SqueakyChu's 2011 Hopes for 75 books - Ha!

Thanks for giving me one full minute to put up my thread without interruptions. I found out last year this year (it's still 2010) that in no way can I ever read 75 books in one year. That's not going to stop me from trying, though. Here I go...Wheeeeeeeeee!!




If you still don't know what TIOLI is, you are welcome to inquire! :)

Photo courtesy of Clevergrrl (Flickr: CC-A, SA)

My book-related plans for January included a HUGE Jewish used book sale at my synagogue, Tikvat Israel, in Rockville, Maryland. It was a resounding success! The sales this year almost doubled. Our rabbi, Howard Gorin, said he hopes to make this an annual event. I worked at the sale to keep the table displays neat. It was so much fun!!!

January 2011 Reads
1. My Reading Life - Pat Conroy - TIOLI: A Book under 10,000 on the LT Popularity Index
2. Losing Eddie - Deborah Joy Corey - TIOLI: proper noun in the book title
3. Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability - Greg Horn - TIOLI: Colour in the title
4. The Poppy Seed Cakes - Margery Clark - TIOLI: A Book Under 10,000 on the LT Popularity Index 9.
5. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka - (1) TIOLI: migration (2) Orange January
6. The Book of Dahlia - Elisa Albert - TIOLI: proper noun in title
7. After the Quake - Haruki Murakami - TIOLI: 3.8 to 4.2 stars

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Ha! Stasia didn't find me in the minute I was up. LOL!!

I found you, but I waited for your okay to post ;). (Or at least, I assume your message #5 means you're ready... eek).

I think you'll get to 75 books. This group has a way of magically increasing the number of books people read....

Hi Madeline! When the January TIOLI comes about, are you planning to post it over here?

> 6

Yeah. I was ready. I'm going to fill in the blanks with the first three months. If I put too many books on one thread, the "talkstones" (!) go bonkers!

The only thing that the 75 books group has done for my reading is to make me spend more time online talking about what to read. The number of books I finish in a year has stayed constant for many years. It usually numbers in the 50's or 60's.

>

When the January TIOLI comes about, are you planning to post it over here

Absolutely!

Welcome back!

I'm too stubborn to split up my list, but I've found that with enough determination I can make it work. I'm at 71 (insert name here)s in one post so far.

I did save myself some other messages for keeping track of books purchased and maybe off-the-shelf progress, but we'll see whether I actually use them.

I should probably make list of all my books read in each year and save it to my pc. That's what I used to do in the years BL (before LibraryThing). As it is, my lists are now split up and all over the place. Oh, well!

I did a cut and paste of my 2008 threads and saved it to my Mac- didn't do 2009-
I keep a handwritten list in a book and did so before LT.

I just went back to see since when I'd been keeping track of books read per year. It was 2006. I read 65 books that year. I haven't made any progress in 4 years! Too much time online, I'll bet!

It was 65 (2006), 53 (2007), 54 (2008), 62 (2009) and now I'm at 63. Oh, well. At least I'm consistent! :)

Madeline, my numbers look almost exactly like yours.

We're hopeless, aren't we, Bonnie?

What're we doing in the 75 Books group anyhow? Thinking we'll eventually speed read? ;)

Found my way over - have set up home - ready to move 01/01/11 :)

Late, but I found you again anyway, Madeline :)

Found you.

>We aspire, that's what. And marvel at the cyborgs (as RD says) who blow past us shedding books in their wake.

...and I'm so *great* at aspiring. My mom always said that (my) eyes were bigger than (my) stomach" (at least when it came to food and eating). I also "aspire" to do housework but never seem to get to it. So much for aspiration; I prefer playing. :)

*waves to Sally, Stasia, and Laura*

Hi! Starred. Bye!

Oh, and I can't find the TIOLI 2011 thread I though I saw you mention. You hiding it from me? I promise I'll try to behave...

#25: I think the TIOLI threads are not starting until the end of December, Ilana.

Hi Madeleine, drive by to say hi

Hi Madeleine. I have you starred and I am doing the 75 challenge in 2011. My first time and I am not one that reads that many books in a year.

>26 alcottacre: I obviously misinterpreted something I read somewhere. I was going through so many threads yesterday, was bound to happen!

> 26

Stasia, I messaged Ilana the link to the current TIOLI thread. That will be enough to get her started! :)

Hi Ilana and Paul!

So nice to have you drop by. Have some hot mulled cider while you're here!

Hi Monica,

I'm so happy you decided to join the 75-ers. I think it's such a fun group, and I hope you find the same. Have a wonderful New Year!

What is a TIOLI? I keep trying to come up with what it stands for but have NO idea. :)

Kate

Check your profile page in a few minutes. I'll give you the link to the current TIOLI challenges.

>33 Kwidhalm: Take It Or Leave It
A challenge within the challenge you may accept if you wish.

Oh Thanks for asking Kwidhalm. I was wondering what it ment too. And thanks for telling us mamzel. Sounds interesting.

> 36

crazy4reading, I sent you the link on your profile page. Have fun with it!

>17 SqueakyChu: I really thought I had a shot at it this year, after all I've been off work for six weeks now but then I decided to read Middlemarch which I don't regret at all, even a little but 800 pages of microscopic print later, I'm out of the running for 75 this year. **sigh**

>31 SqueakyChu: Oooh, that sounds nice, so good of you to offer!

> 38

Bonnie, I've been skipping books that are too thick recently. I find it's more fun to read books that are more moderate in size so that I can keep up with more variety in what I read.

I hope to have more time next year to do more TIOLI challenges, Madeline.

Next year starts in only two weeks, Caroline! I hope you get to spend more time with us in the TIOLI challenges as well.

Thanks for the welcome, Madeline. Once I find my feet here, I am sure I will be checking out out the TIOLI challenges!

Hello! =)

Hi David,

I see you read Under the Dome this past year. I'm a great Stephen King fan, but that book is HUGE! What did you think of it?

I'll be sure to look out for the January TIOLI Challenge thread ... any hint as to when you'll be posting it, Madeline?

I usually post it a few days before the first of the month. It really depends when I have time to set it up, so it usually varies from month to month.

I don't announce it. I just post it so keep your eyes peeled for its appearance. :)

SqueakyChu! You were lost, but I found you again! :)

Hi, Ren!

What you said sounds like a song. :)

Glad to have found you, Madeline! It looks like in another couple of years I might possibly have the hang of this LT stuff and may be able to navigate somewhat efficiently. Maybe.

Hi Gail,

Glad you made it here! Truthfully, I'm just now getting overwhelmed by all of those frenzied threads going into the new year. They're going non-stop, aren't they?

How about we just sit back here quietly and sip a cup of hot chocolate (with whipped cream on top, of course!).

Have you made any New Year resolutions?

How about I sip tea and you sip hot chocolate, Madeline, as I do mad dashing about trying to catch up on all the threads? lol

OOH can I join you for a hot chocolate? I've brought my own!!!

#53 Ooh, that looks nice. Just the thing for a frosty morning.

I'll be baking some cookies today. I'll bring you all some later.

Loooooooove hot chocolate. Or cold chocolate. Or any kind of chocolate at all. Yum. (Apologies and a cup of soothing tea for Stasia). I made a mocha for myself this a.m. and then d.h. took me out for breakfast and I had another.

