calm counting - 75 and beyond in 2011 - part 1

Welcome to any visitors. I appreciate any comments and recommendations. I must admit to being a great lurker on other people's threads but I do try to say something occasionally. Though I tend to just sit in the corner and read:)



Here I am for another year's reading! I've read 180 books in 2010 so I'm setting my target at 200 (as I hate going over the end of the ticker)




I'm also taking part in The 11 in 11 Category Challenge. The thread is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105963

My categories are

1 Ideas - Religion and Philosophy

2 The Past - Prehistory, Ancient History and History (non-fiction)

3 I Want to Know More - other non-fiction

4 Myth, Folklore and Legend - both original and retellings

5 Books in Translation - fiction translated into English

6 Around the World - contemporary fiction

7 The Way We Used To Live - historical fiction

8 Maybe - Fantasy and Science Fiction

9 Arthurian and Celtic Tales

10 It's a Mystery - stories with a twist.

11 It's About Time - Classic Fiction

I hope everybody has a great year's reading.

Edited to add

My favourite reads of 2010 were (in no particular order):-

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

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

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

Books read on this thread. Post numbers are where there are comments.

1) The Magicians by Lev Grossman (post 33)
2) Homeland and Other Stories by Barbara Kingsolver (post 34)
3) Elf Love edited by Josie Brown (post 54)
4) The World Without Us by Alan Weisman (post 62)
5) Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster (post 81)
6) The Whirlpool by Jane Urquhart (post 82)
7) The Tower and the Emerald by Moyra Caldecott (post 106)
8) The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney (post 107)
9) Spirit : or, the princess of Bois Dormant by Gwyneth Jones
10) The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
11) Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
12) The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia A. McKillip (post 111)
13) The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner (post 112)
14) The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell (post 127)
15) Weaveworld by Clive Barker
16) The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (post 129)
17) the Normans and Their World by Jack Lindsay (post 130)
18) Crow Lake by Mary Lawson (post 138)
19) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (post 143)
20) The Mouse God by Susan Curran (post 155)
21) The Mind in the Cave by David Lewis-Williams (post 156)
22) The Prodigy Project by Douglas Flanders (post 164)
23) Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquuivel (post 165)
24) Silas Marner by George Eliot (post 166)
25) A Time for Everything by Karl Ove Knausgård (post 167)
26) Old Man's War by John Scalzi (post 168)
27) The Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 179)
28) JIgs and Reels by Joanne Harris (post 180)
29) Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow By Peter Hoeg (post 188)
30) The Genius of China by William Watson (post 189)
31) Religious Experience of Mankind by Ninian Smart
32) The Flowers of Adonis by Rosemary Sutcliff
33) Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier (post 192)
34) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
35) The Bhagavad Gita by Anonymous
36) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
37) The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi (post 200)
38) The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
39) Citadels of Mystery by L Sprague de Camp (post 202)
40) Ambrosius Aureliana by Leon Mintz
41) The Last Colony by John Scalzi (post 208)
42) Awakening by S J Bolton (post 220)
43) The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra (post 229)
44) China : the land of the heavenly dragon by Edward L. Shaughnessy (post 239)
45) When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman (post 240)
46) The Game by A. S. Byatt
47) Rose Madder by Stephen King (post 245)
48) The Alienist by Caleb Carr
49) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism by Linda Johnsen
50) Affinity by Sarah Waters
51) How the Irish Saved Civilization : the Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe by Thomas Cahill
52) The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

*reserved for sluggish fat old American's use*

*reserved for geeky little English girl's use*

Welcome back!

Passing through and marking my spot.

Poking my head in.

Cute bookworm: I wonder what he's reading that so entertaining?

Glad to see you back, calm!

Hi Richard, Ellie, Jim, Laura, Luxx, Caty and Stasia. It's good to be back.

I'm not going to be posting much to this thread until 2011. I really need to finish my 1010 Challenge; catch up on my reviews and do some more reading!

Caty - I just went into Google images and searched for a bookworm image - he's cute isn't he:)

Hey calm, Looking forward to adding more of your interesting reads to my wishlist in 2011.

Hi Lynda, thanks for the star:)

OK I haven't quite finished in 2010 - thoughts coming up to finish off the last 2 books completed in 2010 sometime in the next few days on my 2010 thread but I thought it was time to stop off in 2011.

Plans for January (so far) are to finish reading The Magicians which I started last year. For non-fiction I am currently reading The World Without Us and I am also reading a short story collection - Homeland and Other Stories by Barbara Kingsolver.

When I've finished The Magicians I'll be starting The Master and Margarita for the 11 in 11 Group Read; I've also got a copy of The Tenderness of Wolves home from the library which I intended to read for December's TIOLI but I didn't get around to it (I think there is an informal group read); later this month I will be taking part in the group read of Sense and Sensibility. At some point I'll be checking out my TBRs and January's TIOLI for other reads.

I hope that everybody had a Happy New Year. Here's wishing everybody Good Books, Good Friends and Good Health for the year.

That's a striking image Luxx. Thanks for stopping by.

I'm leaving my mark so I can find my way back again! Happy new year.

well then, here you are!

Happy New Year! Love your bookworm.

Starred. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Please tell me about the area of Wales where you live.

My relatives came to America from Bangor Wales
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangor,_Gwynedd

We are a hard-working, singing, loving bunch. I hope to visit Wales in the next few years.

I don't tend to like worms, but if one shows up at my house with glasses on and wants to sit down and read a book, he's very welcome to...

Ciao bella!

Luxx, Yes I've been spotting that on quite a lot of threads, come back anytime:)

Kath, Right here and looking forward to another year's reading and trying to keep up on (some of) the threads

Roni - Happy New Year to you as well. It's amazing what you can find on Google images. I think he might be my mascot for the year.

Karen - Happy New Year to you as well.

Linda - Happy New Year to you as well. I've lived in Ceredigion for most of my life, a beautiful part of the country. I don't know North Wales that well. The Welsh certainly spread out across the world and it's nice that you remember your families roots. I hope you can manage to make it here someday.

Thanks Faith, I thought he was the cutest little bookworm that I could see and I think he sets the tone just right for my thread:)

Richard - thankyou kindly sir and Ciao right back to you:)

Happy New Year calm! Have a great reading year.
Your bookworm looks very similar to a tattoo I almost got. That bookworm had his book tucked under his worm-arm though. I opted for a four leaf clover tattoo instead, developed an allergy to the ink, and now must remain bookworm tattoo free forever. Such is life.

Thank you Kelly and a Happy New Year to you.

Ouch on the Tattoo story!

OK, found you, starred you. Happy New Year.

That is a very intriguing bookworm! Let's hope he doesn't leave holes in your tomes at any critical junctures...

and you are starred :)

my 2011 thread is here if you want to lurk ;)

Ready and waiting for #1.

#26 You mean like the last few pages of a mystery? Just as the detective gathers the whole cast into the room for the big reveal? That could be ... unfortunate.

Hi Calm, got you starred, so I can lurk on your thread.. and perhaps even comment from time to time.

Hi Karen, Thanks for finding me:)

Suzanne, aww he's a virtual bookworm ~ no nibbling:)

Kara, Already starred and lurking. I'll say something soon:)

Lynda, I have finished my first book of 2010 - thoughts coming soon.

Caty, LOL:)

Tanja - ditto:)

Only just realised I hadn't found your new thread yet - phew!

1) The Magicians by Lev Grossman (30 December - 3 January)

Quentin is a high achieving teenager when he unexpectedly finds himself taking an entrance examination to a college he has never heard of - what follows is his discovery that magic is real and that he can do it. Unfortunately magic isn't the answer to being unhappy and discontented and Quentin is an unhappy and discontented teenager.

I think I surprised myself by liking this as much as I did. Yes it does have heavy influences from other fantasy novels (Narnia I'm definitely thinking about you!) but I liked the characters and what Grossman did with the story. Basically this is a novel that takes some common tropes and twists them, which I found very readable and wasn't as bad as I was led to expect.

