GCPLreader's book journal 2011--Jenny's beginnings

Hi all-- please call me Jenny

K-- a little nervous..I'm not especially verbose but I'm willing to give it a go. :o)

I read a bit over 200 books in 2010. I average 2 -3 books a week (mostly weekends) and lots and lots in June and July (2 of the 3 best reasons to be a teacher!)

Here are my top reads from 2010 in no particular order:

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor
The Iliad by Homer
Ransom by David Malouf
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
Music and Silence by Rose Tremain
Being Dead by Jim Crace
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Amongst Women by John McGahern
Saturday by Ian McEwan
Room by Emma Donoghue
Big Girls Don't Cry: The Election that Changed Everything for American Women by Rebecca Traister
Under this Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

fantastic rereads:

The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jenny- Congrats on starting your first thread! Yah! Why did you start it over here and not on the 75? Just curious. As long as I can find you, that's all that matters.
I love your top reads list. I just landed a copy of Being Dead. I've heard great things about the Shriver book. I already have a couple books of his in the stacks.
I wish I could read 200 books!

I've yet to start a thread, but I wanted to welcome you here and tell you that Brooklyn was one of my favorite books from last year. My first by Toibin, though now a couple of others are waiting for me on my shelves.

Thea, thanks for stopping by. Brooklyn was just one of those books for me that I wanted to hug each time I picked it up. I see you're reading The Brothers Karamazov. I've longlisted that but would love to hear if you recommend.

Mark, great to have you pay a visit! Have you not read any Lionel Shriver? (she's a woman, believe it or not!). Her novel We Need to Talk About Kevin is my favorite book since joining LT!! I had such a good cry while reading her newest. --I love a good cry! ---is that only a girl thing?

I definitely can echo your point about teacher's reading habits. I find that most of the books I read get finished over Christmas, spring, and summer break. I watch most of my movies on the shorter, Monday holidays. The typical school week is just to hectic for much "me time."

Jenny- Yes, I spaced that about Shriver being a woman, although that name keeps tripping you up. I have We Need to Talk in the stacks and I also have The Post Birthday World. I need to get to her!

fuzzy, thank you for your message. Isn't it great tonight not to have that "oh, no, gotta do my plans" stress we usually feel on Sundays?! Enjoy your vacation time.

Mark, The Post Birthday World was surprisingly good, too. The only quibble I have is that a Snooker player is an important character and I wasn't at all into reading about some sport that is awfully dull. But, wow, can she write! YouTube's showing a bit of a video showing the filming of WNTTAK with the interesting lead actors of Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly. Hopefully it will be released 2011. I like Swinton in the mother's role. She's smart enough to speak the (dictionary often consulted) words of Shriver.

Jaimy Gordon's Lord of Misrule is on hold for me at the library, so I may make that my first entry for the new year. I do tend to look for award winning novels, and, for the most part, they usually turn out to be good.

I borrow all of the books that I read from the public library (sorry authors). I just find it so convenient to go online and have them pull the books for me. (And I'm cheap!) Now, sadly, this means that I can't read all the books that I save to my tbr list..... perhaps someday I'll break down and order something off Amazon. :o)

Challenges I’d like to meet for 2011---

1. Read more books from 3rd world authors (especially latin america)
2. Read more tomes
3. Russian literature
4. All 11 *rereads

Hi Jenny, I guess I'll venture into "Club Read" territory to follow your reading this year. I hope you'll pay return visits to me over here on my new 2011 thread on the 75-Book Challenge.

Right now it's just general chatter, but the book talk will begin in earnest on January 1st. I'm toying with the idea of starting with a brand-new thread, but if I do, I'll be sure to post a link. It's easy to get lost over there!

I remember those precious days of winter vacation, topped only by spring and the oh-so-wonderful summer vacations. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and get lots of reading done.

Hi Jenny, I saw over on Donna's thread that you had just started a thread. I see your books pop up alot on my home page because we have similar libraries.

I love Lionel Shriver and had no idea they were making a movie of We Need to Talk About Kevin. I hope they do a good job with it. I like both Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly. WNTTAK was properly my favorite Shriver but I also liked The Post Birthday World and I have a copy of So Much For That that I haven't gotten to yet. Glad it was one of your favorites in 2010. I picked up a used copy of The Female of the Species which was one of her earlier books which I didn't like at all but I tossed that up to her just starting out.

I've got you starred. Happy reading in 2011.

Donna, lovely to see you here! You were the first person on LT that I ever talked to, and I've always admired your taste and kind personality. would you recommend a latin american novel for me that's literary and plot rich and not too heavy with magic realism? thanks, hon

Hi Pat!-- you must hurry up and read the new Shriver. so good-- It's only been a year and a half since I read WNTTAK and I think I'm ready for a reread!

I had no idea, Jenny. Your kind words made my day...well that, and the fact that the big Christmas Eve dinner is at my brother's house and not here!

...would you recommend a latin american novel for me that's literary and plot rich and not too heavy with magic realism?

That's a tough one since the first one that pops to mind is one you've already read - Love in the Time of Cholera. How about something by Isabel Allende? The House of the Spirits is my favorite of hers and will be in my Top Ten this year. I also liked The Hummingbird's Daughter (set in Mexico) by Luis Urrea.

Enjoy your holiday...and the quality reading time of a vacation from 5th graders!

thanks, Donna and Merry Christmas to all my friends out there. Here's my favorite Christmas song from my favorite Christmas movie Love Actually!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azcimpWgCT0&feature=fvwrel

That was a treat, Jenny. Thanks for the song and video. I need to see that movie!

Merry Christmas to you too, Jenny. Hope you're enjoying your celebration!

I spent my day goofing off trying to create a book blog. here's what I have so far

http://jennysbookblog2011.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

Santa (that's my bf Jim) brought me a Kindle.-- I don't know...it's so cold and flat in my hands! But today I tried it in the tub and it was pretty awesome. Looked for cheap downloads, so I went with Kindred which is okay, (33% through-- I need page numbers!) but I hear the 2nd half gets really good.

I also loved The Sun Also Rises and Freedom! It looks like we have similar taste. I'm excited to see what you have to say in 2011.

A Kindle in the tub! My, you are a brave woman - or maybe you have no natural butter finger tendencies like some of us (me).

Hi Jenny. Many people feel the same way about the kindle. They buy a cover for it so it won't be naked. I like a soft cover for mine. You want to put it in a couple of zip-lock bags if you are going to read it in the tub!

