays his skills as a novelist; not many can move beyond their dominant zone to produce such a successful work.

Roni - that's good to know:)

Richard - your first Pratchett! What did I say?

Caty - I had it sitting on the shelf for a while before reading it and I've read most of Pratchett's work. It's definitely one of his best though! If Stephen hadn't mentioned it I would probably not have picked the Tolkien up ... too be honest I haven't been too fond of Christopher's editing of his father's papers ... but I did like this one.

Kath - I'm not sure what I did ... I'm scared too:)

Stasia - I think this one will suit your tastes better than Discworld. I sometimes wonder if people go into Pratchett expecting laugh out loud humour, I think on the whole it's the more subtle satire which I enjoy.

Luxx - I think I would have known it was Pratchett, even if he had published it under another name. There is something about his writing ... even if his very early stuff wasn't as good (I'm thinking of the first two Discworld and Strata in particular). He has definitely improved and matured.

He has a very strong narrative voice that really can't be mistaken, that's for sure.

#158: Thanks for the input, calm. I will definitely look for Nation then.

Too true, Luxx

I hope you do like it Stasia:)

To all my visitors

Pretty!

Your sparkling picture reminds me of the peace and gentleness of the holiday season that seems to get lost in all the chaos. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, calm and hoping Santa can fit his bags stuffed with books down your chimney :)

pretty pretty pretty!



Merry Christmas!!

Ooh sparkly! Happy holidays to you too! I really enjoyed (yes, is that the right word?) Nation.

Merry Christmas! :)

Merry Christmas!

And a shiny, sparkly holiday to you as well!

Happy Christmas, calm!

Hope you had a perfectly lovely Christmas!

Stasia, it is isn't it:)

Lynda, thank you!

Kath, Love the GIF - it reminds me of why I don't get a tree:)

Heather, It is hard to think of the right word for Nation - definitely worth another read someday though! Thank you for the help you gave my santa on Santathing - I got a copy of Wolf Hall! (and a couple of other books!)

Kara, Hope you had a Merry Christmas as well.

Caty, and too you!

Luxx, hope you and your family had a lovely day

Stasia, thank you

and Roni, I did - snow on the ground; cats to cuddle with, books and the Doctor Who special on television!

Happy St. Stephen's Day! Or Boxing Day! Whichever you prefer, calm, may it be a happy, happy occasion.

Thankyou Richard. I hope you have a wonderful day too!

Hi calm, hope your holidays were wonderful and enjoyed.

174) Love by Angela Carter (20 December - 21 December)

This novel was first published in 1971, I read the revised and updated version which came out in 1987. This is the story of the relationships between Annabel, her husband Lee and his brother Buzz. This updated version gives snapshot descriptions of where the characters are 25 years later (in the mid-80's).

It is beautifully written (well it is Angela Carter) but the story itself is very bleak. Carter captures the gritty life of the late sixties; the destructive relationships between the three main characters and a real sense of time and place. This story couldn't have occurred any-when else. I can't say that this is an enjoyable read but it is one I don't regret reading.

This was a re-read and I don't have anything to add to the review I wrote last year, so I'll just copy it here.



175) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (24 December - 25 December)

What does one say about such a well known story. It is a timeless story of the importance in the way we live our everyday lives; that love, family and community are more than money or material possessions.

Nearly every year I watch one (or more) of the film versions. But, even if you think you know the story, I recommend that you still read the book. Coming back to Dickens' own words adds a depth to the story. The richness of his descriptive language and his ability to paint a scene in a few words is wonderful. One well worth revisiting time and time again.

#176: Coming back to Dickens' own words adds a depth to the story.

I completely agree with that! I love this book.

176) The God Who Begat a Jackal by Nega Mezlekia (21 December - 25 December)

There is a lot to this book. At the heart of the story is Count Ashenafi; his daughter Aster and the society they live in. Aster is unusual and is cloistered away by her father. When she falls in love with one of her guards (a family slave) trouble follows. In the late 18th century Ethiopia was a mess of feuding warlords; religious conflict and the serfs and slaves were questioning the status quo. Mezlekia takes all this and creates an epic of forbidden love; civil conflict; touches of the supernatural and good story telling. I really enjoyed this book, I liked the characters and the setting. Sometimes the story seems a bit sprawling but overall a good read.

177) Hogfather by Terry Pratchett (25 December - 26 December)

I like Terry Pratchett's work and this Discworld novel is no exception. Belief is very important and when the Hogfather, Discworld's Father Christmas, goes missing Death takes his place. Great characters, a fun story and it is good to spot the references.

178) The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (27 December - 28 December)

Earlier this year I read my first Kingsolver, Pigs in Heaven, which is the sequel to this one and wanted to learn more about Taylor and Turtle. I don't think it was a major problem reading them in the wrong order, this is still a strong book. This is a wonderful novel about family and friendship. There are some heavy issues in the story but the writing is good enough so that they don't they feel preachy. I love Kingsolver's writing; her quirky characters and strong sense of place.

wow!!! so many books in the last few days..
I liked The Bean Trees when I read it. I am a Kingsolver fan, too..

