Coppers' (Joanne's) 2010 Reading, Ch 6 (or the Epilogue)

Thread #1 http://www.librarything.com/topic/80948
Thread #2 http://www.librarything.com/topic/88920
Thread #3 http://www.librarything.com/topic/93397
Thread #4 http://www.librarything.com/topic/97872

This will be a short thread...but I can go with a holiday theme. Peaceful holiday dreams to all!



My year so far:
January
1.The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys
2. You Were Always Mom's Favorite by Deborah Tannen (audio)
3. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
4. Coventry by Helen Humphreys
5. The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell (audio)
6. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
7. Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler

February
8. Murder with Puffins by Donna Andrews
9. A Good Fall by Ha Jin
10. Thereby Hangs A Tail by Spencer Quinn
11. Looking Back: A Book of Memories by Lois Lowry
12. Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos by Donna Andrews
13. American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson (audio)
14. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
15. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
16 The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
17. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
18. Why Manners Matter: The Case for Civilized Behavior in a Barbarous World by Lucinda Holdforth
19. Horns by Joe Hill

March
20. Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt
21. The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi
22. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (audio)
23. The Fur Person by May Sarton
24. Maus I by Art Spiegelman
25. The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill

April
26. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
27. Maus II by Art Spiegelman
28. Tinkers by Paul Harding
29. Mrs. Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn
30. Skellig by David Almond
31. Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas
32. Keeper by Kathi Appelt
33. The Brutal Telling
by Louise Penny (audio)

May
34. The Sleeping and the Dead by Ann Cleeves
35. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
36. The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (audio)
37. Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
38. Translation is a Love Affair by Jacques Poulin
39. Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs by Wallace Stegner

June
40. The Last Child by John Hart
41. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
42. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox (audio)
43. Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson
44. A Test of Wills by Charles Todd
45. Wings of Fire by Charles Todd
46. Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder (audio)

July
47. Off Season: Discovering America on Winter's Shore by Ken McAlpine
48. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig
49. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
50. Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (audio, reread)

August
51. The Passage by Justin Cronin
52. The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard
53. Star Island by Carl Hiaasen (audio)
54. The Art of Losing by Kevin Young

September
55. The Meadow by James Galvin
56. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
57. The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick (audio)
58. Blindness by Jose Saramago
59. Work Song by Ivan Doig
60. Invisible by Paul Auster

October
61. Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
62. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
63. True Compass by Edward M Kennedy (audio)
64. A Broom of One's Own by Nancy Peacock
65. Rose in a Storm by Jon Katz
66. The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill

November
67. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
68. Packing For Mars by Mary Roach (audio)
69. Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell (audio)
70. Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves
71. The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill
72. A Small Furry Prayer by Steven Kotler

December
73. The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart
74. Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick (audio)
75. The Risk of Darkness by Susan Hill
76. I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron (audio)
77. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger
78. The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween by Ruth Sawyer
79. Auggie Wren's Christmas Story by Paul Auster
80. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
81. Silk by Alessandro Baricco

Found you.

Yay! Hi Linda!

I have found you as well. I am just slow :)

Hi Joanne- Congrats on Thread 6!! I plan on setting up my book list by month too! It looks better and is more organized. Thanks for the inspiration!

Awwww.... sweet Copper!

Starred!

DOGGY!!!

*pats him gently on the head*

HERE! Waving hand in the air...

That's it. I'm putting a Santa hat on Lucky and taking a picture. Tonight may be my best chance as he is exhausted after being around the grandkids for almost 4 days!

Hi Stasia, Mark, Claudia, Faith, Jenn and Donna - glad you all found me!

Also happy that something in my life is well organized these days. And yes, Donna, the secret is a sleeping dog.

Sweet!

Look at that dear dog! Glad to see she's feeling better!

Hi Bonnie!

Hi Anne - Much better! And, when necessary, better living though chemistry.

So this morning I started Stiff on audio.

And I'm just about exactly halfway into Major Pettigrew and think it's absolutely charming!

#13: Glad to hear you are enjoying Major Pettigrew, Joanne. Stiff is good too! What a combination!

oh, what a beautiful dog! Great picture!

I'm nothing if not eclectic, Stasia.

Thanks Kath, she's very patient...

Sleeping dogs look much happier than wide awake dogs when made to wear Christmas gear.

Actually, the antlers seem to suit her!

If I only had a sleigh and harness...

Hi Pat! Welcome back!

78. The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carnnaween by Ruth Sawyer

Thanks Jenn (nittnut) for finding this book.