Have fun!

k4k

lol, Pawz, today I played Scrabble on it in the tub for almost an hour! Hey, I looked through your catalog and I finally found a fellow Uhtred Bernard Cornwell lover! He's my sexy fictional hero crush and Cornwell just can't churn out those Saxon Tales fast enough for me. Also, I found your Kindle tag and will keep it in mind when I need to order books. :o)

A Bernard Cornwell fan - yay! I love BC's stuff and his Saxon stories are among my favorites. I also love his Arthur series. You had me shivering a little bit there at the idea of playing Scrabble in the tub for an hour - all I could think of was all that water going cold while you played, but I guess it is a little better in GA than it is up here in MA, temperature-wise.

au contraire..lol...Georgia is freezing and I soaked in the hot bath to warm up :o)

Happy New Year to Me and all fellow book lovers! Ok, I know I'm about 3 hours premature, but I'm posting my first review of the year. :o)
review posted here

1.
Title, author: Any Human Heart by William Boyd
Genre: literary fiction, journal
Pages: 498
Where did I hear about this book? Books on the Nightstand podcast

Plot summary: Logan Mountstuart keeps a journal of his 85 year life that spans every decade of the 20th century. He leads a remarkable international life as a writer, WWII spy, and art dealer and meets many of the most famous people of the 20th century including Hemingway, Picasso, and the abdicated Edward VIII. It wasn’t easy to root for this greatly flawed, selfish man, but what the (real!) author does so brilliantly is show us Logan’s growth as a human being. My favorite section is the end of his life as he retires to France and reflects on his loves and the luck he’s had.
I would recommend this novel to the patient reader who would be pleased with a gentle, slow, complete life of a (maybe not so) ordinary man.

Rating: 4 stars
Favorite Quote: I will open a chill bottle of white wine and take it out and sit under the big chestnut and drink a toast to Logan Mountstuart. Every decade. All my ups and downs. My personal rollercoaster. Not so much a rollercoaster--a rollercoaster’s too smooth--a yo-yo, rather--a jerking, spinning toy in the hands of a maladroit child, more like, trying too hard, too impatiently eager to learn how to operate his new yo-yo.
Connections: reminded me a bit of Little Big Man!

Great review, Jenny, and I've wishlisted it! I like William Boyd and haven't read anything by him in a long time.

Happy New Year!

thank you, Pat! this is my first Boyd novel and will definitely try another--please recommend your favorite of his that you've read. :o)

pat on the back to me for tackling that whole HTML mumbo jumbo and ending up with a decent looking pic! I didn't quite get the link right--doesn't jump to the exact post. I put the # sign in front of the last number listed in the URL, but then I'm reading something about holding the pointer over the flag option to find the number of the specific review?? helllllllllllp! (donna will know this for sure!)

It's been awhile since I've read William Boyd's books but I remember liking The Blue Afternoon the best. I also liked New Confessions and Armadillo.

Wish I could help with the HTML stuff but I kind of just stumble through that and have never successfully posted a book cover.

>27 GCPLreader:-28 - Over in the 75 Books Challenge Group for 2011, TadAD has posted a most valuable HTML tutorial thread, if you need some well-explained help. :)

http://www.librarything.com/topic/80911

A great TV adaptation of Any Human Heart was shown in the UK recently with the wonderful Jim Broadbent as the older Logan. Thanks for the review of the book - I might have to add it to my wishlist.

Happy New Year Jenny! Good review of Any Human Heart. I also remember hearing this one on Books on the Nightstand. Isn't that a fantastic podcast? I never miss it. BTW- I have never read William Boyd.

Fanny, I will try the instructions again with my next entry. I'm sure I'll have more success when the New Year's Eve margaritas aren't in my system..lol!

Charlotte, I'll have to be patient and wait for my BBC America cable channel to carry it. Was it a long, multi-part mini-series? I love Jim Broadbent especially from Iris and Enchanted April so I know it'll be great. Speaking of BBC America, I just watched an excellent movie the other night about Bob Geldof's struggle to organize Live Aid. oh, and one of the commercials for the network announced that The Tudors (from Showtime) will be coming to the BBC!!! yum!

Mark, I've had mostly hits from Ann and Michael's recommendations on BOTN. Michael's books are usually quite cerebral-- so beware! and of course, he's a lover of graphic novels like you!

>32 GCPLreader:, It was on Channel 4 not BBC but I don't know if that makes it more easily available for overseas viewers. It was three hour-long episodes I think.

Jenny- Yes, I've added many titles to the WL, by listening to BOTNS. As a matter of fact, Kindness nudged me in the direction of graphics, with his high praise of Stitches, which became my first venture into this amazing format.

Any Human Heart is added to the Giant Freaking Wishlist. Good review.

Jenny! Already 35 posts on your thread and the new year has only just begun? And you read 200 books a year? Oh, dear! I am not worthy!

Interesting to see that you liked Super Sad True Love Story. I wasn't initially attracted to it, but I recently heard Shteyngart interviewed on Eleanor Wachtel's CBC show "Writer's and Company" and found him quite interesting. I mentally added the book to my TBR and would hope that I get to it this year.

Welcome!

Thanks for the best kindle discussion I've read on LT yet!

wow, so many new friends! (please correct me if I get your first names wrong)

Charlotte, thank you for stopping by. I was really caught up in the book and learned some interesting true history along the way. The bit about the duke and duchess of Windsor in the Bahamas during WWII was entirely new to me--and intriguing.

Teresa, I probably do read too much but it suits me at this stage of my life. I just loved the Shteyngart (spell that 3 times fast!) novel. The character of Lenny will really win your heart.

Lois, I'm about to throw that damn kindle into the fire so I can get some real reading done. (Scrabble is awfully addictive!)

almost finished with my 2nd read of the year and it seems to be a total, shocking disappointment... stay tuned

oh, I hate it, hate it, hate it, when an anticipated novel lets me down. I know it's just me--not nearly smart enough for this one

2.

Title, author: Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon
Genre: literary fiction
Pages: 294
Where did I hear about this book? National Book Award Winner 2010

Plot summary: Tommy and Maggie dream of making their fortune at a backwoods, last-stop horse track in West Virginia. Their seedy schemes are no match for the rules of the track and the shady gangsters who finance it. The rules of the track? Don’t ask me to explain. I knew next to nothing about horse racing going in (shame on me a Kentucky girl!) and am still utterly confused going out.

see the rest of my review here

Rating: 2.5 stars
Favorite Quote: For he like the frizzly hair girl a little better now. Old Deucey had spied into the heart of this young woman and seen there slavery of the man-woman kind. Medicine Ed could see the chains on the girl. They were thick and heavy as railroad couplings, but they lay in a loose necklace round her neck and shoulders. She was no little bitty silky thing. The weight of them chains had raised muscles on her. She had a long bird neck with strong cords in it, and square shoulders. And Medicine Ed saw this: While the young fool ain’t looking--suddenly he had something else, probably the money he fixing to lose, on his mind-- the frizzly hair girl lifted the heavy chains off her shoulders like a daisy chain and laid them down again. She stepped out from the place where the young fool thought she was and run away on goofered feet up into the clubhouse, gone to play some other horse than the master play. She was a slave but she had the power to ride the grandstand just like the master do, if she see her chance.