Resolutions? Oh ya, the same one I make every year: buy fewer books. Hasn't worked yet, and now I'm reduced to cheating by swapping, mooching, etc. I really am quite shameless.

LOL!!

Feel free, anyone, to post your "bookish" New Year's resolutions on this thread. :)

I'd like to read more books than I purchase this year. I get about 10 book/month at least. Not sure I can keep that as a reading average, but it's worth trying!

Merry Christmas Madeline - and Happy New Year too. I'll be back in early January and searching for the TIOLI posts!

> 58

Sounds like a good plan to me!

Thanks, Judy. Wishing you happy holidays as well. I'll just have to see when I'll get enough time to put next year's TIOLI together. They will be there, though!

Linda and I are planning on buying no more than 10 books each for the entire year. Yikes!

>45 SqueakyChu: - I'm a little behind the times, apparently, and am just getting around to replying...

Anyway, I really enjoyed Under the Dome. Honestly, I was afraid at first that since the book was just so BIG that King wouldn't be able to get out of his own way with the story, but he really handled both it and his characters well. Some of the characters seem to become almost caricatures of themselves by the end of the book, but I guess given the circumstances of the story, it almost seems plausible. The ending left me a little wanting for more, but as a whole, the book was really good.

And if nothing else, if you don't like it when you're done, you can always admire your new muscles from all the working out you did carrying the book around. ;-)

Happy holidays!

My New Year's plan is pretty vague: I want to buy only books that I'm going to read, preferably more than once, and continue getting rid of books that I no longer care about. Basically I want my book collection to feel "under control" and full of books that matter to me.

A bit premature, but Happy New Year!

> 62

Ten only each? I'll be curious to know what they are. You'll both have to give much serious planning into the worth of each book to fit into the prized 2011 acquisition category! I am assuming, though, that you wil be looking for "other" ways to get books you don't already own into your homes?

> 63

Glad to hear that Under The Dome is manageable and worth reading.

The last King book I read was Duma Key. Undaunted by its size because I listened to it on CD, I flew through that book in record time. It has subsequently become my favorite King novel.

>64 _Zoe_:

I want to buy only books that I'm going to read

My issue is that I want to read every book I acquire. That is, until I acquire it. At that time I see another book I want to read. Oh, well!

continue getting rid of books that I no longer care about

I don't believe books are meant to languish, never read, on anyone's bookshelf.

By the way, Zoe, it's really fun to ship books to other LT-ers, who, in turn, review "your" books. If price is an issue, you can always opt to ship only within the U.S. (Canadian postage is a bit trickier). You can print postage through PayPal directly on your home computer and ship a book under 1 lb. (most trade paperbacks) via the US postal service for under $3 (including delivery confirmation). If you decide to use BookMooch, you'll always get a "free" book of your own choosing for every one you mail out.

My issue is that I want to read every book I acquire. That is, until I acquire it. At that time I see another book I want to read. Oh, well!

Yup, I have the same problem! So the trick for me is just to make sure that I don't buy too many books at once. If I can't start the book right away, I should delay the purchase.

Where I get caught is book sales. But I'm working hard to convince myself that buying 10 books for $1 each is not a great deal if they're only going to sit unread on my shelf (which, based on past experience, is quite likely to happen). Instead, I'll buy that one $10 book that I really want to read immediately.

I had been tracking my book purchases over the past couple of years (though I fell off about halfway through this year), and I found that it really helped me see where my problems were. In my case, it was especially the sort of books that I bought on a whim at a used bookstore because they were so cheap that ended up still sitting around unread the next year. So I'll try to cut back on those. I'm optimistic for now, anyway.

I don't believe books are meant to languish, never read, on anyone's bookshelf.

I agree! Though I do make an exception for certain reference works. While cracking down on my "fun" book purchases, I've been building up a library of good scholarly books over the past couple of years ;)

>68 SqueakyChu: I like the idea of shipping books around in theory, but in practice I think it would be too much of a hassle to deal with the shipping--there was one book that I had to return to a bookseller recently, and I ended up delaying it for maybe two months while feeling pressured and stressed about it, just because I couldn't decide what to do about packaging. I think I'd rather exchange books in person, and it seems that there will be plenty of real-life meetups in the coming year :D

I had been tracking my book purchases over the past couple of years

I like what Darryl did on one of his threads. He made two tickers: one for books read; one for books bought. A better way to do that, I think, is to have the second ticker for books acquired.

I don't think we have a problem with affording books. We can get books cheaply enough (as you mentioned). We (including me, of course) have a problem with acquiring more books than we could or would possibly read. (Although, I just did my own stats and still don't have more TBR books than I could read during my lifetime - assuming I live to a ripe old age!)

There is a danger zone coming up for me, though. I agreed to help my rabbi fun a used book sale on January 2nd. The sale consists of about 3,000 (!) books, most of them Judaica - but not exclusively. I'll get to preview these books when I help price them on Monday. Scary, eh?

I actually "collect" very few books. I have cookbooks, few reference books, Richard Brautigan paperbacks, some signed books (but not all), and a few novels by Israeli authors (although I let those go if I find somene who really, really wants to read one).

I *thoroughly* enjoy passing along my read (or even unread, if that was my decision) books to others.

I couldn't decide what to do about packaging.

You know those bubble envelopes in which you receive Early Reviewer books? Just recycle those as packaging for outgoing books. I do that all the time. If you pay for postage online you can even arrange to have a mailman pick up your outgoing book. No need to even go to the post office. It's really easier than you think.

I think I'd rather exchange books in person

A RL meeting is the *perfect* venue for exchanging books. I do that monthly with my RL Bookcrossing group here in the DC area. I *love* their meetings (Click on "extended profile"). All we do is meet to chat (about anything - we love to laugh) in a different cafe each meeting and exchange books. Anyone is welcome (and encouraged) to attend our meetings.

I'm excited that Jim (aka drneuron) is planning a RL meet-up for LT-ers this spring. It will be something more substantial than the brief meet-and-greet we did this past National Book Festival.

Now that I am officially a member of the 75ers..i can stalk you....oops, I meant follow your threads..

I started the "25 Books for 2010" Group last year....and only read 30 books..so, I am way out of my league here....

It looks to be fun, though...this coming Year in Books!

;-}

Jude,

You're going to love this group. It's not about the numbers. It's just that this is a chatty, fun group that also likes to talk about books and reading. I think it has the best of all worlds here on LIbraryThing.

The only thing I fear is that newbies may feel intimidated by its sheer size. I think the best way of handling that is to avoid following too many threads at once so as not to become overwhelmed.

Have a great time here...and an excellent 2011!

>72 SqueakyChu: Oh, reusing old bubble envelopes is a good idea! I wasn't sure whether it would somehow cause problems if I tried to do that.

I'm not quite sure that I'll be able to make it to the meet-up in DC, but I'm going to try. I hope there will someday be a meet-up in Philadelphia or somewhere that's a reasonable day-trip both from Washington and from NYC.

I think it has the best of all worlds here on LIbraryThing.

I definitely agree!

I wasn't sure whether it would somehow cause problems if I tried to do that.