2) Homeland and Other Stories by Barbara Kingsolver (1 January - 4 january)

I definitely like Kingsolver's writing and this short story collection is no exception. These are mainly stories of small town; poverty stricken individuals. I must say that there is a melancholy cast to these stories and none of them are very positive. Despite that I enjoyed the descriptive writing and the strong and memorable characters.

Hi, calm! I think you and I have a few books in common. I'll be following along in your thread and no doubt finding some new treasures to add to my TBR pile.

Lisa

The Magicians I have and I am glad you liked it...nice review :) I see you mentioned Narnia. Harry Potter like too?

I hate to say it but I am not a short story person so I will pass on Homeland.... for now

The Magicians - I'm intrigued, though maybe a little wary of the Harry Potter and Narnia similarities. Still, onto the wishlist it goes.

You are off to a fine start, calm. Although Homeland sounds rather bleak I'll still wishlist it because, like you, I enjoy what Kingsolver can do with words.

The Magicians looks veddy interesing!!

I did not care for The Magicians. I am glad you enjoyed it, calm.

Homeland and Other Stories looks like one I would love though, so into the BlackHole it goes!

Yay, the first two books to go on the TBR list! I'm adding both The Magicians (sounds very Harry Potter-ish to me..?) and Homeland. I definitely need good short stories collections for my short story category. And I already got some other Kingsolver books on the TBR list.

Hmm... I'll add The Magicians with a caveat that if I don't like it in the first 50 pages, I'll stop. But it sounds intriguing enough to be curious about.

What a lot of visitors!

Lisa - always happy to add to other people's TBR's hope you find something you like sometime:)

Kara - The Narnia influence is a series of children's books that most of the characters have read. I don't really see the Harry Potter connection that other people mention - apart from a secret location for a school of magic. The characters are older, American and the magic system is different.

No worries about not liking short stories - not everybody does.

Karen - Maybe you can get it from a library?

Lynda - She is a gifted writer and creates some wonderful characters. Hope you like it.

Kath - Well, I thought so:)

Stasia - That's fair enough, it would be a strange world if we all liked the same things.

WOOHOO - my first Stasia Book Bullet of the year!

Tanja - Not Harry Potterish to me. It's very much an adult book - I wouldn't give it to a child to read!
I didn't have room for a short story category, so I'm fitting them in elsewhere.

Faith - Good idea, life's too short to waste on books you're not enjoying:)

#43: WOOHOO - my first Stasia Book Bullet of the year!

Do not tell me you are going to start counting them?!

#43 – Glad to hear it's an adult book. Now I want to read it even more.

No Stasia, of course not ... just still surprised when I read a book before you:)

Tanja - Hope you like it.

#46: Lots of people read lots of books before me, so I am never surprised at that myself :)

Thank goodness I dodged both of those!

I've got a Myth and folklore category as well, I'll have to visit your 11 in 11 thread.

OK then Stasia - no more surprise if I hit you with a BB:)

Well dodged, Richard!

Kerry I'll have to do the same, though I haven't read anything in that category yet:)

no other challenges for me.. one is all my feeble mind can manage..

I don't do very well at them Kath - but it's fun to set them up and have some kind of goal for the year. That said of the 4 books I've read so far only 2 fit into my challenges ... doh!

Have you read The Hero With a Thousand Faces yet? I'm dipping in and out of The Power of Myth, and it's reminded me of how very much I love Campbell.

The cover seems to have disappeared for this one!

3) Elf Love : An Anthology edited by Jodie Brown, Rose Mambert and Bill Racicot (5 January - 7 January)

I got this collection of short stories from Early Reviewers. I'm all for giving new authors a chance but when the introduction goes on about collecting the best and stories that "don't suck" while admitting that the three editors have very different ideas about what's good maybe they should realise that readers will also have different ideas. So I expect that the ones I liked will be different to the ones another reader might enjoy so, for me, they range from the completely incoherent to bad to fair to a couple of good ones. Oh well - at least I've got a couple of new authors to look out for.

Hi Richard - I don't think I've read that (or any Joseph Campbell) I'll have to try to track down some of his work. OK - just checked the library - they seem to have a copy of The Power of Myth (just hope it isn't lost). I've reserved it.

The Magicians has been on the wishlist for a while but it's good to know you also enjoyed it. And another Barbara Kingsolver to add to my list!

#54 I think I'm glad I skipped over Elf Love on the ER list! Doesn't look like any of the other reviewers were particularly taken with it either...

#54: Skipping that one.

#55: I read Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and liked it. I need to get to The Power of Myth as well.

#55 & 57: I read The Power of Myth a couple of years ago for a narrative media class I was taking. It was the first I had ever heard of Campbell and I quite enjoyed it. The interview style was a great technique to introduce someone like me who knew very little on the topic to one of the greats in this field.

Me thinks I will skip Elf Love...sorry it was a disappointment

2 that fit into challenges before mid January sounds pretty good to me!

Heather - hope you like The Magicians (when you find it!). Those Kingsolvers are really adding to my wishlist too:) There were 2 or 3 stories (out of 20!) that I quite liked in Elf Love but it wasn't my best ER.

Stasia - don't blame you:)

The library hasn't got The Hero With A Thousand Faces but I'm looking forward to reading Power of Myth.

Debbie - thanks for the second recommendation for the Campbell.

Kara - I guess it happens with ARCs, they can't all be good (unfortunately)

Kath - guess it isn't too bad but the target is 121 for the year, don't think I'm going to make it at this rate!

I spotted this one on Stephmo's thread last year.



4) The World Without Us by Alan Weisman (1 January - 9 January)

This was an interesting book. I liked the way Weisman presented his ideas. He looks at the effect that humans have had on the planet and what would be likely to happen if man completely disappeared. Each chapter looks at a different aspect but it does all come together. It is shocking in places - for example how much depends on human intervention on a day to day basis to keep what we think of as major infrastructure running and how rapidly that twentieth century inventions (such as plastics) have entered the environment. A very good and informative read.

> 62: I think I watched a History Channel documentary with that same title and premise -- not sure if it was based on the book or vice versa. It was fascinating!

OK, am getting the Lev Grossman book from the library! It says it's available across the street...

I just realized that it's only the 10th, and I've blown my book budget for the month...

Just dropped by and am starring you, shall be watching with interest for further reads :)

I have The Magicians coming up next. I've heard both positives and negatives so I'm eager to see where I fall in the range of opinions.

#63 Julia, are you thinking of Life After People? I am sure I saw the original film, although I have not seen the later series. I thought it was pretty interesting, too, although I've no idea how accurate or well-supported the science behind the film is.

Caty, that is entirely possible! I have a brain like tapioca pudding when it comes to names and titles. And my own phone number. And how old I am. And ... well, you get the picture. Mush, I tell you. :)

Hi Julia - I did see the programme but don't think this book has anything to do with it - some similarities but also a lot of different subjects covered (at least I don't remember them!)

Suzanne - hooray for libraries and boo for having to budget book buying.

Jenny - thanks for finding me.

Nancy - it does seem to be one of those books that divides opinion. I hope you come out on the positive side.

Caty - well remembered. I knew I'd seen a programme about the subject.

Julia - at least someone around here has a better memory:)

*raises hand* Um, confession. I remembered the programme but not the title. The title I had to google.

Ok, so between calm, Caty, and myself, we have an entire functioning brain. Works for me!

*passing through* :)

Just catchin up and saying hi . . . you've done some interesting reading, but nothing that's jumping onto my list just yet . . . (whew! dogding more book bullets!)

Message 53---Richard, I'm with you on the love of Joseph Campbell. Have you ever seen the PBS series (link below)
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/faithandreason/perspectives1.html

Message 54 -- Stasia, I'm not sure, but I believe this is one of the books that I found in the eight huge boxes I just discovered. If so, I'll send it along to you.

Hi Calm!

#62: Dodging that BB! I read that one last year. I thought it was interesting too.