Written in 1941, a charming Irish folktale, lovingly illustrated. Would make a good read-aloud for older elementary age kids and could very possibly generate a lot of discussion.

#17: She looks very put out at having to wear those antlers!

They were very quickly pawed off.

Why am I not surprised?

Joanne- I plan on starting Major Pettigrew after Fingersmith, which I'm loving by the way!

>24 msf59: Hi Mark, Fingersmith is great, isn't it? :)


79. Auggie Wren's Christmas Story by Paul Auster

This little gem is a favorite of mine that I reread every year. A very non-traditional Christmas story that's really all about giving. So short and yet so very complex, with shades of grey and a moral dilemma to warm the heart. Great illustrations, too.

If you've ever seen the movie 'Smoke' with Harvey Keitel, you'll recognize Auggie.

#25: I saw someone else in the group recommend that book as well, Joanne, although I cannot remember now who it was. I wish my local library had a copy.

I usually run speedily away from Christmas books.. The Wee Cabin books almost sucked me in, but I resisted :)

Joanne- Fingersmith has been very good! She can WRITE! It's a slower read for me but always engaging. Wow, the end of the 1st Part blew me away!

I own 5 Paul Auster books, but sadly not Auggie Wren...

But wait! I have an ipad! I can have it a seconds and read it this afternoon. How wonderful technology can be. Note to readers of this thread: the vast majority of the books I read will still be printed. It is nice to have the option though!

Joanne, I read Auggie Wren's Christmas Story for the first time this year after I saw Tad highly recommend it. I took it out of the library and loved it so much that I bought a used copy. It was pretty hard to find a decently priced one.

Kath, you might really like it. It's not your usual sugary sweet Christmas story. It has an edge. I was advised to get the illustrated version (I think by Suzanne) and was glad I did. I'll definitely re-read it each year.

Joanne, I also saw somewhere that you were going to read Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory. I also read that for the first time this year and loved it. Hope you do too.

Good morning!

Pat - I did the same thing a few years ago - bought a copy after reading the library's sole copy every year. I looked over on Amazon and I see what you mean about the price. I was able to get a used copy much cheaper - and the seller even gift wrapped it for me. There must be fewer copies around. Even at a higher price, I think it's totally worth it, esp. with the illustrations. I read the Capote for the first time last year and loved it, too.

Pat's right, Kath. Both of the Christmas books I just finished are very un-sugary sweet.

Hi Nancy - An iPad...nice! Enjoy!

Stasia and anyone else who might want to, Auster read 'Auggie' on NPR a few years ago. It only takes about 20 minutes and no pictures, of course, but my husband and I really enjoyed it this morning. Hopefully, it's here.

Thanks for that link, Joanne. I'll listen to that soon!

Joanne, I love the covers of both your Christmas books above. I have a very small holiday book collection which I hope to add to. I'll be on the lookout for these two and the Capote Christmas book - which I've never read!

Lucky can totally mimic Copper's pained expression when it comes to head gear. ;-)

I'm saving the Auster link for the final wrapping session.

OH NO! Auggie Wren not available in Kindle ebook.

Dang! But check out the audio link above from NPR, Auster reads it, takes about 20 min.

#32: Thanks for the link, Joanne! I am listening to the story now.

::listening::

That was really good. Thank you !

Hi Joanne!
Trying to catch up after a weekend of crazy fun w/grandkids. What a blessing they are!

I'll never get to really hug Copper. :(
I sure would love to - he's so adorable and looks sweetly mild-mannered! Please give him a big hug for me! (((C)))

The 2 Christmas books look great - and thanks for the link! Have a happy day!

Joanne, I enjoyed the unsentimental Christmas story by Paul Auster. Only problem is, the story is over, and my wrapping session continues!

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays!

Glad you liked the story, Kath!

Hugs all around, Claudia!

Merry Christmas to you too, Donna! Love the gif - we could really use that lovely coating of snow...

This'll probably be it for me this year - 80 books. Hard for me to believe.



80. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Perfectly charming with a wry sense of humor. There was more to this story than I thought there would be and I would love it if the author chose to continue their story in another book.

Glad you liked Major Pettigrew's Last Stand Joanne. That's one I've been wanting to read. And congratulations on reading 80 books this year. Have you set up a 2011 thread yet? I'm holding out until the new year (I think).

YAY! 80 books!
With a full year to work with next year... I might come close to that.
I have so many great books to read. I'll have to pick up the pace a bit.

I don't know what I read about MP's Last Stand at first - but I wasn't gonna read that one. Lately there have been many good comments about it - so I think I'll need to add that one. If you liked it, I probably will too. :)

And I thought I was the last one to read it, Pat! And thanks!.