Connections: reminded me a bit of (the much better IMO) Winter's Bone

I picked up Lord of Misrule at the bookstore and read the first page. It wasn't grabbing me and I put it down. It does sound like it would be hard to get into. I might try it from the library. Thumbs up from me on your review.

Welcome Jenny. Your thread is rolling along already! Great to have you.

Jenny- That's disappointing! A friend at work just received Lord of Misrule for a Christmas gift and of course I planned on borrowing it, after hearing some glowing reports.

GCPLreader@39,

I lived in Lexington for six years (age 12-18) and I don't know anything about racing either.

Jenny - Thanks for the review. I have been interested in Lord of Misrule but am glad I haven't picked it up yet. Think I'll wait and see on this one...

hey pat, mark, jane, duke, and katie!...yes, let's wait and see how others in our group respond.... you know how it is, some books just don't gel for some readers :o)

well, my vacation has come to an end (sigh) and I'm back to my kiddos tomorrow-- kinda miss them! 27 out-of-their-mind 11 year olds!.. should be fun!!

>25 GCPLreader:: Jenny, I am a patient reader (most of the time anyway) so Any Human Heart looks good to me. I bought this used at The Tattered Cover last August so I guess it looked good to me then, too!

>29 fannyprice:: Yup, Tad can explain that HTML stuff a lot better than I can. I had much trouble posting the pics on my thread last night. I need to read up on "resizing."

I hope your first day back with the 5th graders went well today. I always found them much more subdued after vacations. Just think, spring break to look forward to!

"Just think, spring break to look forward to!"

Yeah, and those Monday holidays. I'm lucky, because, as a private tutor, I can take all the holidays, and days off, that the schools do. Jenny, my best friend teaches 4th grade. She loves it, because she can get into subjects more deeply (she used to teach kindergarten) and the kids are still sweet.

Hey Donna, you were right about them being subdued!...now if they'd only unsubdue their pencils! I did think of you when I recommended Any Human Heart--seems right for you.

Bonnie, you're right--the curriculum is much more interesting. I did a lesson on the Spanish-American War today, and as I was teaching, I was learning it all too! All the historical fiction I read I think really helps me set the scene for my lessons. (shame 5th graders don't study the Tudors!)

My second Kindle download is The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton and I'm just loving it so far. --amazing details! Also reading Take One Candle Light a Room which I'm undecided about.

>48 GCPLreader:, After reading The House of Mirth at the end of last year, I am in love with Edith Wharton. I've got too much else on my plate right now to start another, but I'm excited to read more of her work. And the fact that it's free and immediate on Kindle is AMAZING!

Isn't this cover lovely? Looks like the dress from one of my favorites--The Dress Lodger!

3. Title, author: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Genre: Classic American Literature
Pages: 336
Where did I hear about this book? Pulitzer Prize 1921
Plot summary: I generally don’t like to read novels for films that I love. I want to be able to visualize the characters and setting from the author’s words, not from the director’s vision. But in this case, I admit that my reading of The Age of Innocence was greatly influenced by the beautiful Scorsese film. I’ve watched it many times and every word I read brought to mind the gorgeous detailed settings, costumes, and characters. Poor (rich) Newland Archer must conform to the stifling world of his upper class society’s strict moral codes of conduct. He is engaged to May Welland, a seemingly naïve young woman who accepts their small, insular world without question. But when Newland meets her cousin, the scandalous Countess Olenska, his world turns upside down. I just loved how each character was so multi-layered. Would I have loved this novel as much without the crutch of the film? Perhaps not, I‘ve been hit and miss with the other two Wharton novels I‘ve read-- I never could engage fully with The House of Mirth -- I do love the stark beauty of Ethan Frome.-- so who knows!
Favorite Quote: Though her loveliness was an encouragement to admiration, her conversation was a chill to repartee.
Rating: 5 stars!

I do love that cover! Such an impossibly thin waist.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I can't remember if I've read The Age of Innocence (or maybe started it but didn't finish it). It probably would have been about the time the movie came out.

Anyway, I liked your review and will* try this one again.

*ETA: I just saw your 5 star rating and changed "may" to "will".

Jenny- Great review! I read this one back in the early 90s and remember loving it. The film version is very good too! Actually I loved House of Mirth too!

Nice review! I, too, love The Age of Innocence, and I'll admit publicly that The House of Mirth is one of my least-favorite books - ever. So you're not alone!

Hi. I have liked a lot of your favorite books and am interested in most of the ones I haven't read yet, so it looks like we have some tastes in common, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello.

I was interested to see you were reading Kindred - I read it last year and found it really fascinating as well as thought provoking - what did you think in the end (if you've finished it now)?

Also interested to see that you are a scrabble addict. Do you play against the computer or against other people? My sister (in Ohio) and I (in London) play pretty much every day on a free site called wabble.org -it has a little chat box built in, so really we have a long chat with a game of scrabble on the side!

Oh, and you shouldn't apologize for borrowing books from the library - don't authors get a small payment per borrow? They do in the UK, anyway. And you keep libraries going, keeping librarians in jobs and keeping books free for those who can't afford to buy them!

I don't have a thread in this group yet (but I am thinking about it), but I am over in the 75-book group if you want to stop by.

Pat, do give The Age of Innocence another try-- so lovely!

Mark, great to hear from you. Guess what book I picked up at the library earlier this week?-- Lonesome Dove!-- so excited-- I think I've told you before that it may well be my favorite television ever! Can't wait to read McMurtry's writing to see the brilliant imagination that created Gus and Woodrow.

Tracy, ahhh.. a like mind! I'll follow your thread to see what else we agree on.

Janet, I did finish Kindred right after Christmas. Quite good, wasn't it? I like how she handled the time travel (whereas in Doomsday Book I thought the time travel element was overexplained and got in the way). And yes, lol, I'm still playing a lot of Scrabble. The AI opponent might come up with longer, more obscure words than me, but (he/she/it?--I'll say she!) she doesn't have a clue when it comes to using the DL,TL, DW bonus areas! How wonderful to see that you and your sister stay connected in this way! Fascinating to hear that in the UK authors are paid based on how often their books are checked out of the library. My meager Google research seems to show that sadly that is not the case here. But perhaps by my posting reviews here, in a small way I am able to get them some more sales! I'm heading over to your thread right away!--thanks for stopping by :o)

I've abandoned my read of Take One Candle, Light a Room. I gave it a hundred pages-- but there were just too many flashbacks and too many characters-- may revisit it again-- but not now-- too many exciting books on my nightstand.