*Everybody* does that. Just remember to remove all labels, postage, etc. and black out (I use a black sharpie) or cover any information from another mailing. Use clear sealing tape liberally to keep the package from being torn open (which does sometimes happen).

If there were a daytime trip to Pennsylvania, I'd try to make it. My only concern about a DC meetup is that I'm afraid that Jim might do it on the day I'm tied up with a book festival. I'll have to see what he chooses to do and when (and where).

regarding shipping books, remember that if a package costs 13 oz. or less, media mail in the US is only $2.38, and you can put it in any mailbox! Larger books are more annoying since they must be mailed at the post office. I often get books through Paperbackswap, and people wrap them in plain paper or plastic wrap and then paper (if weather is a concern). If the book swap is via PBS, you can print the address and postage right from your computer.

If the book swap is via PBS, you can print the address and postage right from your computer.

I do the same thing with BookMooch starting from this page.

I *thoroughly* enjoy passing along my read (or even unread, if that was my decision) books to others.

I feel the same way Madeline. I decided several years ago only to keep those books that I know I'll want to read eventually and of those I've read already, only those I know beyond a doubt I would LOVE to read again. Otherwise, it's gotta go. I feel so great every time I sent out a book via BookMooch or any other way because I think "Yay more room for new acquisitions!"

and...

>76 _Zoe_: yes, in my experience, a vast majority of BookMoochers re-use various packing materials. I'm always happy to see someone has done that when sending a book to me and I of course do the same when sending books out. Environmental consciousness combined with less spending just make good sense in the 21st century!

Since this is *my* thread, I thought I'd plug Bookcrossing a bit. This is ideal for those of us who like to track where our books go after we "release" them. It's free so don't be afraid to try it. I've been a member of BookCrossing much, much longer than I have been a member of Librarything.

BookCrossing is explained here. If you have questions related to Bookcrossing, please just ask. BookCrossing is 100% compatible with Librarything! Its only deficit that I've is that some people are adverse to "labelling" a book. Doing so bothers me *not at all*.

Where do travelling books go? Here's are some examples:
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison
2. The Wooden Sea by Jonathan Carroll
3. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

Well, you get the idea. Sadly, some books that are released never check in. I do try to release mine in places in which they will be retrieved and read (and, hopefully, journalled). Most go out (always free) at book fairs, some via BookMooch, and others are simply "wild" released.

I've caught several Bookcrossing books over the past few years, all via BookMooch. I always make sure to check in to the site to register them and sometimes journal as well but only signed up recently so I can't track all the books I've listed. Have yet to actually release a book of my own. I thought the thread of The Wooden Sea was fascinating! Didn't read it all but am amazed that so many people participated over the years. How cool! Must be very satisfying for you Madeline. Thanks for sharing!

The Wooden Sea is my longest-traveling book. I run quite a few simultaneuous bookrays, but most usually end when someone stalls them or a book gets lost in the mail. This book has made the list of the 100 most travelled book in all of Bookcrossing history! It's now at #16.

I usually read at least 100 books a year but I've been so distracted over the past two years by a total home remodeling project that, in 2010, I've read only 6 books. This simply cannot continue! Therefore, I have joined the 2011 75 book challenge to get me moving and -- who knows? -- maybe I will be able to join the 100 books challenge for 2012.

> 84

who knows? --

I don't know. I've been in the 75 books group for a year and a half and my numbers of books read doesn't seem to be growing. My time online has steadily gone up, though! :)

I know what you mean. I joined this group hoping it would encourage me to spend more time reading, but so far I've mostly spent more time socializing with other members!

>83 SqueakyChu: I didn't know about the special status of The Wooden Sea on Bookcrossing, but now that you mention it am not surprised, as didn't think that would be typical. I wonder, is it so 'successful' on BC because of the title and quality of the storytelling and prose or because of the people who caught it (who might be more prone to journaling)... probably a combination of both?

The book has special travel status *only* because the people who received the book so far have taken special care to read it, journal it, and pass it along to someone else. This travel status is really *very* atypical. The book itself is an interesting one but certainly not one of the best books I've read.

Just dropping in with to bestow a star and say hello. I've been avoiding the new threads until this week, and am now paying for my stubborness in trying to catch up.

I do look forward to being able to do a DC/Balto LT get together sometime this year. You are only a hop/skip/jump from my sister Cheli and there are probably sixty-eleven others in the area, so keep me posted.

Looking forward to a great 2011,

Hi Tina,

Jim (drneuron) is setting up the LT meet-up this spring and will be posting information about it on the wiki so just keep an eye on that page. See where it says "Meet-Ups"?

Have a wonderful New Year!

Madeline, I think you do a great job at labeling for traveling books. I have been very remiss in registering and labeling them for bookcrossing. :-( I think I'll add that to my list of resolutions for 2011 ... it might be the only thing on the list because I'm terrible at keeping new year resolutions so if there's only 1 thing on the list, I might be more successful next year? haha

But it would be cool to keep track of the books I've started on their traveling journey, especially since I've been sending a number of books off to far off countries in addition to those sent out domestically.

> 90

But it would be cool to keep track of the books I've started on their traveling journey

I really get a kick out of BookCrossing books that are journalled - especially if it's been a long time since they last "checked in".

drive-by *smooch* and a reminder to check the Kitchen thread. I left a nosh recipe that's been very popular over the years as a veggie-friendly idea for you.

So glad I found you! I too live in the DC area, love my CSA, read and write about food, and thank LT for the chats it brings into my life. I will do a 75 book challenge and an 11 in 11 this year. Looking forward to following your thread!

> 93

Hello!

I'd like to follow your thread. Where can I find it?

It seems we have lots in common. If you write about food, could I entice you to do some articles for my CSA newsletter this coming spring (or do your write professionally - as I'm not budgeted to pay for articles?).

To which CSA do you belong? I'm a member of the Tikvat Israel CSA in Rockville, Maryland. We use Calvert Farm, an organic farm in Cecil County, Maryland.

> 92

Thanks for the recipe, Richard. I was laughing at those in the kitchen who couldn't figure out how to roll up a slice of bread! :)

I just wanted to say I love the new TIOLI thread and really excited about participating this year!

So happy you like it, Ilana! Glad to have you with us there.

94: Here's the link to my 11 in 11 thread (http://www.librarything.com/topic/105699). I am planning to start a 75 in 11 thread too, and will post it before the first, and make sure to link it here.

Thanks for the offer to write for your CSA - we belong to Potomac Vegetable Farms - East. If you want to check out some of what I've written, my blog is: http://food4five.wordpress.com. It's a purely fun activity for me - so no need for any payment. Just let me know.

The 75 in 11 group looks like a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to joining in.

I just took a look at your blog and I love it! It's right up my alley.

May I have permission to copy or excerpt some of your blog article for upcoming CSA newsletters? I promise I won't pay you! :) I will, however, send you a copy of each Newsletter in which I print one of your articles (attributed to you, of course). If you private message me your email address, I'll be happy to email you a sample newsletter from this past year.

I've been editor of our CSA's newsletter for three years. I keep offering to pass this task along to any other vounteer, but I was just told what a "superb" job I do. I think that means they did not find any other volunteers for this job. :) That's okay. I think it's great fun.

I, too, have an herb garden (and vegetable garden) in front of my house. This happens to be on the "side" of my house because that's where my front door is. It's most convenient to have those herbs right there where you need them, isn't it?