I did set up a 2011 thread but I haven't been back there since. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the new threads plus posting to 2011 seems a little like turning the calendar over to a new month before the 1st - tempting the fates and all that.

Morning Claudia. It had been on my radar since it came out but for some reason I kept pushing it to the bottom of the pile. It was a good read and I think you'll like it.

I thought Major Pettigrew's ... Was charming too, and had more than a few life lessons to ponder.

Hi Joanne- I'm glad you enjoyed Major Pettigrew. I have a crime novel to start and then I plan on starting that one, all before I begin Tenderness. The train keeps chugging, huh?
Have a wonderful Christmas, my friend!

>45 Copperskye: I'm a little overwhelmed by all the new threads

Me too! Which explains why I'm so late getting caught up with you Joanne. I'm hoping somebody looked at my Amazon wishlist and got me Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I've wanted to read it for so longggg.

Love the Santa dogs:)

Joanne

Congratulations on reading 80 books. It is such a joy having you here on the 75 challenge group. I look forward to seeing what you will read in 2011.

All good wishes to you.

Glad you enjoyed Major Pettigrew, Joanne. It is one of my favorites this year.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Merry Christmas from Maine!


glitter-graphics.com

Ho, ho, ho!

Happy holidays!

Thanks everyone for the warm holiday wishes!

Merry Christmas to all!

(And Claudia, how did you know lighthouses and snowmen are two of my favorite things! :))

I'll be back to list my favorites for the year and then I guess I'll fold up this thread and head over to 2011...

Joanne... you and I seem to like many of the same things. :)

Congrats on reaching 80 books! No, you're not the last to read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Merry Christmas Joanne!

I still haven't read Major Pettigrew. I hope you feel better now. :)

Merry Christmas from NE Pennsylvania where it is bitter cold this evening.

Merry Christmas, Joanne. Looking forward to seeing what you're favorite books were in 2010.

Popping in to see what has been happening.. not much lately.. hope to see you soon...

hmmm... it's taking her a long time to list her favorites! Must be a heck of a list!
Hope you are well, Joanne! :)

Hi everyone - not too much going on here. I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas! I'm off this week enjoying time with the family. Why is it when I'm home the days go by so fast but when I'm at work...well, never mind.

So anyway, here's my year-end list. I had a lot of good books to narrow down and not too many not so good books to list. All and all, a really good year!

Here’s the list of my favorite reads in 2010 (in the order I read them):
Fiction -
The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
The Last Child by John Hart
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig
The Meadow by James Galvin
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill
Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves
The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart

Non-Fiction- (and, as it happens, these were all audiobooks)
American On Purpose by Craig Ferguson
The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick
True Compass by Edward M Kennedy

Favorite reread that was even better as an audiobook:
Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (performed by Beau Bridges)

Biggest disappointments -
Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee
Star Island by Carl Hiaasen
Rose in a Storm by Jon Katz

#62: Nice year end wrap up, Joanne!

I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family.

Yay! Another "favorites" list. I've got The Meadow to read, and want to read The Frozen Thames and True Compass too. I'll have to check out more of your favorites. The Twin was in my "favorites" list too. And Fingersmith would have been--had I read it this last year. Finally, I tried to find a copy of The Imperfectionists at Powell's just yesterday, but no luck. Will keep looking for it.

Regarding your "disappointments," I loved the first few books I read of Anne Tyler, but then I got tired of her very definite style (e.g., the quirky characters). It's interesting how her characters' ages and concerns seem to have grown with mine over the years, but her books are just sort of so-so for me now.

Thanks Stasia. I should clarify, my family time is with my two boys - movies, games, snow fun (unfortunately we need to drive to find any), holiday stuff, eating - lots of eating, etc. The best! :)

I'm looking forward to catching up on the threads and see what's been going on!

>64 bonniebooks: Hi Bonnie! These end of year lists can be pretty dangerous! Keep looking for The Imperfectionists - it's a good one (well obviously, I think so). :)

Joanne- Welcome back! It sounds like you had a nice Christmas weekend. I like your favorites list! I'll be starting Major Pettigrew today!

I know how hard it is to peel yourself away from having fun with your kids.. whatever their age! I am glad to hear that you are having fun during the holiday.
Great list, btw!

Hi Joanne!
I might just as well copy your list, cross out the ones I already read, and head straight to Amazon! Great list!

Hi Joanne, the only books I've read on your list are Montana 1948, which I loved, and Noah's Compass, which I also loved. It was my first Anne Tyler and I immediately bought The Ladder of Years and Back When We Were Grownups at a used book store. I couldn't finish Ladder of Years--just lost interest in it--and haven't tried Back When We Were Grownups. Do you have a favorite Anne Tyler?