I'm currently reading the well-reviewed new dystopian novel The Windup Girl. It's set in Thailand and seems to be about genetically engineered people and foods (and giant elephants!)-- fingers crossed that I'll love it!

I'm enjoying the free books on my iPad too! (Supposed to be reading Wuthering Heights for the read-a-thon, but have reading the paper and threads instead.) I was mostly just using it for work and reading LT postings, then downloaded a few games for my mom to try out (I'm trying to entice her) and now I'm spending way too much time playing Hearts and trying to beat my computer at Scrabble--not so easy since I'm an absolute beginner. If anybody wants to feel like a genius, you can play against me.

Bonnie, lol, I can totally relate. I've forced myself to play only one game each time I turn it on and then immediately return to my book!

Jenny- I'm very excited about you reading Lonesome Dove for the 1st time! Very cool! This book is in my TOP 5.
I'm planning on doing a "Fantasy February" over on the 75 and The Windup Girl is one of the books I plan to read. We'll exchange notes!

>55 GCPLreader: Jenny: I finished The Windup Girl near the end of 2010, and enjoyed it. I think, perhaps, Bacigalupi could've given the reader a bit more background information about his world a bit earlier in the book, but it's a minor quibble in a good read.

…and now for something completely different--

4.
Title, author: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
Genre: science fiction, dystopian
Pages: 359
Where did I hear about this book? Always looking for good dystopian lit. This one won the Hugo Award 2010 (TIE: The City & The City, China Miéville-- want to try this one too!)

Plot summary: Talk about complicated! This novel is set in the distant future where the oil reserves have dried up and food blight has caused mass starvation. Anderson is an American businessman who’s traveled (travel options--dirigibles or clipper ships) to Thailand to run a factory that manufactures kink-springs (some sort of mechanism that can store joules of energy) and to secretly search for the Thai seedbank to secure new food sources for the most important resource to sustain life--calories. Anderson is not really the main character; the author follows the story of 4 or 5 others who must survive the madness that the world has become. And best of all is Emiko-- a genetically engineered Windup New Person who is designed to serve. Emiko’s story fascinated me as she found her inner strengths to escape her degrading life.

Did I like it? Well, it was a tough read. The author may have had the whole thing figured out, but I definitely did not (never did understand the whole algae thing, for example). And yet I couldn’t put it down. The drama builds and builds and builds to a thrilling climax. I’ll never forget Emiko and this strange, terrible, genetically altered world.

Favorite Quote: There is a place for windups. The knowledge tingles within her. A reason to live.
Rating: 4 stars

ooooh, Mark, I can't wait for you to read it! quite a ride! do you think I should read the Miéville for your fantasy february?

Tracy, you're completely right. I don't read a lot of science fiction-- most of the dystopian stuff I like is more survival/character driven-- and this had a lot of science. But I'm glad I stuck with it. totally loved the Emiko storyline!

Great review of The Windup Girl. It's definitely on my list for later this year.

Jenny- I only glanced at your review but I am pumped about reading this one. I'm not sure The City & The City is dystopian, it's more an alternate history. It's tough
to describe but I did like it.

60 - Sounds great...and nice review.

One Amazing Thing?--well, not so much

5.
Title, author: One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: literary fiction
Pages: 220
Where did I hear about this book? NPR website

Plot summary: An earthquake occurs in an unnamed American city. In the basement offices of an Indian immigration/passport office, about 10 survivors are trapped. Needless to say, nerves are rattled and tempers flare, so one young woman suggests each person tell a story of their lives--that one amazing thing that they’ve experienced-- to “focus our minds on something compelling.”
Good premise for a novel. But what didn’t work for me was the narration of the stories. Each character was so different, from an elderly Chinese woman to a young Muslim man, yet all I could hear was the voice of the author. The stories are frequently interrupted by the strains of the possible collapse of the building that they are trapped in, and I found it difficult to come to love these people who never quite felt fully developed. It’s a short novel and the ending is left up to our speculations. I’m sure I would have preferred a neat ending with the characters having found their salvation and formed bonds of friendship with each other… but, that of course, is the author’s prerogative. Not bad, but definitely not “amazing”.

Rating: 3 stars

Snow Day Today--no school! I'm sure my students, who are mostly from Latino immigrant families, are enjoying this!

Mark, I'm sure I'll come up with a good fantasy read for February.

Janet, do you read much scifi? It's fun every once in a while to break out of our comfort zones and try new genres.

Jane, thank you for your compliment! :o)

Funny you should ask about scifi. In college I read a bunch recommended by a gang of my friends who were heavily into it. Then I didn't read much of it for 30 years (I didn't avoid it, just didn't actively seek it out - read Pullmann's trilogy and probably other things considered sci fi along the way). When I joined LT one of the first threads I came across was Max (can't remember his full LT name at the moment - sorry, Max), who was reading some really interesting sounding scifi, including some of the ones I remembered loving when I was young. So I asked him for some suggestions and got some good ones, both from him and a few other people who chipped in. So last year I did read a few, and have some more planned for this year. Most are authors I hadn't heard of before, like Mieville, Tepper and Bacigalupi, so it's exciting. Some have worked well, some less well, but I agree, it is nice to try something different every now and then. Do you have any recommendations for me?

no...lol, I was asking because I don't read sci fi either! I have one other book in my (virtual) library that I tagged science fiction--Memoirs of an Invisible Man by H. F. Saint which I do strongly recommend. There was a terrible movie of it with Chevy Chase, but ignore that. :o)

oh, and I remembered A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick, which I listened to on CD read by Paul Giamatti--amazing story!

trying not to go out of my mind with 3rd straight day of school cancelled (and tomorrow will be another snow day--just announced!) Terrible icy roads here are keeping me housebound. Thank the Lord for a teetering high stack of good books on the nightstand!

Just finished a great read!

6.

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall

Genre: literary fiction, family drama
Pages: 602
Where did I hear about this book? Best Fiction of 2010-- Entertainment Weekly and Publisher's Weekly

Loved this family drama of Golden Richards and his 4 wives and 28 children. Things are falling apart in his multiple households, but Golden is in the throws of depression and keeps his distance. Alternating storylines follow his misadventures on the jobsite as he must keep secrets of his building of a brothel and his falling in love with a beautiful Guatemalan woman, the unhappiness and disconnectedness of his 4th wife, and, best of all, the story of Rusty, also known as son #5--"The Family Terrorist". There's a lot of humor here and some terrific writing. As a former fundamentalist Christian myself, I'm always drawn to stories of people who live a faith-based life outside the popular culture. These characters are well-drawn and I really came to care about them and root for their happiness. Don't miss this!

rating: 4.5 stars

favorite quotes: Though Golden's weeping is contained, it seems to him there are gusts of fouled air escaping his mouth and nose, sludge water leaking from his eyes, and only when it is all gone, when he is spent and emptied out enough to be allowed a single though, does he understand that he is a changed person; his old self, that tattered, shitty thing he never knew he so much despised, has been tossed aside.