The vegetable garden got started as my husband and my 30th anniversary present to ourselves as that's the one thing we still both like to do together (garden, plant, pick food, and eat). Ha!

I have a book recommendation for you. It was an Early reviewer book for me, but for a "foodie" book, I think it's great. Check out Farmer Jane by Temra Costa. It has oodles of great ideas for reference material if you like to write about food (which you do).

In additon, if you've never done so, check out the Diet for a Hot Planet. I also read that as an Early Reviewer book. I didn't care for that book too much. It kept putting me to sleep. Oh, well! I hope you get more out of it than I did.

For a bit of fun, here's a vegetable gardening blog I started...but never kept up. There's only time to do so much. The idea was good in theory, though. :)

Thanks for stopping by my thread, lalbro!

Wow such a busy thread. I may not be able to keep up with it. My bookish resolution is to look into getting an Ereader. I still want to have the books but since I will most likely being moving into a very small place in either a few months or years I need to think about the limited space I will now have access to.

Happy New Year if I don't stop back in before then!!

> 98

The 75 Books Challenge in 2011 group is wild and CrAzY!!! I highly recommend it, though.

> 100

Hi, Monica!

It *is* getting a bit hard to visit the great volume of threads we have on this group, isn't it?

Which ereader did you pick? I don't want an ereader now, but if I did get one, it would probably be a nook as I usually go to B&N a lot with a friend of mine. There is a cafe inside the store so it makes for a fun and restful time to drink coffee and browse through magazines. Sometimes I bring in my own book to read, but then I feel guilty thinking someone might think I'm taking their books. I've never been stopped by anyone yet.

An ereader sure would be simpler, but I just love the feel of books (holding them, their variety, the cover art, sneaking a peek at what others are reading. Well, you know...).

If you move into a smaller space, what will you be doing with your books?

>98 lalbro: (lalbro) - I've just added your blog to my feed reader. I have a feeling that my wish list of foodie books will just continue to grow!

102 I am still looking for one that I like. I have looked at the Nook. My daughter's boyfriend (Rob) just got the Cruz from Borders. I sat down with a guy from Borders during Black Friday and discussed all the differences between the different ereaders. I had it narrowed down but then when Rob got the Cruz I am still not sure which one I want.
I usually shop at Borders more the B&N. I just feel that I find better prices on books at Borders then at B&N.
When I move I plan to take all my books with me. I don't want to have to get rid of any of them. Maybe I will be able to find a guy that actually doesn't mind my books and the fact that I read this time.

104: Good thing about the Nook is that you can buy eBooks from Borders for it. The only place you cannot buy books is Amazon. You can also get library books and lend books.

I've heard that you can convert e-books at Calibre so that they are compatible with various readers.

93, 103: Glad you like the blog. It's been a bit quiet with the holidays...but we have plans for the New Year!

104: I got a Nook Color for Christmas - which I love. Mostly because I have a tendency to want to read long books that I don't want to lug on the Metro...and because it works with the library!

She's back...........

Belva!!!! Where've you been? Nice to have you stop by my thread.

Good wishes for a fine New year!

Hi Madeline! Stopping by to say thank you for allowing me to mooch The Earth Hums in B Flat from you - I enjoyed it! But I must confess... I left it with my sister in San Diego and forgot to update Book Crossing or even write down the BC ID# to take care of that later.... boo to me... sorry about that!

I had a chuckle about how you pick "thin" books on purpose. I was thinking about starting 84, Charing Cross Road (which is tiny skinny) on my day off tomorrow, and maybe leaving a page or two unread until 1 Jan so I could count it as a 2011 read... nothing like a good head-start on that never-ending quest for 75, right? ;)

Happy 2011!

Shhhh....picking thin books...a great tip...not a secret tho...

>110 Milda-TX:

Hi Milda!

Not to worry about not journaling the book. Maybe your sister will. I think it's nice that you've kept it travelling. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I can put in a note for you just saying where the book went...

Here's the link:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7511397

See how much fun Bookcrossing is?! What would be more fun is if now I'd receive a journal entry from your sister!

picking thin books

Generally, that's what I've been doing! :)

*waves* Hello, hello! I'm just wandering around the group, visiting here and there, waiting somewhat impatiently for the calendar to flip over to Jan.1st...

Hi Faith!

A happy new year to you!

I'm reading a book Come From the Four Winds which will be my first for the New Year. It's a book about the youth "aliya" (going up or immigration) to Palestine/Israel from the years 1936 through 1970. I'm reading it because somewhere within this book is a part about my second-cousin. I'm trying not to peek ahead... :)

#115: I will be interested in seeing what you think of the book when you are done with it, Madeline.

Just dropping by to wish you a very happy New Year and all the best for 2011

How cool is that, your cousin is in a book! How fun! (No peeking!!!)

> 116

I've already given it 5 stars because it has great personal resonance for me.

Happy New Year Madeline! Here's to lots of fun, interesting, intriguing, and enlightening reading in 2011

Happy New Year Madeline! Just stopping by so I don't lose the thread this year (well, I'm likely to lose the plot by the end of January, the least I can do is keep the threads tracked).

Happy New Year, everyone.

In my current read, Come From the Four Winds, I got to the part about my second cousin Robert. I've always been in awe of my Israeli family. Now I'm even more in awe of them. Robert and his wife Helena were part of a group of people who smuggled Jewish children from Yugoslavia through Israel and Switzerland to eventually depart for Palestine from Spain. Part of the time, the children lived in an old castle; part of the time they lived in an abbey, the children leaving the abbey to hide in the house sof Italian citizens when the Nazis made their rounds.

Here's something odd, too. The year I was living in Israel (1973-1974), I encountered a problem with my job. Who was it, of everyone my family, who resolved that problem for me? Robert, of course.

Just reminiscing (with a tear in my eye).

Wow, that gives me goosebumps.

Yeah. Among my family are the quietest, most humble people. It has been frequently by chance that I've learned of some of their most meaningful accomplishments.

Hi Madeline and Happy New Year.

I wanted to thank you for TIOLI which has helped me tremendously in getting the books off my shelves. I'm not a hoarder so I like to get rid of most books I've read through PBS or donate to my public library. Still, I acquire them at a much more rapid pace than I can possibly read them so I keep adding bookshelves because I have every intention of reading everything I procure. Anywho, TIOLI is a tremendous help and the only challenge I'm doing this year (at least at this point).

>124 SqueakyChu: Wow Madeline, that made me teary-eyed too... you must be so proud to have such brave and generous people in your family! Thanks for sharing that. (snif!)

>127 brenzi:

Thanks, Bonnie.

Have a wonderful New Year.

> 128

I really am proud of them.

#124: Wow! What a great story, Madeline. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Whew... thanks for responding so that I finally found you, Madeline! Starred.

Madeline...Stasia is right, that is an incredible story, and it brings tears to my eyes. I'm in awe of the number of people who assisted in hiding children and families during the holocaust.

For example, when I learned about the Kindertransport, I was struck with the thought that after years of reading many, many books regarding the holocaust, I had never heard of the Kindertransport.

And, by the way, it is not surprising to me that you come from such wonderful stock. Hats off to second cousin Robert and to you. I know first hand what a kind, considerate helpful lady you are!