Eesh! Book Bullets are flying every which way around here, glad my shield is in the up mode and functioning.

Random thought: I think Bill Moyers interviewed Joseph Campbell before he moved on to another plane of existance (aka...passed). I'm imagining it should be available if one search through the public television videos, maybe at the library, maybe at your local public television station. I remember it as being quite a lovely interview.

Time to catch up on all these visitors. My brain is mush so I don't think I can catch up on books read at the moment.

Caty - well good googlefoo then. I didn't even think of doing that:)

Julia - At the moment I think that you and Caty have the one functioning brain - mine is completely gone!

Kara - good to see you:)

Terri - well dodged!

Hi Linda - Darn more recs for Campbell. As I said in reply to Richard's suggestion "if it isn't lost" guess what ... it's lost! That branch of the library is hopeless!

Post 54 for Stasia? That's the ER that has a publication date of 2011.

Stasia - well dodged! I din't notice it on your list last year but I guess it got lost among all the others:)

Lynda - Good Shield there, maybe I need to borrow it sometime:)

Karen - nice to see you here.

Argh, no, not the dreaded mush brain!!!!!

Yes, must budget book buying. It's easily the single largest flexible item in my monthly budget and I MUST keep it under control this year. Brought home the Lev Grossman book from the library today along with My Reading Life by Pat Conroy, a Karin Fossum mystery (a Caroline book bomb) and two other random picks. Now I have more than 30 library books TBR!!!

Wow - 30 library books! I hope you have a reasonable amount of time to read them in.

Some thoughts on the next two books. They probably weren't the best things to be reading while feverish:) But I did read them and did like both of them but I'm not sure if I am able to write coherently about them.

So up first one I spotted on Madeleine's (SqueakyChu's) thread.



5) Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster (9 January - 10 January)

I liked this story of Mr Blank, a man in a room who doesn't know why he is there or even where "there" is. Is he a prisoner, a patient or something else. People come in, go away but nothing becomes much clearer to him.

I'm not sure enjoyed would be the right description of my reaction to this book. Intrigued, fascinated, compelled to read on might be closer. I will definitely be reading more of Auster's work.

Not the cover on my copy!



6) The Whirlpool by Jane Urquhart (10 January - 12 January)

This was Jane Urquhart's debut novel and I must say that if I had read this first I probably would not have gone on to read any more of her work (and would have missed out on a great read). Actually this is a haunting book. I continue to think about it so I do think it is a well written and intriguing look at life in late nineteenth century Canada.

In a small town just below Niagara Falls we follow the lives of four characters over a few months - there is the undertaker's widow who continues her husband's business; a military historian and his wife; and a government clerk who is staying at his uncle's farm. There is some connection between the characters but on the whole we follow their separate paths, even when they meet. So there was a very disconnected feel to the characters and there isn't really a coherent story. Thinking about it the disconnect can be perceived as a strength - the four characters whose stories are told are all very self absorbed with their own lives and even when interacting with others don't seem to see outside of their own interests.

In conclusion a beautifully written but slightly unsatisfying read.

#81

Paul Auster certainly is one to make you think. I don't think I've ever heard of a 'straight forward' novel by him, though I could be wrong. Nevertheless, I always like the sound of his works.

#81: I have had that one in the BlackHole since about 2008. One of these days my local library will get a copy!

Nice to know Jenny. I do have another one of his books in the TBR stacks!

Stasia, I managed to borrow that one from the local library too bad that your's isn't as helpful ... this time:)

Feverish, did someone say feverish? Hope you're feeling better by now, calm.
I love the premise for the Paul Auster and I see he has written so many books. Looks like an author I'd like to read more of this year.
And I'm transfixed with anything regarding Niagara Falls, so I look forward to your take on The Whirlpool

Thanks for stopping by Lynda - yep I had the flu - felt like death warmed over and haven't felt like posting.

Not too sure about when I'm going to post any comments about my recent reading but since I last posted I have read:-

7) The Tower and the Emerald by Moyra Caldecott (12 - 14 January)

8) The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney (14 - 16 January)

9) Spirit : or, the princess of Bois Dormant by Gwyneth Jones (16 - 19 January)

10) The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (3 - 21 January)

I think I'm getting the flu too :-(

I ended up enjoying The Magicians. I felt like Grossman was riffing on the other fantasy and coming of age themes and found it amusing and clever. He also had something real to say about how getting what you want doesn't really turn out like you expected.

I'm glad I read it. Now I'm interested in hearing your opinion of The Tenderness of the Wolves which seems hot around LT right now.

Next trip to the library I need to get The Magicians. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I was getting worried because I had seen so many negative reviews of it and it really seems like a book I'd enjoy.

I have Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster on the shelf ... I wasn't sure about it.. Still not.. but glad to see youhad positive feelings about it !

Despite your flu you have been a busy bunny. I must find the time to read The Master and Margarita everyone says such good things about it.

Hope you are feeling better! :)

Awaiting your thoughts on The Master... Have wanted to read that one for awhile but you know how that goes...so many books and so little time :)

Hope you continue to mend...
At least you were able to get some reading done while you were sick!

Sorry to hear about the flu, hope you are feeling better. Looking forward to your book thoughts whenever you are able. Take care of yourself.

Thank's for stopping by everyone. I'm feeling a lot better and hope to get some thoughts down on the books that I've read over the next couple of days.

drive-by hug

Just in case.........

Is that orange juice or NyQuil? Either way, it'll do the trick... I think...

sending healing thoughts your way.

Calm, sorry to hear you have been down with the flu. I hope you feel better very soon.

I know I said I'd be back with book comments (and it doesn't help that I've finished another 3 books since I said that) but I've been completely wiped out. Not sure what it is but every time I get on the computer my eyes seem to go all fuzzy, doesn't affect reading books and a few threads though:) I do remember what I've read but it seems a bit daunting trying to catch up:( Hopefully things will be back to normal soon.

Richard - nice to see you here. Thanks for the hug.

Lynda - thanks for the drink:)

Faith - not sure what Nyquil is but if it helps I'll take it!

Linda - thanks - you're an angel to be so giving!

Stasia - Flu's definitely over but I've never felt so exhausted after an illness. Hopefully things will be better ... especially now I feel up to getting out of the house, if the weather cooperates:)

I hope things are better there soon! Getting out of the house sounds like a good first step.

Glad to hear that you are feeling at least a little better. Almost afraid to come back when you post your books!

I'm sending lots of get-well wishes your way!

Thanks Stasia

Kath - it's going to take a while.

Thanks Rachel.

Right what I am going to do is put in the book titles, cover pictures and reading dates. Thoughts will follow (not necessarily in order) when I get around to them. I'll add the post numbers to the book list at the top of the thread when I've added comments.

7) The Tower and the Emerald by Moyra Caldecott (12 - 14 January)

This starts out promisingly enough as a Celtic princess is out hunting with her betrothed and ends up following an enchanted stag. Unfortunately from there things seen to go in strange directions. There are also disturbing scenes that don't seem to add much to the story.

There are flashes of good reading here and some of the characters seemed promising but in the end, as there are some ideas that didn't sit well with me, I was left feeling uncomfortable.

8) The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney (14 - 16 January)

A very good atmospheric trip through the wilds of Canada in 1867. A trapper is found murdered and this is the catalyst for several people setting off to discover the killer. The murder is just the start of the story, several other secrets and mysteries are revealed through the story and not all of them are cleared up by the end.

The strength of the writing and characterisations are very strong. I got a real feel for backwoods life in Canada. Also the multiple back stories are fascinating and I would like to think that the author will continue those stories someday. Penney has created a well-fleshed cast of characters; an intriguing story and a great picture of life in Nineteenth Century Canada.

Spirit : or, the princess of Bois Dormant by Gwyneth Jones (16 - 19 January)

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (3 - 21 January)

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (21 - 24 January)

12) The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia A. McKillip (24 - 25 January)

I love McKillip's writing and I think this is one of her best. Of course when in the first few pages you read of a book loving inn keeper - Judd had no particular ambitions beyond reading every book in the world and taking care of his father - it probably will influence your thoughts about the book.