I own copies of Fingersmith and The Whistling Season so I'm looking forward to getting to them after finding out they made your favorites list.

Thanks for sharing your list! I'll have to take it along with me when I go to my annual book sale in February.

Merry Christmas!

Pat,
I second Joanne's high regard for both Fingersmith and The Whistling Season. Great reading!

Hi Mark, I hope you're enjoying Major Pettigrew!
Thanks Kath and Claudia!
Pat - Try The Accidental Tourist (but read Fingersmith and The Whistling Season first!). :)
Hi Pirate! Merry Christmas to you too! I hope you're having a good winter break.

So, not much fun for me today. Before I even got a chance to get in the shower this morning, I had a sick cat on my hands. By lunch time, I was on the phone with the vet wrangling (ok, practically begging) for an appointment ASAP. He ran some tests, gave him fluids, cleaned him up, and prescribed an antibiotic. Some sort of gastritis/colitis is suspected. He seemed pretty good for a few hours after we got home (sleeping by the fireplace) but then he got restless again. Now I have him locked in the powder room, curled up in a cat bed. If he felt better, he'd never stand for that. I'm hoping he'll be crying to get out in a few hours, but I kind of doubt it. The vet thinks by tomorrow afternoon he should be starting to feel better. These older pets...

Also watched Toy Story 3 this evening, and oh, the tears came down. I was warned by some friends with kids the same age as mine that I'd find it sad and I did. Good though, very good.

I'm going to try to read for a bit - Search the Dark, the third Ian Rutledge mystery. And still trying to catch up on these threads.

Sorry to hear about the cat troubles, Joanne. I do hope he feels better soon!

Hope kitty is feeling better this morning..

Ian Rutledge? uh oh..

Oh, poor kitty. :(
Would that be Smokey?
Hope he perks up soon ...

Joanne

My partner is a kid at heart. For Christmas he asked for dvds of Toy Story Three and Monsters Inc.

We went to the movies Tuesday for his birthday treat. We saw the new Disney movie Tangled. It is a gem! Oh, and so is he.

opps, I hit the return button to quickly. I want to add that I hope your kitty is better and the car troubles are behind you.

Joanne, so sorry to hear about your cat. I hope he feels better soon!

I've been hearing that Toy Story 3 is good but that it makes grown men cry. I'll probably get it through Netflix.

Thanks for the recommendation for The Accidental Tourist. Hopefully, I will get to Fingersmith and The Whistling Season first since I own copies of both.

Linda, good to know Tangled was so good too.

Thanks everyone, for the kitty good wishes. Yes, that would be Smokey. He seems to be feeling better this morning since he purred when I went in to check on him. He's still curled up in his bed in the powder room even though I left the door open. He'll still need to eat soonish (he's down to 7.5#). We'll see.

Kath - Why the uh-oh?

Linda - How sweet! He sounds like a gem for sure and I hope he had a great birthday. Toy Story 3 was so good. I'll probably see Tangled on dvd too.

Pat - You're welcome - that's probably her best book.

I think Tangled is one of the best Disney productions thus far. The wicked witch actually shows a soft side...but, alas, the dark side is stronger.

My husband is a big kid too. We go to see "kids" movies together all the time, and they make up a large part of our DVD collection. We both cried at the end of Toy Story 3 (shh! don't tell him I told you!) I wouldn't have it any other way...:)

Hope Smokey continues to feel a bit better. Scary stuff.

Linda - Best so far - I will absolutely have to see it.

Angela - Thanks. I don't know how someone couldn't cry at that ending. And for that reason, I'm glad I saw it at home. I hate leaving the theater with red puffy eyes.

Another "kids" movie I liked this year was Despicable Me. I think it even got some Golden Globe nominations.

That is supposed to be a good one, Pat. Another one on my "to see" list!

I'm guessing you all saw "Up". That was my favorite recent kids movie.

We missed Despicable Me in the theaters but heard such good things that it's on our "to buy" list...

Up? It was very good, but had sadder undertones than most kids movies. I felt really bad for the old man, his wife, and the kid. Oh, and that strange bird and the dog really tugged at the heartstrings too. The ending was nice though. Talk about a movie that made me cry buckets and pails, lol...

Oh, dear, poor kitty! Hope Smokey is feeling better very soon!

uh oh because I don't know if Ian is on my wishlist or not.. or was on it or not, because now he is.. and it is entirely your fault. sigh.

I think Up really was geared more for the older rather than the younger crowd.