Everyone has his own story. For thosse who didn't hide others, there were those who struggled to survive themselves, amazing stories on their own. Multiply this by so many unrevealed or unwritten stories and you know why the Holocaust museums of the world need to record this testimony. Time for this is running out. That generation is slowly fading.

I only happened to learn about Robert's history and this book *by chance* during one family reunion in Israel in which Robert and my uncle Zwi were telling old war stories. They would not permit me to write anything down, either. I did, however, write down the name of that book. That was in 1980. I am only now reading it. I may not have lived during that horrible time in my family's history, but I can only go back to that time in writing in very tiny pieces from time to time. It's not surprising that it took me so long to read it.

By the way, Jenn (nittnut) also has a copy of this book that she just got and is reading it along with me!

Hallo and a belated Happy New Year!

They would not permit me to write anything down, either.

I wonder why would that be?

> 135

Hi, flissp...

A very Happy 2011 to you, too!

> 136

They both agreed it would keep them from talking freely about their experiences. When I went back to Israel in 2001, I told my aunt Emma (now deceased) that I *was* writing down whatever she told me about my family. Contrary to her brother and cousin, she loved that I wrote things down!!

Family histories are so important; I wish I had some written down memories of my family. Keep it up, Madeline, and you'll soon have your own book. You can dedicate it to Cousin Robert.

I told my aunt Emma (now deceased) that I *was* writing down whatever she told me about my family.

And a good thing you did, too! Are you thinking of writing your own account of those stories someday? Over the years, I've often told my dad that I'd like to record him or take notes while he tells me about his recollections on how his own mother (my grandmother)—managed to survive in Russia as a Jew and a (widowed) single mom during the war and then make it out of there to eventually reach Israel in the 50's. None of it is very clear in my head as his own retelling of is is a bit confusing, but I'd hate for those stories to disappear along with him one day. (that last little bit was really hard to put in writing... sigh.)

I keep a family tree on my computer and have lots of information written down. My mom's cousin Misha (also Robert's cousin) did a family history back to the 1600's in Europe. My son has computer back-up to my files so I hope that this information I'm collecting will continue in my family lines after I'm long gone.

> 140

All I can say, Ilana, is not to put it off. There is now no one in my parent's generation alive any more. As people age, their memories often fade as well (although long term memory tends to stay intact better than short term memory).

What is really interesting is learning about your family history and then reading novels either relating to the place your family grew up or something about the age in which they lived. Suddenly, pieces of history all seem to fit together, even in fiction.

I wish I had thought to write down my great-grandmother's stories of our relatives while she was alive, especially since my family on my mother's side of the family are flung far and wide across the globe. I used to love listening to her stories and look at the photos, but she passed away when I was about 10.

My grandmother on my father's side passed away when I was about 10 also. She is the one who knew how everyone was kin and all the family stories. She had Alzheimer's toward the end. I've learned to quit blaming myself for not capturing the stories because I was really too young. It's just a shame that I was the first member of the family to show an interest in keeping the family history alive after her. I've managed to get many of the stories that my Dad and Uncle remember being told as well as some of their own stories. I've done what I can do. I've also extended our knowledge of the family through further research and documentation of the family.

One of my biggest regrets is not learning more about my grandfather's history before he died. He and his family came to the US from Belgium between the world wars. My father never learned any of his father's history, so I think that it is completely lost to us at this point.

Oh, man. I just learned that my rabbi, Howard Gorin, is planning for his retirement in either 2013 or 2014. I know that is (sort of) distant, but I already feel sad. Next to all of you here on LT, he is the most obsessive bibliophile I know. He's been our rabbi for 28 years (since we first joined Tikvat Isarel in Rockville, Maryland). Learn about his first book project here.

I just came off of the high of helping him with his second annual Jewish used book sale (just four days ago) which started with collecting 1,600 books and then selling about 95% of them in about five hours on just one day. Here's a little about that sale. I donated books to his sale. He donated books after the sale to my Bookcrossing group.

book people...

*sigh*

Madeline, you're welcome to join our read-a-thon if you'd like, even if it's just for a couple of hours here and there, we'd be glad to have you!

If you're starting at 4pm tomorrow, I could do a small amount of time. I don't like to read for long stretches. How about half an hour?

I think you should talk to Jeremy to see if he could work with Chris Holland to bring back the reading timeline. Wouldn't it be fun to do an LT Readathon where each participant had his or her own line to show reading time on a graph? I wonder if Chris or Tim would be willing to create such a thing?

*pops over to the RSI thread to suggest this*

You're free to join for as long or as short a time as you like! As for the rest, to be honest I'm already a bit in over my head with organizing this thing... I only did that because I was sorry I missed Ellie's read-a-thon earlier this week so I'm hoping that organizing it won't prevent me from reading plenty myself! But I'm one who needs her sleep or I do not function well at all, so even I won't be attempting to read the full 24 hours!

Truthfully, as much as I love to read, the thought of reading for 24 hours seems ghastly!

I used to do occasional 24-hour chats for a hamster (!) web site I managed. They were real live chats, but the idea was to have sets of two people as host all the time to keep the conversation going.

Since people participating in the LT readathons are all over the world, I don't see any reason why only one person should be host(ess).

I did go over to the RSI group to make my suggestion of a Readathon Timeline. I like that idea. I doubt if anyone has one. We could be the first if someone wants to develop it in time (meaning before another website does so)!

Truthfully, as much as I love to read, the thought of reading for 24 hours seems ghastly!

I know for a fact I couldn't keep my eyes open for that long. What's going to happen with the moderating is that I'll just check out for several hours, but I doubt it'll make a difference really, as everyone will be posting their own updates anyway and lots of people so far will be posting directly on the read-a-thon thread so I imagine there should be plenty of activity regardless.

The first LT Readathon was hosted by Sonya Green. Many participants told her that they didn't want "cheerleaders" for that readathon. I like "cheerleaders". Maybe it's a product of my being in this very active 75-ers groups, but I kind of like going "Rah! Rah!" over a readathon. Ellie did a great job the other day. I think she got some good momentum started.

I imagine there should be plenty of activity regardless.

Absolutely!

Cheerleaders are most welcome as far as I'm concerned. I'm not planning on holding a poll to find out if everyone feels the same way about it!

I will be cheerleading since I cannot take part in this Readathon.

Hi Madeline!
I just got my copy of Come from the Four Winds today. Guess what? It's signed by the author. I thought that was pretty cool. What are the odds?

That's *very* cool. So is my copy!!

LOL - did he sign them all?

She's a women...and I have no idea! :)

Was nice having you participate in our read-a-thon. Ellie's already organizing one for Mon-Tues and I've signed on already. Who knew read-a-thons could be addictive?

And Stasia: you were marvellous as our one-person cheerleading squad!

I'm only sorry I didn't have more time to participate, Ilana. It was fun jumping in for when I could, though.

1. My reading Life - Pat Conroy



I'm really out of the mood for writing book reviews. I'm also doing a lot of skipping back and forth between books, not really settling down on one that keeps my attention. This book is very good, but it can be started and stopped at any time. Pat Conroy, one of my favorite authors, talks about those people and situations which have influenced his reading life. His prose is lush, but maybe a bit overdone. I like this type of prose in his novels because it brings characters and scenery to brilliant life. However, in nonfiction, I think it's a bit much.