This is a wonderful fantasy with an interesting cast of characters some of whom can hear the eponymous bell. An isolated coastal town with an old house that contains mysteries, some gentle romance, a love of books and writing - all these add up to a magical, lyrical read.

Thanks to Jenny (Lunacat) for bringing this book to my attention.



13) The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner (25 - 28 January)

The story of a convent, starting with the story of its founding in the twelfth century. The novel then jumps forward to the coming of the Black Death in 1348 and then follows the fortunes of the convent over the next thirty (or so) years. This is a book about the characters - as the leadership changes and new novices and nuns enter - and the trials and tribulations of their daily lives are played out against the distant backdrop of Medieval life.

Sylvia Townsend Warner writes beautiful descriptive prose, especially where nature is involved. Her characters feel like real people with their foibles and differences. This is the story of a world, not a plot driven novel, just day to day life as characters come, grow old and die. The ending is just another incident and you feel that the convent will carry on. In fact (according to the introduction) she planned on writing a sequel but never did. I don't mind that this never happened but I am pleased that she wrote this book as I loved it.

I recently read The Corner That Held Them and was intensely underwhelmed, so I'll be interested in your comments, when you get round to them!

Hi Jenny, I actually spotted it on your thread and from your comments it seemed like it would be my kind of book ... so ... I loved it!

Lol....I'm glad my reading it was good for something then! And that you were right in it being your kind of book :)

I cannot wait to see your reviews of all the great reading you have done, calm!

I hope you are feeling a little better every day!

Wow! what a list :) even feeling crappy you were able to finish some really interesting books!

hope your feeling somewhat better :/ and can't wait to hear your thoughts on Tenderness and Master....

Tenderness I have read :) Master I want to read

Fine now Stasia, just playing catch up:) Those threads sure multiply fast when you can't read them every day!

Thanks for stopping by Kara - I couldn't focus on the computer screen but the words on the printed page seemed to stay in focus:) Master is the one I couldn't concentrate on while I was ill but it was a good read, very bizarre but worth reading.

I've put in comments for the three library books on the list:-
Tenderness of Wolves; The Bell at Sealy Head and The Corner That Held Them. They were all very good to excellent reads in their different ways. I'll try to get the comments up for the books people have expressed an interest in next (probably tomorrow or at least sooner rather than later!).

De-lurking to say that I agree about Master and Margarita - bizarre but worth reading sums it up well. I read it some years ago without knowing what to expect, and it was certainly memorable.

I hope you are over the post flu exhaustion.

Hi Genny, you're right Master and Margarita is definitely memorable. I still need to get some comments up sometime but decided to try out the Readathon today - I'm wiped out again:) and didn't even read that much or for very long!

To anyone who visits here:-

As I took part in Santathing, Tim and co have offered one free lifetime membership to give to another person. If you are interested in this please let me know.

121- That's so awesome! I already have my lifetime membership, but I hope you find somebody who's desperate to have one - they will be thrilled...

just passing through to say

that's really cool that Tim and co. did that :) I hope you find someone!

Hi Angela and Kara, no takers yet. I guess nobody who isn't already a lifetime member is reading this. Not surprising really as I still haven't caught up on my own reads and haven't been posting very much anywhere.

Must catch up before I get even further behind. Not helped by the fact that I spent a large part of the weekend doing the readathon and then vegging out in front of the TV:)

Maybe I should just find a nice "Hi" graphic and confess:)

"I spent a large part of the weekend doing the readathon and then vegging out in front of the TV:)" - apart from not officially taking part in the readathon that sounds exactly like my weekend!

Hi Heather, nothing wrong with that:)

Still not caught up above but, as usual, I have carried on reading:)

So here are the books - with reading dates. Thoughts sometime!

14) The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell (28 January - 2 February)

Bloody and gritty, stripping away the more mythical elements of the story this is the first in Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy. As can be expected he is very strong with the battle scenes and his historical research seems very good. He also write engaging characters and puts his own spin on the story which makes it feel very fresh.

I love Arthurian re-tellings and this is very strong addition to them. I'm also pleased that I already have the rest of the trilogy sitting on my to read shelves.

15) Weaveworld by Clive Barker (2 - 6 February)

Read in the following omnibus edition:-



16) The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (7 - 9 February)

This was a re-read and I have also seen many film and TV adaptations so the story itself held no surprises. What I did enjoy were the characters and the descriptions of the moor. Sherlock Holmes is a distant character in this story; we are focused on Watson, and the inhabitants and neighbours of Baskerville Hall. A very atmospheric read, classic and well worth reading.

Reading postponed during last months illness, but I finally finished:-



17) The Normans and their World by Jack Lindsay (9 January - 10 February)

This book is probably more of use to those studying at degree level rather than the casual reader. It seems well researched but very dense in the way the information is conveyed as this book is solid text. Obviously it wasn't too dry (or I would have given up) but there is a lot to take in and, personally, I could have done with maps and a glossary of unfamiliar terms.

#129: I love The Hound of the Baskervilles. It is my favorite of the Holmesian stories for some reason.

To brighten your day :)

Hi Stasia - yes it's a good story ... very atmospheric. I think it's my favourite Holmes as well.

Why Thank You Kara - very sweet:)

Well I managed to go out today!!

Of course that involves books- Never Let Me Go and A Time For Everything from the library and I also managed to get a copy of The Lacuna (my only purchase as I'm trying to use the library more). It was great timing as it was in a pile that a staff member at the charity shop was pricing and shelving.

Oh well .. more reading:)

Sometimes, I feel it is such a chore writing reviews, othertimes it comes quite easily. Just seeing the covers of the books you've read is enough for me to get excited about checking into them.
Glad you got out today and your book haul looks very interesting. Hope you enjoy The Lacuna

Good news on getting out today, calm!

I do hope you enjoy The Lacuna - that was one of my best reads of last year. Did you enjoy The Winter King? I started that several years ago but did not finish - I always meant to get back to it but had forgotten all about it till I saw that book cover.

Hi Lynda, thanks for stopping by. Still intend to write something about all my reads (sometime) but as long as I stay on top of the rest of the year I'm not going to beat myself up over the (small) pile of books sitting by the computer waiting for me to put them away:)

With all the trailers for Never Let Me Go around I thought I better read the book before it got tainted by images:) - not that I plan on seeing the film!. I spotted A Time For Everything on Deborah's (ArubaBookWoman's) thread and thought it looked interesting and the library bought a shiny new copy for me to read - unfortunately I have to give it back to them:(

Hi Stasia, yes quite an achievement (for me!). Still need to reward myself for managing to do it though:)

Genny, I'm sure I will as I've liked-to-loved all three of the Kingsolver's I've read so far. Not sure how long it's going to sit on the TBR shelves though as it has joined a huge pile of things that I want to read.

I really liked The Winter King - a good gritty retelling of the story with all the familiar characters, a realistic seeming historical setting but a very different interpretation of the tale. I'm just pleased that I have the rest of the trilogy sitting on the TBR.

18) Crow Lake by Mary Lawson (10 - 12 February)

A wonderful look at family life in Northern Ontario. When Kate is seven a family tragedy changes the lives of her and her siblings. Looking back from her adult life the story is slowly revealed. The characters are seen through a child's eyes and the consequences of the few months described are long lasting, affecting Kate's relationships with family, colleagues and her boyfriend.

I really enjoyed this book, Mary Lawson obviously knows the area and small community living. The siblings relationship is particularly strong though the other people in Crow Lake also come across well.

Crow Lake I have on my TBR pile....glad you liked it :)

I'm not going to beat myself up over the (small) pile of books sitting by the computer waiting for me to put them away:) been there, done that :)

Crow Lake.. good one!

I already have Crow Lake in the BlackHole. I just need to get to it some time!

Kara - I hope you like it ... when you get to it:)

Kath - nice to find someone else who liked it!