In a family so vast, in a family so forbidding, there must be ways to cut things down to their proper size. Such a life cannot abide individuals, only groups, and if you are not a member of a group, if you are on your own, well then, God help you.

He could see the framed needlepoint above the mantel, "Families Are Forever", and wondered if the slogan was meant as a promise or a threat.

For most affairs, this eventually becomes the most fundamental of questions, the only one that matters: Do we love each other more than the lives we already have?

>50 GCPLreader:: I share your high opinion of The Age of Innocence, Jenny. I'm looking forward to reading more Wharton for the class I'm taking. We're going to read The House of Mirth at the end of the semester. I'll let you know what I think. I'm trying to keep an open mind about it. ;-)

>69 GCPLreader:: It looks like you're getting much reading done during your snow days. Will you have to make these up at the end of the year when the weather is so nice in Atlanta?

I've had The Lonely Polygamist in my Dream book for awhile now. I hate the cover, but it's what's inside that counts, right?

#69: I can sympathize with you; I finally made it home today after sleeping for four straight nights in the hospital (CHOA @ Scottish Rite), due to the icy roads in Sandy Springs and Atlanta. The secondary roads were still icy, especially Peachtree-Dunwoody Road heading toward Buckhead, but passable, and it took me over an hour to make the 10+ mile trip from Sandy Springs to Midtown.

The Lonely Polygamist sounds great, Jenny, and I loved the quotes. This should be coming out soon in paperback so I'll have to keep my eye out for it.

Jenny- Great review! I've had the Udall book on my WL since it came out!

Donna, we have 3 snow make-up days built into the calendar already--Presidents' Day, etc.., and I suppose they'll tack some days on in late May (sigh). I'm so anxious about never getting my kids ready for the state tests now. You remember the pressure, Donna? Of course we have Monday off anyway for MLK Day-- how will I ever be able to get back into the swing of things?!

oh, and Donna, the couch on the book cover is actually an important setting (character?!) throughout the novel-- affectionately referred to as the barge. You, Mark, and Pat are really in for a treat. It may have flown under the radar of many here on LT this year-- being overshadowed by Franzen. Hopefully when it comes out in paperback it will garner the following here on LT it deserves.

Darryl, this has been total insanity with the roads. I'm so sorry you've had to venture out. I've seen much worse snow and ice storms here in Atlanta, but I guess due to the abnormally frigid temps. it just won't clear up. I'm over here near Mercer and I can't even get to the Kroger around the corner!

Mark, 'bout a third of the way through Lonesome Dove. I'm so mad at you for not pushing me to pick it up sooner! (If you'd only let your friends know what books you recommend! ;o) Yes, I know the story and exactly what's going to happen next, but I don't mind--it's such a pleasure to get lost in this story, and I'm getting some great background on the characters that I didn't know before. Lorena is quite a bit different than in the movie--I'm enjoying this more disgruntled, selfish side to her.

Jenny- I'm so glad you are enjoying Lonesome Dove! It's such a treasure! How about that Gus?

How Do You LibraryThing?

I’m curious to see how others spend their time here. I typically follow this order to my clicking:
1. My profile--click on reviews-- any responses to my reviews? What new reviews do I want to thumb? Any new posters that I might want to follow?
2. Home page-- what new books have been added in connection news? What are the daily hot reviews?
3. Talk tab--check on posts to topics I’ve starred
4. Groups -- what interesting discussions are going on?
5. (and if I’m bored) click on Hot Topics or my books to tweak comments or book covers (I’m totally obsessive about having the prettiest book cover available!)

Have you read Udall's The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint? I liked it quite a bit, and am looking forward to reading The Lonely Polygamist.

Mark, hands down, Gus has to be the best character in all of American literature! I don't know if I'll be able to handle the events in the novel's 2nd half. You just come to love these people so much!

Chris, thank you for the recommendation. I've checked my library and they've got it, so onto my tbr list it goes. looks excellent!

Looking for that perfect comfort read?

7.

Title, author: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Genre: Western
Pages: 945
Where did I hear about this book? Huge fan of the mini-series, Pulitzer Prize

Plot summary: 1870’s cattle drive--two old friends and former Texas rangers become the first to drive cattle up into the Montana Territory. The characters are so rich and so original. McMurtry isn’t known as a literary author-- it’s the storytelling that’s the star here. I loved every storyline and found this beautiful book such a delightful reading experience. thank you so much, Mr. McMurtry!

Favorite Quote: “They say you’re a man of vision.” “Yes, a hell of a vision,” Call said.

favorite YouTube video-- (SPOILER ALERT--don't click if you haven't read novel or watched movie!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLFDZxdvRSY
Rating: 5 stars

Jenny- I'm so glad you loved it! Definitely makes me yearn for a re-read. Thanks for sharing the beautiful link, it brought a tear to my eye! Jones is excellent in that film, especially the latter half.

Passing Inspection:

8.
Title, author: Censoring an Iranian Love Story by Shahriar Mandanipour
Genre: literary fiction, metafiction
Pages: 295

Plot summary: Here’s a good novel of an Iranian novelist whose careful writing of a love story must pass inspection from the powerful censor at the Ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance. This novel has an original, playful style. The author addresses his characters directly, but sometimes they have a will of their own. The love story-within-a-story doesn’t amount to much, but it’s clear from this novel’s viewpoint that how could it? Every possible scene of the man and woman trying to get to know each other must be carefully scrutinized and watered down. It’s fun to read the actual assorted typeface in this novel, especially to read through the author’s strikethroughs in his story to see how truly beautiful the story could be if given the chance. The (real) author notes state that Mandanipour, now a visiting professor at Harvard, has himself been unable to publish his books in Iran due to censorship. What I found most interesting was the plight of modern Iranians in the oppressive Islamic state. Quite a fascinating read.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Favorite Quotes:
Do not pity me, dear reader! Wherever you are in this world, if you are lying in your bed in a high-rise in New York and reading before sleep, do not pity me. If on a pleasant sunny day you are sitting in the Bois do Boulogne in Paris and reading, do not pity me. If in a bookstore, searching for a book to offer your lover, you have by chance opened this book and are reading these lines, do not pity me. …Because the scenes and sentences that I cannot publish in my book, I will write in my mind, and given that until now no one has been able to read my thoughts and fantasies to punish me for them, I will make love to these words in the same way that Dara lives for the magic of cinema and falls in love and for his beloved he dreams …

“Damn all your political slogans. When you wanted to be modern, you beat us over the head for us to take off our chadors, and when you found religion you beat us over the head for us to cover ourselves with chadors. Damn you! I will walk down Mirdamad Avenue any way I like. All you know is how to start revolutions and coups d’etat. I will walk down this street, and you, in your dilapidated cars or your expensive cars, stop in front of me because you want me only as a prostitute. The hell with you. I’ll walk wherever I want.”