My favorite parts of the book were where Conroy talked about James Dickey as well as Jonathan Carrol. I, too felt, an affection for the poetry of Dickey and the novels of Carroll. Caroll's Land of Laughs is one of my all time favorite books. I'll need to reread it one day. I pulled my old James Dickey book of poetry off of my shelf. Now I can't see why I was so wild about it way back when. I'll need to sit down with it and really read it rather than just glance back superficially on some of the poetry.

The reason I love Conroy's novels so much is that they always seem to ring true. I get very involved with the characters. So much, in fact, that I never want his novels to end. Some of the topics horrify me (read Lords of Discipline); some of them make me sad (read about the loneliness of Toad in South of Broad. Others simply inspire me (Read The Water is Wide).

The only complaint I have about Conroy's writing is that there is often a long wait between his excellent novels. Novels are the writing of his I most enjoy.

Rating - 4.5 stars

This book is appealing to me and I have it on my wishlist, but I'm thinking it would make more sense to start by reading some of his fiction. What would you recommend as a good starting point? I have Beach Music on my WL because I liked the blurb I read about it... what do you think?

#161: LindaP sent me that one for Christmas and I loved it. I am glad you enjoyed it too, Madeline.

I do need to read more of Conroy's fiction as the only other book of his that I have read to date is South of Broad.

> 162

Ilana, I think you can start anywhere with Conroy fiction. Beach Music is fine. Then read his other novels because they "sing" (they're so beautifully written).

> 163

Stasia, his other novels are even better. My husband and I favor two of his earlier novels (The Great Santini, Lords of Discipline) which are more autobiographical in nature.

#164: I know I will not read The Great Santini, but I may give The Lords of Discipline a try. Thanks, Madeline.

I don't mean to butt in. If it were my choice, I'd start with The Water is Wide, an amazing and moving little book about teaching some very disadvantaged students. It made an impression that's stuck with me for about 30 years. I liked The Great Santini, but it would be a hard read for anyone with a difficult Dad. I didn't like The Lords of Discipline, but it's a well-written and interesting look at how a closed society with military values can go terribly wrong. I can't wait to read the new book about books.

Gail...I'll butt in too to say "thank you" I keep forgetting that The Water is Wide is one of the few Conroy's I haven't read - when I just went to look, our local library has it in audio sitting on the shelf. I just called hubby while he was sitting in the barbershop and he is picking it up on his way home. Thank you.

And yes I agree with everyone that I'd not start with either Great Santini or Lords of Discipline but rather with Beach Music, Prince of Tides, or even with South of Broad

To me, the The Great Santini and Lords of Discipline are Conroy's most powerful books. That's why I recommended them. The subject matter of both is difficult and upsetting. For that reason, they might not be good reads for some of you. However, they *will* leave an impression on those of you who do read them.

For some fun, though, you can always read Pat Conroy's cookbook, The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life!

In addition, if you've read The Water is Wide, go rent the movie Conrack which is a nice adaptation of that book.

Loved your review, Madeline. I've only read The Great Santini so far. I had forgotten about Conroy actually, so thank you for the reminder, Madeline. I need to pick up some of his other ones.

Hi Madeline, I just wanted you to know that I'm all stocked up on tea now. I've even got a nice selection of herbal teas and home-baked cookies if ever you want to stop by my new place. :-)

I'll be right over! :)

Time's running out. I chose my Orange January read which fits very nicely into a TIOLI challenge. My choice will be The History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka.

I participated in Ellie's readathon yesterday and Ilana's this past weekend. Both were great fun as I put no pressure on myself. I did increase my daily reading time and decrease my daily computer time, tough! :)

The History of Tractors in Ukrainian is sooooo good, I hope you enjoy it! Have you read Moonlight in Odessa? They are similar stories, but from completely opposite points of view. I think they compliment each other well.

so, now I am curious: how much reading time, and how much computer time, is normal for you, daily? I am trying to find a good balance and unfortunately I am frequently tempted to stay reading threads, and then my book reading suffers. sigh.

I look forward to seeing your review on The History of Tractors since it's been sitting on my shelf for quite a while now.

I would like to hear what you think of Short History of Tractors too, it was not one of my favorites. I didn't get the humour and didn't like any of the characters, but I'm in the minority here. It's a well like book, just not by me. Hope your experience is better.

Good luck with The History of Tractors, Madeline. I tried it out a few years ago, but couldn't get into it. It's still in my TBR Tower to be tried again some time later. I'll watch out for your review.

> 174

Nora, I started The History of Tractors in Ukrainian and love it so far. It's such a funny, uplifting story. Just what I was in the mood for. I usually get grumpy when I agree to read an Orange Prize-listed book. I don't care for so many of them. This one is proving to be an exception.

I'll have to keep Moonlight in Odessa in mind. Thanks for the recommendation.

For anyone esle who is doing the Orange January challenge, I'd suggested reading The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews. I listened to it on CD, but thoroughly enjoyed this story of a woman on a road trip with her niece and nephew. It's great reading, folks!

> 175

I spend way too much time on the computer, just enough time reading, and too little time doing household chores. Just ask my husband! :)

> 176

Ilana, go grab The History of Tractors in Ukrainian now and you can match me and elkiedee on the TIOLI challenge of migration!

> 177, 178

I'm definitely liking this book already. I'm about two chapters into it. It's funny how some books are so appealing to some people yet leave others cold.

I'll tell you what I like about it already. I like the humor. I like the fact that it's about a different culture (and I can't remember reading anything in the apst specifically about the Ukrainian culture, although I know both the author and the characters in this story live in England). I like the author's style of writing and story-telling. I'm most likely not going to get bored with it before I finish it.

2. Losing Eddie - Deborah Joy Corey



This is a book I chose from The Book Thing of Baltimore knowing nothing about the book's contents or the author other than from the very briefest glances at the book's jacket. This debut novel was a winner. Here's my review of it.

Rating - 4 stars

179: I second the recommendation for The Flying Troutmans- great read! I haven't read A Short History of Tractors but have been thinking about purchasing it, but I really did NOT enjoy Moonlight in Odessa so if the two are similar then I will probably give it a miss. Has anyone read the two and not thought they were similar?

>175 maggie1944: This winter my time spent reading threads here on LT has gone up astronomically, which means I'm only reading when I am stern with myself (move away from the computer), or in transit. Not good.

As far as Madeline's comment on household chores, what's that?

Jim tends to pull me back to watching some TV (there are good things there, trust me), All in all, I'd read a lot more if I were retired, and didn't have to spend 8 hours a day 5 days a week doing something else.

Oh - I have a three day weekend coming up. Yay!

I have The History of Tractors in Ukrainian as well and have yet to read it. Since I haven't read anything for Orange January yet, this might be the choice!

Oh maybe I should finally finish The Flying Troutmans as my Orange January book. I started it during another Orange read, but the timing wasn't right.

>175 maggie1944:: Good question. I have admitted this before and will do so again: sometimes I like talking about books more than reading them. (Luckily for me, I was a bookseller for 20 years!)

#181 I'd love to Madeline but I'm deep into The Children's Book right now and then jumping into Sense and Sensibility for the group read, both of which are on your 3.8-4.2 challenge by the way...