Stasia - I hope it finds its way out of the BlackHole ... someday:)

19) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (12 - 13 February)

Beautifully chilling sums up my reaction to this book. At first I found the narrator cold but as her memories of her childhood unfold we are treated to an amazing story. Things are revealed in hints and convoluted story telling - memories lead to more incidents from a seemingly privileged school. As the children's future unfolds Ishiguro's strength of writing builds up into a sad and compelling read.

#143: Never Let Me Go was the first Ishiguro book I ever read. I thought it was terrific.

My second ... he is a great writer. I'm definitely be tracking down more of his books.

My friend gave me Never Let Me Go *sigh* it is on the top of the teetering tower of TBR books!

Happy Valentines Day!

#145, The other great Ishiguro book is The Remains of the Day, for when you are looking for your next fix!

My favorite Ishiguro is definitely The Remains of the Day. The movie is quite touching, too. They did a good job.

I'll chirp in regarding The Remains of the Day. I highly recommend it, calm, if you have not yet read it. BTW: Anthony Hopkins is spot on as Stephens in the movie, I recommend it with a bowl of popcorn and perhaps kleenex.

Hi Suzanne, Morphy (good to see you here - how are the Roombas?) and Lynda! Sorry to take so long to get back to you.

There's definitely a lot of love here for The Remains of the Day.
I have seen the film already and can probably get the book from the library (though I should probably clear my TBR shelves a bit first!).

Hard to believe that a good movie came out of a good book... :P

>151 mckait: It does happen! Sad how rare it is though.

*waves* hope your having a good weekend!

Kath and Morphy - it is a rare occurrence isn't it! I normally prefer to read the book:)

Hi Kara - *waves back* Hope you are having a good weekend as well!

20) The Mouse God by Susan Curran (14 - 17 February)

I enjoyed this retelling of the Trojan War. Mainly focused on Chryseis and Briseis, two women who played a pivotal part in the story of the Iliad, Susan Curran fleshes out their characters and gives us a very human version of this well known tale. We also follow the stories of some of the other characters - Aeneas and Troilus; Patroclus and Achilles; Hector and Andromache. players.

Curran takes the focus away from the passion of Helen and Paris; the prophecies of Cassandra and the intervention of the gods to create a world more focused on human action and interaction. She succeeds in presenting a world that seems plausible - a world of warring men and the affects on the lives of the people. Very enjoyable.

21) The Mind in the Cave by David Lewis-Williams (10 - 19 February)

Lewis-Williams's study of the origins and purpose of the cave art of Prehistoric Europe is a fascinating read. Looking at the effects of neuro-psychological events on the brain; more recent cave art in South Africa and North America and Shamanism around the world his conclusions seem well thought out and as plausible, if not more so, an explanation as any other. It is a very accessible read, though he doesn't "dumb down" the way he presents his ideas, and it is also fresh enough to hold the interest.

This is a thought provoking, intelligent book. The illustrations help to explain some of his thoughts and the colour plates remind us of the beauty of the Cave Art. The comprehensive bibliography provides some good ideas for further reading. Overall a good theory, well presented and recommended for any one interested in the subject.

Catching up - it looks like you have been doing some good reading! I have also not really felt in the mood for commenting on books lately despite my reading continuing as usual.

I'll be interested in your thoughts on The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell. I've never read any of his books but I would be interested in reading about some of the periods he covers.

#131 One of mine two Stasia. Probably because of all that lovely mist and the general spookiness of the moors!

#133 Well done on getting out and getting such good books! I really hope you enjoy The Lacuna and Never Let Me Go was another really good one from some years ago. I'd like to see the recent film but I never seem to get to the cinema at the moment.

#143 And you read it already! It was my first Ishiguro too and I also thought it was fantastic.

#156 That one definitely sounds unusual - on the wishlist it goes!

Oh, I must find The Mind in the Cave. I'm fascinated about the similarties of antiquities found throughout the world, whether they are pyramid type structures, stele or cave drawings. Wishlisted :)

#155/156: Adding both of those to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendations, calm!

What Stasia said! They both sound great!

Hi Heather - Winter King was a good read. As you might expect Cornwall was very good at battle scenes but I was pleasantly surprised by his portrayal of the characters and the times. I'm pleased that I have the rest of the trilogy on my TBR already.

The Lacuna is waiting I'm not sure how soon I'll get to it:)

Ishiguro is an interesting writer. I'm sure I'll get to his other books someday:)

Heather, Lynda, Stasia and Faith - I hope you all find and like Mind in the Cave:)

Stasia and Faith - I hope you both like it as much as I did:)

Still not getting around to updating my reads. I'm a bit busy and can't focus on them ... Dental checkup yesterday and my phone is out so I'm going to have to go back to town again soon ... very annoying! Not good for someone who hates going out.

Just checking in to say Hi... :)

Hi back Angela (only a week late ... what have I been doing!)

Like many others I seem to be in a funk (personal) but that is a long time not to be posting!

22) The Prodigy Project by Douglas Flanders (17 - 19 February)

I received this from LT's Member Giveaway. There are interesting characters and the dynamics of the main character's family ring true, even though I find it highly unlikely that a spy would use his own in such a way. We meet Jon Gunderson as a Reservist doctor serving in Iraq where he is recruited into a secret anti-bioweapons programme. This takes him all over the world for five years but then his latest mission jeopardises his family.

Overall this is a good read. It does become a fast paced and thrilling read but I did have some issues with the writing that pulled me out of the story occasionally.

23) Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (19 - 20 February)

This is a strange story, told in twelve chapters each prefaced by ingredients for a recipe contained in that chapter. Tita is the youngest of three daughters living during the time of the Mexican Revolution (early Twentieth Century). As the youngest her fate is never to marry but to look after her mother but, unfortunately, she falls in love.

It is definitely an original and strangely compelling read. What I did like were the descriptions of the time, Tita's ability to season her cooking with her emotions (both good and bad) and the actual ability of Esquivel to write an interesting story. Unfortunately, sometimes, I was left feeling uncomfortable while reading this book. It's not joining my list of favourites but I might re-read it one day.

24) Silas Marner by George Eliot (20 - 24 February)

What to say about a classic? This story of English country people during the early Nineteenth Century tells the tale of a weaver who comes to a small village and isolates himself in his work after an incident in his home town. Of course he eventually becomes involved in life again and that is the point of the story.

Eliot's strengths are her eye for dialogue and dialect; the characters are diverse and, for such a short novel, reasonably well drawn. This is a wonderful book, written around 150 years ago and still worth reading.

I spotted this one on arubabookwoman's (Deborah's) thread and my local library had it.



25) A Time For Everything by Karl Ove Knausgård (24 February - 1 March)

This is definitely a thought provoking book. Taking its starting point the spotting of two angels by a young boy, Antinous Bellori, in the Sixteenth Century which led him to his life's quest to study these beings. From there Knausgard tells the story of Biblical and later reports of angels and their changing nature.

I must admit that I found the re-tellings of the Biblical stories of Cain and Abel and the Flood, from the point of view of Noah's sister, the strongest parts of the book. The framing philosophy on the nature of angels didn't have quite the same impact. Also Bellori's story does not resonate as strongly, for me, and the last section seems a bit disconnected from the rest of the book.

Now this might make it sound as though I didn't like the book as a whole but thinking of it as a set of short stories connected by the theme of angels it does work. The differences in tone and voice between the stories; the re-imagining of the history of angels and a strength to the writing mean that this is one I am happy to have read.

26) Old Man's War by John Scalzi (1 - 2 March)

When John Perry reaches his seventy fifth birthday he joins the Colonial Defence Forces, as an American that is the only way he can get into space. The CDF protects the colonies from a myriad of alien races and somehow they have the technology to turn ageing people into an effective fighting force.

Perry might be a little too perfect as a lead character, but then as the story is from his point of view you know he is going to survive. The supporting characters are good, though sometimes in a throwaway style. Theories about the technology; alien species and the merits of war, peace and colonialism are touched upon without disrupting the pace of the story. Interesting ideas written in an attention grabbing way make this a book that is a fast paced, classic style military SF novel which I really enjoyed.