Thanks Ann!

I'm enjoying the Charles Todd series (and I'm only up to book #3) but not nearly as much as the Louise Penny or Susan Hill series.

Smokey's doing much better tonight. The vet gave us some pill pockets to hide his antibiotic in. I was skeptical but tucked a pill in one today. Highly recommended!

81. Silk by Alessandro Baricco

Interesting little story of an 1800s French silk worm trader who travels to Japan where he meets some interesting people. Very short, 91 pages, so I hesitate to say much more. For the most part, beautiful. Translated from the Italian.

Silk is already on the tbr pile. I'll read it in 2011. Thanks for your recommendation.

Hmmm, that book is winging its way toward me as we speak; sounds intriguing Joanne.

Hi Linda and Bonnie,

Enjoy. It is different. I'll be interested in both your opinions.

Joanne, I'm glad your Smokey is on the mend. I watched Toy Story 3 with the grandkids last week-end and had a similar teary reaction. Of course, I teared up at Elf the night before, too, and it was the third or fourth time I've seen that one!

I'm glad to see that you are still reading these days. I'm finding it difficult to get into Freedom, but I'm blaming the season. I'm already looking around for something lighter to take to Texas with me for this week-end's getaway.

Safe travels Donna.

Oh, I am so behind here. Loved your year end wrap up. I hope Smokey ate something and is feeling better. Have Coppers give him a big kiss.

Do you think we'll really get actual snow tomorrow? Maybe?

I want to be part of the movie conversation - belatedly.
I loved Tangled. It was sooooo much better than The Frog Princess. I especially loved the horse.
I cried so hard at the end of Toy Story 3. I think it's a sign that when my son goes to college I might be a bit of a mess.
I think Up might be one of my favorite movies of the last few years. I love the allusion to the boy scouts as I've been surrounded by them my whole life (dad, 4 brothers, husband, now 12 yr. old son, oh, and my own Webelos den). I also loved the dogs and the "squirrel" thing - exactly what happens to my 12 yr old son all the time...you can actually see it happen. I love the sweet story of the couple and how much they love each other, and how lonely the old man is when his wife dies. I love how he begins to love the boy, the dog, the bird and is happy again. I love it. Did I mention that?
We're going to watch Despicable Me as soon as we can get it. My kids really liked it, I haven't seen it.
Phew. I'll sit down quietly now.

75ers are a traveling bunch, it seems...

I watched this one with Cory yesterday..
beautiful and so good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw2_HZTuQBE

I already have Silk in the BlackHole due to Karen's review earlier in the year. Hopefully, I can get my hands on a copy soon. I am glad you enjoyed it, Joanne.

I hope Smokey continues on the upswing!

Hi Joanne!! Stopping by to send you and your family Best Wishes for the New Year!!!

How's Smokey doing? Jasper sends purrs...

My brother and SIL are taking the munchkins to see Tangled today. In Canada. I'm in NY, so I'm not going, bah humbug.

Went to see the Tourist last night -- funny bad, if you know what I mean.

SNOW!!

Donna, Any large book is too much this time of year. I'll be interested in your reaction to Freedom.

Jenn - YAY! SNOW! I really do need to see Tangled. And since my son is Andy's age in Toy Story 3 and will be heading off to college soon, the movie hit me hard. I got a "Really Mom?!" and a tissue handed to me.

Interesting trailer, Kath, thanks. The movie looks good.

Stasia, I'll be curious about your reaction to Silk. I know I heard about it on LT but couldn't remember where.

Hi Tammy - Happy New Year to you and yours! Hope you had a great Christmas!

Hi Suz - So how was Tangled? I think I'll skip the Tourist until I can get it for $1 at Redbox.

Smokey seems ok, but he threw up earlier today, just once though. He's a little unsteady and way too thin. So sweet, though. We'll do what we can for him as long as possible.

I went out in the snow today to get a cover for my nook (and also take my teen for a winter driving lesson). I found what I wanted online but wanted to see the color in real life. It's more like a book now.

Happy New Year everybody!

Joanne

My family went to see Tangled a few days ago. I loved it! I think it is one of Disney's finest!

Hi Linda, Wow, that is high praise. Everybody seems to love it, I'll need to see it too!

My husband took the girls to see Tangled over Thanksgiving, and they really enjoyed it. Since they've all seen it, I'll most likely wait until we can get it from the library :)

Thanks Linda!

Hi Anne - My guess is that I'll be seeing it on dvd, too, unless I want to go by myself...

Time marches on and so I guess it's time to move on over to 2011.
Here's my new thread, stop on by...
http://www.librarything.com/topic/104755