Okay. You don't have to... :D

I'm one of those who are guilty of listing more books than I'll probably be able to manage this month on the TIOLI wikis. But then again, I've already read quite a bit more than I would have thought manageable by now, so there's nothing wrong with having lofty goals! HOWEVER, I'll have to resist the temptation of adding yet more books to this month's reading load!

#182: Nice review, Madeline!

Thanks, Stasia.

It's odd that the the author of this book is Canadian. I found this book at random, and it's very rare that I come across a book by a Canadian author unless the book is written by Alice Munro or Margaret Atwood, This very situation is discussed on this thread of teh Candian BookWorms group. I agree with UtopianPessimist
who states that that books by Canadian authors are not highly promoted in the US.

3. Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability - Greg Horn



I found this book listed on BookMooch and mooched it, thinking it would help "green" me! It turned out to be a how-to-do book on becoming more active in promoting a sustainable way of life. The book is a nice "what can I do" guide to sustainability, but most of what was suggested are things that I already do.

The book is nicely organized and has a helpful chapter of websites (resources) in the back. This would be a good read for someone fairly new to this movement and who has finally decided that to live more in harmony with the earth would be a good defense against global warming.

Rating - 3 stars

4. The Poppy Seed Cakes - Margery Clark



I received this children's book from after a used book sale as a donation to Bookcrossing. It was first published in 1924, but my copy was printed in 1955. It's a cute series of short stories about Andrewshek and his auntie from the Old World. The are colorful prints every few pages. I can see how this book might be a fun read-aloud book as these colorful pages only pop up once in a while. They really do stand out, though. Should I save this book to read to future grandchildren? Hmmm? I'm thinking about it... :)

By the way, my copy of the book only has a black cover. I posted this colorful cover huge page here because it's more fun to see!

Rating - 4 stars

#192 You know, I consider myself fairly environmentally conscious and it often strikes me that those of who who are already taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint are usually the ones looking to do more when really, it's people and companies who are doing nothing at all who need this kind of information most! That said, I saw a book about greener pet ownership and considered buying it, but what stopped me was I thought if I'm already taking a bunch of the steps they suggest, then buying the book isn't really helping anybody, is it?

#193 I usually post my favourite cover image for the same reason. It's not like anyone is going to come over to my place to check if that's really the book cover I have! :-P

>193 SqueakyChu:Should I save this book to read to future grandchildren? Hmmm? I'm thinking about it... :)

I loved reading aloud to my kids so much (they are both adults now) I have started a 'Grandma shelf' with books I am saving for someday. I told them I am in no hurry. I look for additions at library book sales and used book stores.

aww, that's so cute, a "grandma" shelf! Make one too, Madeline! :)

> 197, 198

Okay. You talked me into it.

...although I can't tell you how many years it took me to get rid of the books of my now three grown children. I just recently was allowed to give away all of my younger son's Goose Bumps books. He's now 28 years old! :)

Are all those kids' books going to come back and haunt me now?!

...although I can't tell you how many years it took me to get rid of the books of my now three grown children.

I like to think I'm helping out the household by providing them with such an interesting selection of books! ;)

5. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka



I listened to others this time in carefully choosing an Orange January read. I don't seem to care for Orange Prize winners so I've decided to not choose these book alone! :) In this particular case, I scored high. I found this novel of an 84-year-old man who imported 36-year-old divorcee bride from the Ukraine to be a very engaging read. I'll give you more details about the reason for this in my posted review.

Thanks to all who recommended this novel to me. Feel free to suggest other Orange prize winners/shortlist/longlist books which you think will agree with my "picky" taste! Those of you who read my threads know pretty much what I like and what I don't. Do NOT suggest Bel Canto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating - 4 stars

Just goes to show ya! I loved Bel Canto and really couldn't get into Tractors in Ukraine at all.....different strokes for different folks I guess.

I liked your review Madeline. Thankfully don't have to add it to my WL as have it on my shelves already, as you know. I'm curious why you say not to suggest Bel Canto? That's another one I already have.

That was the most booooooooooooring book! Nothing happened for hundreds of pages. It's great for any insomniac, though. :)

No, I will *not* give Ann Patchett another chance. She completely lost me with that (prize-winning, oddly enough!) book.

Hm. Guess I won't be in any hurry to put it on the TRRS (to read real soon, as opposed to just tbr) pile!

Hi Madeline

It looks like you are having a great January of good reads...lots of four-star books for you! I also like the writings of Pat Conroy. I recently finished My Reading Life and really enjoyed it.

I hope you are warm and dry this evening. It is cold........brrrr.

I also loved the Tractors in the Ukraine but didn't get past the first chapter of Bel Canto. Well, I still think you'd enjoy When we were bad and I'll soon be recommending some of Bernice Rubens books, but I haven't read enough of them yet.

I'm dry and cold tonight. It's 19.8 degrees Fahrenheight here in Rockville at this time.

*shivers*

It was -8 F here when I was out on Friday... Glad to see that it is finally in the teens.

I guess I'm having a heat wave next to what you're having, Nancy! :)

Hi! Finally found your thread, Madeline! Don't know how I missed it before. I confess I skimmed most of the two hundred ten posts, except for your review of Tractors. Since I couldn't get past the first chapter of Bel Canto, I'm going to give Tractors a try on the theory that if we dislike the same novel, there's a good chance we'd like the same novel too.

Hi, Mary!

Honestly, I can't keep up with everyone here now. More recently, it seems as if I bump into people I "know" online more by accident than on purpose.

How can I "know" less people? If you figure that out, let me in on the secret! :)

Since I couldn't get past the first chapter of Bel Canto, I'm going to give Tractors a try on the theory that if we dislike the same novel, there's a good chance we'd like the same novel too.

LOL!! Oh, please come back and let me know if your theory works. I'm going to guess it will. Enjoy the book!

Will do! Going to put it on reserve at the library this week.

I still need to read A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian! I just need to find it first.

Sorry, Madeline, but I loved Bel Canto :)

(Places Bel Canto even lower in the tbr pile)

I think my mum really enjoyed both Tractors and Bel Canto.

What did you think of "Tractors", Luci? Didn't you also just finish reading it this month?

Ah, I'm in the Bel Canto camp. Patchett also wrote The Magician's Assistant, which I thought excellent. But that's why we talk about books - we all have different reactions.

Judy, I have to laugh, because, apart from Israeli novels, I have a good friend who's also in the "Bel Canto camp", meaning that, if it's a book I hate, she'd be sure to love it (and vice versa). Different strokes, I guess! :)

Madeline, I've created a collection of books to give away on BM. If you go to my thread, it's one of today's messages talks about it. Don't know if you'll find something to your liking there, but perhaps.

I already ready The Rapture of Canaan (which I liked). I'm not interested in your other offerings, but thanks for letting me know.

Hey Madeline, I didn't read your review yet, but I am guessing maybe you liked Tractors because of the cranky old man who somehow reminded you of your dad, and Bel Canto didn't have enough of those. hee hee...

No problem. I'm glad you liked The Rapture but not sure why you brought it up in this context since I didn't include it in the giveaway collection... or did it somehow appear there?