Oooo calm, did you enjoy Like Water for Chocolate? Enquiring minds want to know :)

Silas Marner! I remember that one :)

Like Water for Chocolate I never read...waiting on your thoughts :)

Hi Lynda and Kara. I'll get my thoughts up for Like Water For Chocolate soon ... strange book:) Don't think enjoy is the right word for my reaction Lynda.

Silas Marner is a good one, Kara, not quite as daunting (to look at) as some of Eliot's other works.

Edit - thoughts are up for LWFC and Silas now. Still playing catch up on the rest:)

I have Like Water for Chocolate waiting for me on the shelf, and it's actually pretty close to the top of the list. I'm curious about why you found it an uncomfortable read, but maybe that would be a spoiler?

I feel very ashamed as an English degree holder / teacher that I have never read any George Eliot. I should get on that.

Happy Weekend Calm!

ditto what wisechild said about being uncomfortable in certain parts of the book....I never saw the movie but what snipits I did see, it kind of looked erotic in some areas.

I've read the first two of Scalzi's books set in The Old Man's War universe, and have the other two in my tbr pile. My favorite of his is a more humorous book called The Android's Dream, but I liked these well enough too.

So sorry to be so far behind.. I have Like Water for Chocolate on the shelf, too..
waiting very patiently..

I read Silas Marner years ago and I think I have forgotten everything about it except that I quite liked it! I think I read that exact edition too!

Hope you're doing ok. Boo for the continuing funk.

checking in!

how you doing?

wisechild (eeks I'm braindead ... Karen?) and Kara - sorry to leave the question so long. I'm not sure why I felt uncomfortable ... it definitely wasn't the erotic elements ... maybe it was a cultural or translation issue ... there was just something about the relationships in the family that struck me wrong sometimes.

wisechild - this is the only Eliot I've ever read but I've got The Mill on the Floss waiting on my TBR shelves ... maybe sometime this year. If I like that I might see about reading more of her work.

Roni - I liked it so much that I've got the next two on hold at the library. They don't have the fourth or the Android's Dream ... I'll have to look elsewhere.

Kath - books are always patient, it will call your name one day.

Heather - I've read this one before ... I read it as a teenager and remembered liking it ... so I decided to re-read before attempting her longer works.

Heather and Kara - thanks for asking ... still got the mehs (as well as the usual aches and pains)... no enthusiasm for anything ... just a general funk. That seems to have hit a few 75ers at the moment so I hope that some blue skies and fresh air will blow the cobwebs away.

Oh well I better update my reading and definitely get some comments down for the borrowed books at least so I can return them to the library.

27) The Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay (2 - 5 March)

Set in the same world as The Lions of Al-Rassan and The Sarantine Mosaic this book from Kay is his version of the Vikings and Dark Age Britain. As usual his historical research is sound but for some reason in this novel I didn't find his imagination as strong. I found too many echoes of his previous work and the Angclyn king too obviously based on King Alfred. That said it is still Kay, still very readable - just not, for me, his strongest work.

28) Jigs and Reels by Joanne Harris (21 February - 5 March)

I like Harris's writing and this collection of short stories gives a snapshot of some of her themes and ideas. Some of the stories are very strong, most are good and a couple of gave me the reaction of "What was that!". They are all imaginative, some fantastical, some more prosaic but all are well written. The short notes about why Harris wrote each story are interesting. Overall a collection that is well worth reading.

Sorry to hear about the continuing funk. We had a few days of sunshine this weekend and it made me feel so much better. I hope you get some sunshine and blue skies soon.

I'm glad you got to read A Time for Everything. I think I liked it more than you did, but I agree with you that the retelling of the Bible stories (which I think could stand alone as novellas or long short stories) were the best parts of the book. I also was not able to make much sense of the ending, other than that it provides an answer of sorts as to where all the angels have gone.

I hope you've had some sunshine, calm, to brighten your day. It is very sunny up here in the North East today, which is cheering me up.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your re-read of Silas Marner - I loved that when I read it about 20 years ago. You mentioned you might move one to one of Eliot's longer works next: do you have a particular one in mind?

Whizzing by to see how you're doing. Hope all is well and what is going on with this travelling book funk, seems to be contagious.

*waves*

Hello! Just wanted to let echo what you said about The Last Light of the Sun. Usually I really enjoy Kay's work because of his ability to create fantastic worlds and the people in them, but this one also fell short for me.

OOPS - bad me:(

so long in replying to all of you.

Heather - thanks for the wishes of blue skies - indeed the weather has improved and I have managed to spend some time outside tidying the garden - it does feel good to do something:)

Deborah - I did like it but just found it a bit ... schizophrenic - I think. It seemed like several things put together and it did work but some bits were so much better than others.

Genny - yes the sunshine is welcome. My next Eliot - the one on the TBR shelves - is Mill on the Floss. Probably later this year as I am trying to read one "classic" a month - reading Austen as part of the Austenthon and then filling in the alternate months with some other author ... I've got some Dickens; Thackeray's Vanity Fair and I'm sure some other posssibilities so will see when I get around to it.

Lynda - Still reading ... just not talking very much - either here or in RL. I suppose I must try harder to make some human contact ... cats are fine for snuggling but not so much for conversation:)

Kara - *waves back*

Jolerie - yes he is such a wonderful writer but somehow his usual "magic" falls flat in this one.

Well I suppose I better at least list my recent reads, so here goes for the next few posts ... thoughts pending ... sometime!

29) Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow by Peter Høeg (5 - 9 March)

This is a wonderful story, I loved the eponymous Smilla. There is a great feel for her experiences as an outsider in the society, her reserve and relationships with her family, friends and others. The mystery itself went in unexpected directions that might be perceived as slightly over the top but I still enjoyed the twists and turns of her discoveries. Not quite satisfying enough to be added to my favourites but this is a book that I would definitely like to read again - someday and Peter Høeg is an author I would gladly read more of.

30) The Genius of China by William Watson (5 - 11 March)

This catalogue from an exhibition of Chinese artefacts that was held in the 1970's is a fascinating insight into the early culture of China. It covers items and history from the Palaeolithic until the 14th Century AD. There is a chronology, bibliography and map. All of the described objects are pictured, mainly in black and white with some colour plates. All of the objects were excavated in the twenty years prior to the exhibition and thus also provides an insight into the efforts of Chinese archaeologists to uncover and share their past. Overall this was a glimpse into the past that seems well researched and leads me wanting to know more about this part of the world and its history.

31) The Religious Experience of Mankind by Ninian Smart (19 February - 13 March)

32) The Flowers of Adonis by Rosemary Sutcliff (9 - 16 March)

33) Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier (16 - 17 March)

A very enjoyable look at the lives of two early Nineteenth Century women. Mary Anning is a child in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, adding to her families income by finding fossils on the beach. Elizabeth Philpot is a woman who comes to live in the town with two of her sisters after the death of her parents and the marriage of her brother. An unlikely friendship is formed and when a new fossilised skeleton is found the established scientific community (of men) take an interest in the discovery.

This is a quiet book, a look at the lives of women and the early days of palaeontology. Although fictionalised I think that Tracy Chevalier has created an insight into these pioneers and the restrictions of the society of the times that reads very well. I liked the fact that she includes the facts of the real characters lives after the time she writes about and a further reading list.

34) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (17 - 19 March)

35) The Bhagavad-gita translated by Juan Mascaro (14 - 20 March)

36) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (20 - 23 March)

I liked Miss Smilla too! But Mill on the Floss is one I have yet to read.

wow! great list of reads~

Genny - Miss Smilla was a good one! Have you read any of Eliot's other works? and, if so, do you have any recommendations?