Mark, how long's it been since you've read it? I'm going to want to always keep this story close to me, so I'll try for a 2 year anniversary alternating between the movie and then 2 years later, the novel. Have you seen the trailer on HBO of the upcoming Cormac McCarthy story with Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson? looks wonderful! oh, and I think I've decided on a fantasy novel for your group read.

I really want to read Censoring an Iranian Love Story, but have to wait until I can find it in the library or second hand (that's the "rule" I have for myself), unless I push it right to the top of my list, which would mean I wouldn't feel bad buying it new (I know, I know, a little weird). Your review makes me think the time is coming to do just that.

Jenny- I read it in the late 80s, so I'm way overdue for a re-read! Seeing the min-series a couple times, has always kept it fresh. Have you thought about reading the follow-up Streets of Laredo? It's good not great. McMurtry also wrote a couple prequels. Buffalo Girls was great too!
I have not seen this Cormac McCarthy piece on HBO! I'll have to look it up.

I found some info. It sounds very good:
http://www.hbo.com/movies/sunset-limited/synopsis.html

>74 GCPLreader:: You remember the pressure, Donna?

I sure do, Jenny. That's one of the reasons I got my Master's in Reading so I could teach what I wanted to teach to those Title I students. Too bad we moved out-of-state and I didn't use it in the way I intended. Oh well, tutoring is fun - most of the time. And now I'm back being a student again. I'm a much happier student than teacher!

>76 GCPLreader:: Interesting post. By the time I catch up on starred threads I have little opportunity to do anything else. I keep hearing talk about x-ing people so there aren't so many threads to follow. Seems rude to me. I like to keep my options open even though it's not physically possible (for me) to follow all the threads I want to.

>79 GCPLreader:: I do so want to read Lonesome Dove. I guess the immensity of the book keeps me away. You've made it sound very compelling.

We got some pretty snow today, but nothing like you've gotten in Atlanta. It was our first snow day for this winter. The sun is out now so the kids will probably be back in school tomorrow.

Lonesome Dove is not a book that feels particularly big, though, Donna, because it's such an easy, big story kind of read.

Hi all! I'm finally back after a stressful but productive week at school.

Janet--do see if your library carries it-- I think you'll like it.

Mark, I don't think I will read the others in the series. I'm afraid to risk the disappointment I might feel if they don't hold up to the original.

Donna, Bonnie is right-- not once while reading did I notice the length of the novel-- if anything, I just didn't want it to end. I'm so excited for you to be taking the college lit. class. I hope you'll walk away with new insights and a new list of must-reads!

Just finished a good read by a first-time author:

9.
Title, author: Old Border Road by Susan Froderberg
Genre: literary fiction, Western
Pages: 292

Plot summary: In a dry ranching community of modern southern Arizona, seventeen year old Katherine marries Son and moves in with his family. Katherine quickly realizes her mistake as she loses her identity (no one will call her by her name), and as she discovers her husband’s true nature.
This is Froderberg’s first novel and it is a good one. The writing took some getting used to. The language is stark and often obscure and there is little dialogue. So much is left unsaid-- I really had to concentrate on the desolation of the setting and the characters’ lives. The symbolism in the final act is quite stunning. Highly recommended for fans of quiet, complex fiction.

Favorite Quote: I adjust the side view mirror and catch a glimpse of myself, seeing myself differently-- a grown woman now. It seems a sudden and shocking thing, and yet I’m still the same as I’ve always been, in the what is gone and the places lived, in the here where we are and the what we are in-- that same girl and different, I am.

Connections: writer is being compared to Cormac McCarthy and Toni Morrison
Rating: 4 stars

Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing

10.

Title, author: Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky
Genre: fiction
Pages: 212

Plot summary: Marie is a nanny who dearly loves the little girl she cares for. But Marie cannot be trusted. When Caitlin’s parents come home to find Marie passed out in the tub with the baby (and a glass of whiskey on the tub’s edge), the mother knows she’s made a mistake. This is above all, a fascinating character study of a woman who cannot find her way in life. Marie spent 7 years in prison for running away with her bank-robbing fugitive boyfriend, but she gained no life wisdom in that time. She lies, steals, and makes some terrible choices. Very well written--I couldn’t put this book down as I witnessed Marie’s life unraveling.

Favorite Quote: (opening line) Sometimes, Marie got a little drunk at work.

Rating: 4 stars

and to cap off an excellent weekend of books -- a modern British classic :o)

11.

Title, author: The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
Genre: literary fiction
Published: 1951
Pages: 192

Plot summary: quite lovely-- This novel took me by surprise with its theme of Catholicism and the acceptance of faith. It started off slow and a bit confusing, but by the 4th chapter I was hooked. I won’t say anything about the plot other than it begins with the obvious love affair between an author and a married woman in 1940's London. Greene is just extraordinary in his ability to communicate the dualities of hate and love and faith and doubt that the characters experience. This was my 2nd Greene novel and I appreciated it even more than The Quiet American, but then I am always quite interested in literature that philosophizes over the existence of God. I’d love to hear any further recommendations of Greene’s works.

Rating: 4 stars

Jenny- I'm enjoying your reviews! Good job! I need to read more Grahame Greene! I really like the sound of Old Border Road.

I haven't read anything by Graham Greene but liked your review. I'll put this one on my "take out of the library" list.

You might enjoy Monsignor Quixote, Graham Greene which manages to be both a discussion on catholic faith and a road novel. I read it last year

#90 I turn to G Greene when I need a good, accessible, tight, contemporary and a thought-provoking read. If you like a book that "philosophizes over the existence of God", Greene's The Power and the Glory is on this theme. It is also also regarded as his best.

I'm now reading The Comedians, which is interesting too. It's set in 1950s Haiti and excellently portrays the silent terror unleashed by Papa Doc's Tonton Macoutes.

Mark, I agree that you'd like Old Border Road. The language was almost like McCarthy's Blood Meridian -- you can tell she's a fan.

Pat, I hope you'll try Greene. He's an amazing author.

Barry, thank you for the recommendation. It sounds a bit like Steinbeck's Travels with Charley, which I enjoyed last year.

Dee, The Power and the Glory-- that's it-- that's the one I want to read most! thanks so much :o)

My current read, which I'll stretch out over the week, is quite compelling-- Beneath the Lion's Gaze is a novel of a family's involvement in the Ethiopian revolution of the 70's -- a time when the drought and terrible starvation first came into the world's consciousness.

I didn't know The End of the Affair was a book - I really enjoy the movie. Deborah Kerr is wonderful as Sarah, though I think Van Johnson was an odd choice for Maurice. He always seems more like a sidekick than the leading man. I'll remember to look for the book!