> 222

Hi Milda,

The guy didn't remind me of my dad, who was more stubborn than he was crankly. My own dad died 36 years ago so he doesn't often spring to mind with characters in a book. However, the old guy in Maus I very definitely reminded me of my dad. My dad was never in a concentration camp, but he was a survivor of wartime in Nazi Germany.

I felt so sorry for the old guy in "Tractors". It's tough to be alone and aging. I think Nikolai was only looking to make someone else happy by doing something good. He didn't realize what he was in for. Elderly people often become victims at that point - which was indeed the case in "Tractors". When the daughters tried to intervene, Nikolai just wasn't about to give up his independence or his independent decision-making. That's basically truly for most elderly people. A very definite harder part of growing old.

Bel Canto was simply boooooooooooooooooring!! Nothing happened throughout the whole book. :(

> 223

Ilana, The Rapture of Canaan is indeed part of this page.

>>224 SqueakyChu: - I was really behind on your threads...but "nothing happened" in Bel Canto??? I read it years ago and I can still remeber dozens of things that happened. Sorry, I have to disagree with you on that one

Maybe I dozed through the parts in which something happened...

> 226

Patrick, I read that book back in 2004. I just went back to my notes (here on my home pc) to see what I wrote about that book right after I had freshly read it. Here are my words...

"This book was long and boring. Near the end of the book, there was an occasional funny scene which perked up the action. I never got deeply enough involved with any of the characters to make their changing relationships interesting to me. The occasional snippets of humor and the hope that the hostage situation (and the book) would soon end helped carry me through to the finish, albeit with a bit of difficulty."

"...a real snooze inducer!"

I guess it was just not my kind of book.

Madeline, to go slightly off-topic, check the book site here for my review of My Jesus Year. something I didn't note in the review is that his experiences with the varieties of Christianity round about here (I live about 20 miles from Fort Benning) were pretty accurate. I was astounded by his accepting, nonjudgemental attitude toward a lot of it. Some of the things that go on--and he notes a couple--are just flat bizarre.

A good account of one man's journey back to his faith, or rather, back to his enthusiasm for his faith. Good choice!

I already remarked about your review on some other thread, Gail. I liked your review of My Jesus Year, the book itself, and your phrase "the Buckle of the Bible Belt". That made me laugh.

The group I most enjoyed learning about in the book were the Black Hebrews whom I had heard about when I was living in Israel in 1972-1973. The oddest group I read about were the religious wrestlers. One can pretty much work whatever one would like into a religion, eh?

I think that Benyamin Cohen had it good that he was a journalist. My feeling is that most deeply religious Jews are not really that open to learning about other religions. I guess that could be said about deeply religious people of most any religion. I love my own religion dearly, but am utterly fascinated by learning about other different religions. It's interesting to see what makes them tick and what threads of similarity different religions reveal.

My favorite quote of the day - from The Book of Dahlia by Elisa Albert:

"Where had we been, as a species, before the advent of instantaneous e-diagnoses?”

#225 Oh! Yes yes, now I see. But I'm wondering if you saw the selection that I'm making available here on LT before listing it on BM? If yes, I'll leave you alone about it. If no, I've listed the books in the posting so you don't have to click around to find them.

I liked Bel Canto a lot, but I agree that not much happens. For what it's worth, more stuff happens in Run, but I won't work too hard to convince you to like Ann Patchett if you're against it.

> 234

No. I didn't see that list. Where is it?

I'm sort of keeping up with my challenge. I should be done 8.3% of my reads. I'm done 8.0%. No too shabby - since I've never reached 75 in one year yet!

Maybe this will be the year!

That is just what I was thinking, Zoe!

I doubt it, but we'll see. I just keep being too busy playing around on LT to read!!

This is the first week this year that I've been too busy reading (and working) to play around on LT. :-) Blame it on the great books that I brought over with me, recommended by you and other LTers, Suz. But I've missed you all, and I think next week ....nay, I hope next week will be a less hectic week for me so I can have more time on LT while still reading and (ugh) working.

> 241

Caroline, I just use LT to postpone the work I have to do. Come to think of it, I use reading for the same purpose!

6. The Book of Dahlia - Elisa Albert



Don't read this book if you get easily depressed by reading about terminal illness or dysfunctional families. However, if you want to read a book with a really well-defined character, this is probably the book. You may not like her. She's not going to win any points from you, but Dahlia's persona shines through in the hands of this talented author. Read more of what I thought about this book here.

Rating - 4.5 stars

Thumbed you, Suz... and I'm still on the fence with this ...although I'm wavering, the magnetic pull of the obese wish list is rather strong. oh heck ... I have the will power of tofu.

This is a hard book to get a handle on whether or not to recommend (for precisely the reasons I mentioned). I thought it was exceedingly well done. I can't remember how I discovered this author. Let me go back and check...

ETA: Hmmm? I don't know. I don't have anything written about this book on either LT or Bookcrossing. Perhaps her debut book of short stories was a library book that I didn't review. That's a pity.

ETA 2: I remember liking it and reviewing it on Amazon. Perhaps it was one of the book reviews I accidentally deleted from LT a while back. I'm going to check back on Amazon...

I found it. I'm posting it now on LT. I gave her book of short stories (How is This Night Different) 4 stars on Amazon. That was a debut book so that was good.

ETA3: My name is still not Suz! :)

Just popping in to say hi . . . I had intended to be a more diligent follower of others' threads this year in the 75-ers group, but I'm so far behind! What are your favorite Pat Conroy books? I've never read any.

Hi Carly! If I don't "see" you online, maybe I'll see you in person again in September?

The Pat Conroy books that left the greatest impression on me were The Lords of Discipline and The Great Santini. The latter is one of my husband's favorite books. This year, he read both of those books I just mentioned again for the second time.

#245: Yes it is Madeline ... :-) It was your name in a previous life when I was your neighbor, and you helped nurse me back to semi-coherent health after I fell off the roof of a 3 story building onto my head. And that is why I will continue to think of you as Suz Madeline for all eternity. .... *sigh* i'm just going to apologize a thousand times over.... I will try, I will .. I have been but .... the pull of the past is just too strong sometimes! haha

*buries head in mortification*

Well, I am a nurse, but I thought I was a librarian in a previous life! :)

That was when you went by the name Lazuli ;-)

:)

ETA: Well, may I be a librarian in a future life?

Update added:

I got one more book in under the wire (4:46pm on 1/31/11). :D

7. After the Quake - Haruki Murakami



I started out not liking this book because the stories were much too weird, but the book redeemed itself at the end with its last two stories.

I liked "SuperFrog Saves Tokyo" about a giant frog who visits Katagiri to request that he help Frog fight an underground Worm to help prevent an earthquake.

I also liked "Honey Pie", the story of three friends (Sayoko, Takatsuki - Sayoko's husband, and Junpei - a mutal friend) who met while studying literature together at college. The title of this story is from a set of bear stories told by Junpei to Sala (Sayoko's daughter) to relieve her fears about the Tokyo earthquake. The last story is most typical of a "Murakami story", being quiet and sadly sweet.

Rating - 3.5 stars

*fears the thread police and is moving here*

Hi There

I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. If you haven't done so already, would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.

Thanks.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105833

Hi, Linda,

I'd prefer that my birthday not be publicly posted.