Kath - thanks:)

Well I managed to get to town today, of course that means more books:)

Three from the library:-
Awakening by S. J. Bolton - Recommended by Kath:)
China by Edward L. Shaughnessy - as I said after reading The Genius of China I want to know more about Chinese history and this looked like the best that the library had
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism by Linda Johnsen -continuing my reading about religion

and three from charity shops:-
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson - I like his writing but I'm not sure how long the series will be or how long it will take him to complete it. Ah well at least I can start collecting them now:)
The Cats of Seroster by Robert Westall - this was mentioned on the cats in fantasy thread and I remembered seeing it in the shop last time I was in town so picked it up
and Mythangelus a short story collection by Storm Constantine which just looked interesting as I haven't read much of her work.

Oh my goodness! you have been busy....

being quiet can be healing :)

curious to see what your thoughts are on Remarkable Creatures and The Book Thief

37) The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi (23 - 24 March)

After reading Old Man's War I immediately requested the next two books in the series from the library and I'm glad that I did. This has a slower start than the first in the series and, actually, until the introduction of Jared Dirac I didn't really connect to the story and characters. But once there was someone to focus on I found the story compelling. There is more about the ethics and morality of what the Colonial Defence League and humanity is doing to the other alien species in the universe but this is still a well written story, not as action packed as the first but a worthy addition to Scalzi's vision.

38) The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster (19 - 26 March)

39) Citadels of Mystery by L Sprague de Camp (20 - 27 March)

de Camp looks at twelve ancient sites around the world and talks about the myths (and some of the more "crackpot" theories) that have been built up around them; the history of their discoveries; the explorers, antiquarians and archaeologists involved; and tries too present as good an explanation for their existence as he can.

I'm sure that other people have written at greater length about all the places but as a brief overview this does work very well. I had heard of eleven of the twelve sites before (the only exception was Nan Matol, in the Caroline Islands) and I can't really quibble with what he has to say about them. The only issue is that this was published in the 1960's, originally, and archaeology and thoughts have moved on since then, but I still enjoyed it. My copy is from 1972 and includes a postscript about further thoughts on Atlantis and Stonehenge following some more archaeological discoveries. I'm sure that if there is a more up-to-date version it would be worth tracking down.

40) Ambrosius Aureliani by Leon Mintz (26 - 29 March)

edit to add link (no touchstone)

Kara - thoughts for Remarkable Creatures are in post 192. I really liked The Book Thief, though it took me a while to get used to the style and layout but once I did I found it a very compelling read.

I am really sorry that I'm not getting my thoughts down for most of these books but ... some of my health problems are preventing me typing without pain. Fortunately I have some ideas in mind for the comments and will get to them sometime, if anyone has any questions about any of the books I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.

I promise that I'm lurking on some 75ers threads and hope to feel better soon.

calm don't worry...just get yourself well :)

we will be here :)

Some interesting books there! Sorry that you are having some health issues... and hope that all improves son.

Thanks Kara and Kath.

I must say thanks to you Kath for recommending Awakening - I started it last night and scarcely wanted to put it down . If the ending is good I might even give it five stars:)

I'm off to town soon so better get some thoughts down for the library book I finished yesterday so that I can return it!

41) The Last Colony by John Scalzi (30 March)

The third book in John Scalzi's series was another gripping read. I think that what I like so much about these books is the interesting set up of his future. Each of the books has focused on a different aspect of the future humanity he describes - the military in the first book; special forces in the second and in this one a new colony is set up.

Returning to the life of John Perry, the main character from the first book, we follow his life as he becomes leader of the new colony - Roanoke. His interactions with the other colonists, his family, the central government, the military and aliens build into a tale of politics and the future of humanity in the universe.

Good stuff, I like the way Scalzi writes. Interesting thoughts on aggression. peace and the place of people in the universe. Now all I need to do is get my hands on Zoe's Tale - the next in the series.

I'm enjoying your reviews of the Old Man's War series. Scalzi is one of my favorite SF authors these days.

I definitely recommend The Sagan Diary, which is a novella set between The Ghost Brigades and The Last Colony. The audiobook is available online, as is the text, if you don't mind reading on the computer.

oh good!!! We have such similar reading tastes.. I am glad that you are liking Awakening. :)

Hi calm, of your recent reads, I am most intrigued by Citadels of Mystery. I see that it has an avg rating of 3.5 stars so I've wishlisted it. Did you find it to be informative or a bunch of hooey?

I certainly hope your health issues improve and although I miss your comments around the neighborhood I completely understand your dilemma. Above all, take care of yourself first!

Yes, take care of yourself and feel better...

Hi Blue - nice to see you here. The Scalzi's are a good read but I've now exhausted my local libraries collection:(
Unfortunately I don't get on with reading books on line but I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for more of his work.

Kath - It's one of the perks of LT - finding people with similar taste and discovering new authors. Have you read any more of her work? I'm pleased to say that the local library has two of her other books for me to read sometime.

Lynda - Citadels is a very interesting read, I think I might give it 4 stars. de Camp looks at twelve ancient sites around the world and talks about the myths (and some of the more "crackpot" theories) that have been built up around them; the history of their discoveries; the explorers, antiquarians and archaeologists involved; and tries too present as good an explanation for their existence as he can. I'm sure that other people have written at greater length about all the places but as a brief overview this does work very well. I had heard of eleven of the twelve sites before (the only exception was Nan Matol, in the Caroline Islands) and I can't really quibble with what he has to say about them. The only issue is that this was published in the 1960's, originally, and archaeology and thoughts have moved on since then, but I still enjoyed it. My copy is from 1972 and includes a postscript about further thoughts on Atlantis and Stonehenge following some more archaeological discoveries. I'm sure that if there is a more up-to-date version it would be worth tracking down.

I think I just wrote my review! - at least it will do for now:)

Angela - thanks for the thought. I'll do my best to get better ... at least as far as I can:(

As I said earlier I had to go to town today, so as always I got my treats:)

From the library Stephen Erikson's Dust of Dreams - the latest is now available at the library and I don't think I got around to reading this one yet, so I'll read this and pick up the new one next time I go into town.

From the charity shops:-
The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra
and The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson

calm - I read a lot of threads, I just am uncomfortable commenting when I don't feel like I have something to say :) The audiobook of The Sagan Diary is pretty good, too. I know what you mean about reading books online, though, I don't like it much either. Good luck hunting down more of his books!

I'm interested to hear you thoughts on The New York Trilogy. I just read it for a book club and was the only one who liked it.
Sending good vibes and hope you feel better soon!

have not, but plan to :)

I am going to dodge every book bullet on this thread, since I am not even go to attempt to catch up :)

blue - I'm the same ... though sometimes I just stare at the computer trying to think of something to say ... then don't post anything:(

Karen - thanks for the good vibes:) I must admit that The New York Trilogy is one I'm not sure about ... well written but I'm still not clear in my head about what I am going to say. I'd put it at about three and a half stars and (for once) I'm going to look at what other people's reviews say about it and see if that helps get it straight in my head.

Kath - ditto - I think I'll put Sacrifice (her debut) on hold at the library in the next month or two.

Stasia - I don't blame you, it is just good to have you back. Take care of yourself and only do as much as you want! Absolutely no pressure about keeping up and having to go back six weeks on all the 75ers threads would be crazy ... the Black Hole would explode:)

ahhhh The Shetlands... lol Sacrifice takes place there .. I have been thinking about that one myself :)

As recommended by Kath!



42) Awakening by S J Bolton (30 - 31 March)

Not one for anyone who has a phobia of snakes! I found this a real page turner. The central character, Clara, lives a reclusive life in a small Dorset village concentrating on her work as a wild animal rescue vet but when she receives a panicked phone call about a snake she is drawn into village life. Snakes are behaving strangely and it all seems to point to an incident in the village fifty years previously.

An engaging central character and a page turning plot means that this was a compelling read for me. Definitely an author I'll be reading more of.