Cait, I'll keep my eyes open on TCM for the Deborah Kerr version. I have only seen bits of the Julianne Moore film.

Speaking of good films--I caught Out of Africa this morning. What a perfectly beautiful movie.

To any cookbook lovers out there, there is a new show on the OWN network that I'm really enjoying. Anna and Kristina's Shopping Bag is a fun half-hour cook show where the girls test recipes from a famous cookbook and invite a chef to come and critique their food-- and ultimately they decide if the cookbook gets a pass or a seal of approval. (still chuckling over the difficulty of opening coconuts from their Thai cookbook challenge)

For my weekend reading, I'm excited to start a new Margaret Atwood- The Robber Bride. This might be my 7th Atwood and she never disappoints!

The Red Terror

12.
Title, author: Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
Genre: historical based novel
Pages: 301
Where did I hear about this book? Boston Globe Best of 2010

Plot summary: Ethiopia is the only African country to never have been fully colonized by a European power. The emperor Haile Selassie reigned for 6 decades until the Marxist military coup of 1974. This novel tells of the bloody revolution through the eyes of a doctor’s family. The eldest son is cautious and rather passive, while the younger son is eager to protest and overthrow the new regime. The doctor’s story is my favorite as he risks his life to treat a tortured political prisoner.

This is a good novel, but be warned it is extremely violent with graphic depictions of torture and violence (children are involved). I learned a lot, but ultimately I didn’t become as caught up as I wanted in the story. The characters are a bit two-dimensional and the writing, at times, was rather florid. Still, I’d recommend this novel-- it’s an important history of a remarkable country.

Favorite Quote: Rain. It had always been his country’s curse. Centuries of floods, then drought, thunderous rain, then sun-bleached farms. There had always been too much or too little, seeds floated out of soil or split in half from a burning heat in this land.

Connections: African post-colonial revolution reminded me of Half of a Yellow Sun

Rating: 3.5 stars

97 - Cookbook show sounds interesting. I want to start reviewing the individual recipes that I make.

Some yummy reading--->now playing--the archetypal femme fatale

13.

Title, author: The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Genre: literary fiction
Pages: 520
Published: 1993

Plot summary: I just loved this masterfully written novel of 3 women connected by a common thread--they’ve all been betrayed by the evil Zenia. The story begins at the middle of Atwood’s tale as the friends mark the 5 year anniversary of the death of Zenia, the girl from college who lied to and harmed each of them. At the dive bar where they meet monthly to boost each other’s morale as they try to carry on with their lives, in walks Zenia--alive and well. The friends are shaken up and try to make their escape before they are spotted.

Atwood then tells the back stories of the 3 main characters, from their difficult childhoods, into college where they all meet, and to their dealings with the villainous Zenia. As the novel builds towards the inevitable showdown in the finale, there are a few author missteps, but given the talented writing and fully-developed characters-- all is forgiven. This book grabbed me right off the bat and reaffirms my opinion that Margaret Atwood is one of our finest living authors.

Favorite Quote: Their love is gentle and discreet. If it were a plant it would be a fern, light green and feathery and delicate; if a musical instrument, a flute. If a painting it would be a water lily by Monet, one of the more pastel renditions, with its liquid depths, its reflections, its different falls of light. “You’re my best friend,” West tells Tony, stroking her hair back from her forehead. “I owe you a lot.” Tony is touched by his gratitude and too young to be suspicious of it.
They never mention Zenia, Tony because she thinks it will upset West, West because he thinks it will upset Tony. Zenia does not go away, however. She hovers, growing fainter, true, but still there, like the blue haze of cigarette smoke in a room after the cigarette has been put out. Tony can smell her.

Connections: girlhood scenes reminiscent of Atwood’s Cat’s Eye

Rating: 4.5 stars

>100 GCPLreader: I've had The Robber Bride on my TBR shelves forever. I think I need to move it up a few places!

The Robber Bride sounds good, Jenny. The only Atwood I've tried is The Blind Assassin and I lost interest in it about a third of the way in. I want to try more of her books though so I'll look for this one in the library.

I have enjoyed the 2 Atwoods that I have read so far: The Handmaid's Tale and The Blind Assassin, but I admit that The Blind Assassin took some perseverance to get through. I plan to read another one soon, just not sure which one.

k4k

ETA: touchstones are taking forever to load so I gave up

I've not read any Atwood either! Hey Pat, we'll have to pick one and read it!

Jane, are you a cookbook collector? I'd love to cook more but my boyfriend is a bland meat and potatoes guy. I especially love Mediterranean flavors.

Katie, Pat, Katz, and Mark-- The Blind Assassin was a tougher read than this one--but with perhaps a bigger payoff. After Handmaid's Tale (my fav.), I'd say The Robber Bride is a smooth, wonderful read.

The only Atwood I have read is Alias Grace which I LOVED. I also have The Blind Assassin on the corpulent TBR shelves...

Hi Jenny, all caught up again. I like the way you are presenting your reviews, especially that catchy little introduction above the book cover. I already have Old Border Road in my wish book but you made me put a star by it. I am so far behind on my "wanna reads" that I may have to quit reading threads or opening my book-related emails.

You've made me want to take The End of the Affair off my dusty shelf! I always thought it was the sequel to The Heart of the Matter but I see nothing in your review to indicate that. Graham Greene is a real void in my reading life that I need to fill.

I'm with you on The Robber Bride. It was so interesting that you made that connection to Cat's Eye, my favorite Atwood.

Keep up the good work over here. You are now an official 'dangerous' thread for me to read. ;-)

105 - Not a collector really, but I love cooking and so am always checking out different cookbooks and shows.

Robber Bride felt a little dated to me when I read it last year (it's the only Atwood that I didn't read at the time it came out), but I still enjoyed it a lot, because Atwood always tells a great story. Have you seen the movie?

The Robber Bride is one of the few "newer" Atwood novels that I haven't read - I hope to get to it this year. Great comments!

ETA: Touchstone not working this morning :(

Katie, I loved Alias Grace too! Is there any other author who is as successful with such a variety of genres-- from contemporary to historical fiction to dystopia?!

Donna, I was sure you'd read lots of Greene. shocking! thank you for your kind words :o)

Bonnie, I had no idea it was a movie! I'm going to check IMDB right away. --hmmm, as for feeling dated-- was it the hippie-chick character that made you think that?

Cait, the Atwood's I want to catch up on are the old ones. Surfacing or Edible Woman??

Into the Wild

14.