I read The Bean Trees years ago and loved it. Thanks for reminding me that Pigs in Heaven is the sequel and I need to get to that one, one of these days.

#178 Ooh, historical fiction set in Ethiopia definitely sounds interesting. Onto the wishlist it goes! His autobiographical book Notes From the Hyena's Belly also looks quite interesting - have you read it?

#180 I really want to read that one, glad you liked it.

I am with Lynda - I still need to get to Pigs in Heaven.

Thanks for the review of The God Who Begat a Jackal. My local library has it, so hopefully I can get it soon.

Kath - I think I'm a Kingsolver fan too! Sometime in the next week I have to read Homeland and other stories as I got an omnibus of Kingsolver from the library so that I could read The Bean Trees. If I like her short stories I'll definitely be reading more of her work:)

Lynda - Not sure if it was the order I read them in but I think that Pigs in Heaven was slightly better, so I hope you can get to it soon.

Heather - No I haven't read his autobiography, it's not a genre of book that I read. I'll probably keep an eye open for any other novels he writes though.

Have you read any Kingsolver yet? I really like her characters and her description of landscape is wonderful.

Stasia - I hope you manage to read them both. Good on your library for having The God Who Begat a Jackal - I wasn't sure how available it would be as there aren't many copies on LT.

Right I've got two more reviews to write to finish up 2010. I finished Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere but I still need to finish Alone of All Her Sex for the December TIOLI, I should do it before midnight:) Back later with thoughts on both books!

Wishing you a wonderful 2011, calm. Here's to good books, good friends (on and offline) and good times, Cheers!

Thanks Lynda, same to you!

#185 I read The Lacuna this year and The Poisonwood Bible a couple of years ago. Both blew me away although I think in different ways.

Happy (almost) New Year! I've finished all the books I am going to get finished in 2010 but I'm procrastinating a bit and need to get back to writing up the reviews. Neverwhere was one of my SantaThing presents so it's one I definitely hope to read next year.

Happy New Year calm!

Happy New Year, calm! I am looking forward to more great recommendations in 2011!

Happy New Year, Heather, Kara and Stasia.

Heather - I hope to read more Kingsolver this year. I haven't read either of those yet. I'll have to see what I can find over the year:)

Same to you Kara.

Thanks Stasia and I'll keep trying to dodge your numerous BB's:)

Just two more reviews to go to finish up 2010's reads. Here's the first but I'm still mulling over the other so back in the next few days for that one and to close this thread:)



179) Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (28 December - 29 December)

This is his first novel, although he had been writing The Sandman Graphic novels for awhile, and written after he was approached to write a television series for the BBC which I watched when it was on in the 1990's. I never did got around to reading the book, until now. I think its source is very obvious, the characterisation is slight and the imagery is strong. So in some ways this is a very visual book and brought back memories of the scenes I saw on the television.

The story is very much in a quest style. For me the strongest characters are Mr Vandermar and Mr Croup. The hero of the book, Richard, is rather weak and we don't seem to get to know the other characters very well. I did like the descriptions of London Below which seems to be a fascinating place. Not his best book but, that said, I did like it and I think that he has developed as a writer.

I think I've said this elsewhere on some other thread, but Neverwhere and I have a tragic past. I love Gaiman normally, but I read this one while pregnant and chronically nauseous. So, I can't even think of this book without feeling ill. Truly a sad thing.

Neverwhere was the first of Gaiman's adult books that I read and I really liked it. Happily, my memories of the book are better than Amber's :)

I'm happy for that too, Stasia - I wouldn't wish that particular association on anyone! Ha!

I read it a long time ago and liked it too :)
I have a similar weird association with Stephen King.. Cannot read a book of his. Cannot, since April 1 of 1981.

Amber, yes I can see how this book and nausea wouldn't mix well. At least it didn't put you off Gaiman altogether:)

Stasia, It is likeable isn't it, but I find I don't do so well reading something after seeing it so I might have liked it even more if I had started without those images already in my head.

Kath, I don't think I've got any of those kind of memories associated with any authors, fortunately.

Right on to the last review of 2010, so I can close this thread!

180) Alone of All Her Sex by Marina Warner (6 December - 31 December)

As someone who was educated in a catholic school Marina Warner understands what having this paragon of womankind as an example does to young girls. This is a very interesting look at how the myth of the Virgin Mary has evolved over the centuries. Very little is said about her in the Bible but a whole cult has been imagined - using the Old Testament; assuming the attributes of goddesses from older religions and various miracles and sightings associated with her. Marina Warner has presented this history in a well documented version and this is a fascinating insight into this aspect of Catholic history and well worth reading.

A quick sum up, I read 180 books this year and my favourite reads were (in no particular order):-

Fiction
The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
Nation by Terry Pratchett

Non-Fiction
The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer
Before the Dawn : Recovering the lost history of our ancestors by Nicholas Wade
Nine Lives: in search of the sacred in modern India by William Dalrymple

Those are the ones I remember as the best of the year for me:- the ones I didn't want to put down and the ones that have stayed in my memory.

That's it for 2010. I can now be found here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/104801

Oh, the Warner book is crawling onto my wishlist right now - sounds really interesting!