Kath - the plot and location of Sacrifice definitely appeal to me and I liked Bolton as a writer, a very good mystery:)

Re message #198 and George Eliot, the only two of hers I've read are Silas Marner which, like you, I enjoyed very much (must be about 20 years ago I read it), and Middlemarch, also v good, read about 15 years back. I like you aim to include one classic read a month - a good way of getting to those books we tend to think 'I must read that one day' but never actually do!

The Awakening definitely sounds like something I would enjoy, so I placed it on my wishlist. Thanks for the review.

Awakening is now in the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, calm!

some spring for you :)


glitter-graphics.com

Genny - Middlemarch seems to be a popular one. I'll have to get to it someday!

chinquapin and Stasia - if Kath hadn't read it first I wouldn't have even known about it:) So the credit is all hers!

Lovely flutterbys Kara, nice to have a touch of spring. It's gone very cold, wet and windy here again could definitely do with some blue skies and sun.

One book finished since I was last here but it was a bit meh, thoughts coming soon. But I'm now reading a nine hundred page tome, When Christ and his Saints Slept, and a nonfiction that seems to be taking a long time to read so it will be a while before I finish that one:) So things will be a bit quiet here until I finish those.

and I got it from .. are you ready? An Amazon recommends list.. lol
For a change they got it right!

Nice to know that Amazon is good for something:)

43) The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra (31 March - 3 April)

When I saw this book it sounded like something I would enjoy, the story of a Seventeenth century bi-locating nun and a modern conspiracy theory. The Lady in Blue appeared to natives in New Mexico while the Roman Catholic church was trying to convert them, this miracle led them to search out the missionaries. In the 1990's a woman is having recurring dreams about a lady in blue; a Roman Catholic priest is involved in some secret experiment and a Spanish journalist is exploring the history of the lady in blue.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story more than the contemporary strands and there were touches of promise in the story. In the end, I think that this was an intriguing idea but unfortunately not very well executed. I think there are too many strands that do not come together in a satisfactory manner and the conclusion seems to be a bit of a damp squib. Oh well, they can't all be winners.

oh poo...
and by your review it did sound promising :)
better luck next time :)

Kara - no question about better luck next time - I'm reading a Sharon Penman, very good solid historical fiction - so no disappointments there:)

The Lady in Blue ...yeah.. I gave it 2.5 stars

#188 Miss Smilla has gone on my wishlist.

#198 I'm very impressed you found The Way of Kings in a charity shop! He's planning 10 books in the series I think.

#213 I'll be interested in your thoughts on Dust of Dreams. I've heard lots about the Malazan series, but I'm wary of starting such a long, unfinished fantasy series (the reason I have also avoided the Wheel of Time and A Song of Ice and Fire series so far).

#231 Hope you enjoy the Penman. I found The Sunne in Splendour in the local charity shop recently and I'm looking forward to reading it... soon?

Kath - I'm pleased it wasn't just me:) Promising subject but ...!

Hi Heather - hope you enjoy Miss Smilla

10! Oh well I guess it's staying on the TBR shelves for a long time:) I'm not too interested in starting an unfinished series.

I'm enjoying the Malazan series - I started it before I put a stop to starting unfinished series, though I haven't read any for the last couple of years. I'm at the stage of my life where I'm waiting for more to be published. It's another chunkster though so I'm not sure when I'll get to it ... before the due date hopefully:)

I've got Sunne in Splendour on my TBR shelves as well ... sometime:) So many good books out there!

Too bad about The Lady in Blue. I think I will give the book a pass.

I found my Sharon Kay Penman books last night when I was working in my library, but I think it is going to be a bit before I get to them yet.

Awakening sounds interesting and snakes don't bother me a bit (I work with them) so I think I'll give this one a try. :)

I hope you are feeling better, you're still in my thoughts and prayer!

glitter-graphics.com

More apologies for not visiting or updating my thread.

Stasia - I think that's a good one to pass on, pleased to not be adding to the Black Hole:)

I think the Penman's need some concentrated attention - wonderful historical fiction but they are a big read!

Rachel - wow ... working with snakes ... that must be an interesting job. I hope if you read Awakening there aren't any facts that strike you as wrong, having a specialists knowledge:)

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I'm just finding it very hard to kick the blues, I should be able to do it (I've had plenty of practice) but I'm .... feeling rather unconnected with things at the moment.

Kara - cute, thanks for stopping by:)

Time to try to update my recent reads!

44) China edited by Edward L. Shaughnessy (28 March - 11 April)

Four thousand years of Chinese history beautifully presented, lavishly illustrated and succinctly described. There is a lot of information here and as an overview of Chinese history - political; religious and cultural - it is well worth reading. Although this is probably better as a reference work rather than a straight read.

I found the format rather short and choppy on each theme described - as each theme is broken up into shorter sections of between two and four pages. Several people wrote the different chapters and, in my opinion, certain bits are better than others. There is an extensive bibliography so, if any of the different aspects described catch your interest, there are plenty of ideas for further reading.

45) When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman (3 - 12 April)

This is true epic historical fiction. Twelfth Century Europe is a political battleground and the focus of this novel is the conflict between Stephen and his cousin Maude over who should rule England after the death of Henry I. The torn loyalties of various nobles means that the civil war engulfs England.

Penman humanises this conflict, mainly through the eyes of Ranulf (a fictional illegitimate son of Henry), half brother to Maude and also related to Stephen. Good story-telling; interesting characters and a fascinating period of history combine to provide a well written study of the period.

Hi calm! It is tough to keep up to date isn't it? Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods.

The Penman sound's rather interesting, I'll jot it down but I've got way too many books lined up so it won't be anytime soon.
Is it springlike by you?It's cold, rainy and dreary over here and if I don't get some sunshine soon I'm going to whither.

Lynda.. I think it is something in the air.. so many people are struggling with
mood related issues right now.. including myself. Hope we all get it sorted soon..

Very interesting looking books, you have been reading.. not light reading by any means!

Hi Lynda - I'm reading (threads and books!) but just don't feel like communicating:(

Penman is a very good writer, no hurry - books are patient:)

Yes it's spring here - blue skies; tweeting birds; the lilac is blooming and the lawn is full of dandelions! Hope the weather improves for you soon - it's been a horrible winter!

Hi Kath - I also noticed that lots of people are struggling. I hope things improve for you and everyone else soon.

About the reading - I'm feeling so disconnected from life that I'm trying to find something absorbing and time consuming; something to make me think ... and hopefully feel! I think I'm getting there:)

46) The Game by A. S. Byatt (12 - 15 April)

Thoughts pending!

47) Rose Madder by Stephen King (15 - 17 April)

Unless you live under a rock you probably know what to expect from Stephen King - a touch of horror; a touch of the supernatural and a page turning plot. In Rose Madder an abused wife tries to escape from her husband and to rebuild her life. In a pawn shop she has an instant attraction to a painting.

What I liked about this novel were the characters, both Rose and Norman seem fully alive; the other characters have their own lives and backgrounds. The abuse is disturbingly described and Rose's actions read as plausible. Norman's hunt for his runaway wife is compellingly readable, though scary. The supernatural elements are almost dream like to begin with and build to a horrific conclusion.

All in all, if you fancy a scare, you probably won't go wrong reading this one.

I am sorry you've been feeling blue and hope that your mood lifts soon, and you are free to enjoy life fully again soon. I am grateful you feel able to post here and stay in touch with us all.

There is a Green Dragon "Do Nothing But Read" day on Saturday and as the stumbling, newbie, host I'd like to extend my personal invitation to join us. No pressures. Just reading. Sign up here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/114276

Hi Karen - I'm lurking in a lot of places and I noticed the Green Dragon "Do Nothing But Read" day. I'm leaving it to the last minute to decide whether I can take part ... my concentration isn't too hot at the moment and I seem to be able to read only in bed!

Might be a good idea to curl up with a pile of books, the cats and a laptop ... we'll see:)

OK, just know you are welcome: The Rules are Your Own! Read as much or as little as you would like.

Well I did take part in the DNBR day and have completed a few more books ... oops:)

As I don't want the thread police to come a-knocking I'm moving over here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/114942

Hope to see you there:)