Title, author: The Wilding by Benjamin Percy
Genre: suspense, environmental fiction
Pages: 255
Published: 2010

Plot summary: 3 generations-- a schoolteacher, his twelve year old son, and his aging, rugged father-- bonding on their last camping trip to Echo Canyon, Oregon, which is slated for construction of a new tourist development-- and nothing goes as they’d planned. There’s a pissed off local hick and rumors of a menace in the woods. And the wife who’s left at home is facing her own threat from the deranged Iraqi war veteran locksmith she calls for assistance when she locks herself out. All this makes for some fantastic tension and I couldn’t read it fast enough. The writing is excellent--the war veteran’s story is especially good. I love how the author explored the “wildness” inherent in each of us.

Favorite Quotes:
The key gives him that sense of access, ownership. He can picture himself inside the house--sitting on the sofa, eating off the wedding china, spitting toothpaste in the sink, shoving his thumbs deeps into the eyes of the man until blood wells from them.

(when entering the Gas and Bait shop on the way to their camping site): There is a smell to stores like this--worms mixed with tobacco mixed with hydraulic oil--that is not Justin’s favorite smell, but close to it. Like the smell of cherry Coke or a plastic toy freshly torn from its package, it’s the smell of his childhood.

Rating: 4.5 stars

A Charmed Life

15.

Title, author: The Privileges by Jonathan Dee
Genre: literary fiction
Pages: 258
Published: 2010

Plot summary: This novel of the nouveau riche almost works. It is divided into 4 parts and I thought the wedding in the opening was quite brilliant. Adam and Cynthia are madly in love and so they marry young and right away have 2 children. Adam makes his wealth through some shady insider trading while his wife raises the children and volunteers with various charities. I appreciated the direction the author took with the story until the son’s bit in the final section. This novel addresses the theme of what money can do for us and what money can do to us. Overall, I appreciated this contemporary take on a modern New York family.

Favorite Quote: One of the things that made the two of them so great together, he’d always felt, was that shared talent for leaving all their baggage behind. Why would you want to go back and pick that up again? . . . In the world of finance, the most highly evolved people were the ones for whom even yesterday did not exist.

Rating: 3.5 stars

I already had The Privileges on my WL but I added The Wilding: A Novel--that looked good. Great reviews!

Jenny- Yes, loved the reviews! The Wilding sounds very good. I also enjoyed The Privileges. I loved the 1st half of the book but the 2nd half faded a bit on me. He's a good writer.

#111 - Re: Atwood, I haven't read The Edible Woman yet, but I really, really did not like Surfacing. Her early novels are just too man-hating for me - I feel like she has mellowed in recent years. That said, I'm not of the generation of women who had to fight for anything. Surfacing was published over a decade before I was born, and I have a difficult time understanding the thoughts of the narrator, and the gender struggles she lives with. So, depending on your own experiences, you might identify with the novel better than I did.

Of course, it is still Atwood, and so the writing is still gorgeous and complex.

Hey all-- trying to shake myself out of my posting funk-- really looking forward to some rest this weekend with all my new library books.

Cait, I'm intrigued with your take on Surfacing. I'll keep you posted about how I react to it.

Walking Through the Pain

16.
The Long Walk by Stephen King
genre: dystopia, speculative fiction
published: 1979
pages:384

A friend here on LT recommended this novel to me after I read and reviewed Joshua Ferris's The Unnamed. That heartwrenching novel followed a man who suffered from the miserable compulsion to walk--to just abandon everything and walk-- to walk with pain and hunger despite his wife's pleas for him to just stop. King's take on walking has a more dystopian slant. 100 teenage boys sign up for the annual walking competition-- a contest where all must walk without stopping until one outlasts the others. Anyone who slows down or tries to quit is handed his "ticket". The winner is granted his every desire. King doesn't explain much about how America comes to hold such a gruesome competition. Nor do we really understand why these boys would volunteer for the walk. King's writing is as strong as I always find it to be when he writes in the voice of teenage boys--It and Stand by Me aka The Body come to mind. For me, this story was good, but not great. There's something about reading about a neverending walk that compelled me to read on--almost as if my mind had to keep in stride with the characters' every agonizing step.

rating: 3 stars-- (but leaning higher the more I think about it)

Making a Deal with the Devil

17.

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley
genre: literary fiction
Pages: 277
Published: 2010

Great novel of an 91 year old African-American's struggle with dementia. Mr. Grey lives alone in a filthy apartment in LA where his only contact with the outside world is the occasional visit of his grand-nephew, Reggie. But when Reggie is shot and killed, Robyn comes to the old man's rescue. Robyn is not even a blood relative, but she swoops into Ptolemy's life and not only cleans up his home, but truly befriends him. When Robyn recommends Mr. Grey visit a doctor, he meets a shady physician that would like to start him on an experimental drug that might restore his memory. Ptolemy's past comes to life and for the first time in years he is able to think clearly as he goes about the business of preparing to leave this world behind. I loved this man and I loved the sweet love story that developed between him and the 17 year old girl who saved him. Mosley is a fabulous writer and even though I don't read much genre fiction, I wouldn't hesitate to try another of his 34 novels.

rating: 4 stars

Been enjoying my Saturday by working through my library stack-- about 70 pages into The Master and Margarita- not sure I'm digging it, with the exception of the Pilate chapter, which I loved. then switched to The Hand That First Held Mine and 3 chapters in, it's a keeper. read about half of The Lover's Dictionary in 30 minutes-- there's hardly anything to it and it all seems rather juvenile. then decided to give Infinite Jest a peak and 2 chapter in-- it looks phenomenally good. What I wouldn't give for a getaway to a sunny beach with a comfortable lounge chair, a margarita, and all the time in the world to read!

2 tv book-related movies to watch this weekend-- The Sunset Limited on HBO from the Cormac McCarthy play and Masterpiece Theatre's showing of Any Human Heart which I read and loved earlier this year. :o)

The Bonds of Motherhood

18.

Title, author: The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell
Genre: literary fiction
Where I First Heard of This: 2011 winner of the Costa (Whitbread) Award
Pages: 341
Published: 2010

Plot summary: What a wonderful novel. You know I was concerned that I might not like this because I never really connected with the other O’Farrell book I’ve read, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. Here the author sets up alternating narratives of young, unmarried women in London raising their babies. Lexie’s story takes place in the 1950’s, while Elina’s is set in modern day. Lexie falls for a married man and becomes a writer for an art publication. Elina is a Finnish immigrant who struggles to recover from the difficult delivery of her son. The focus on her and her boyfriend in the early stages of parenthood is so well told: the exhaustion, the feedings, the mess. The connection between the 2 stories doesn’t really come as a surprise, but I didn’t mind. I so admired these characters and was happy to spend time with them and their beautiful babies.

Favorite Quotes:
When she leaves the house on these mornings, she senses a thread that runs between her and her son, and as she walks away through the streets she is aware of it unspooling, bit by bit. By the end of the day, she feels utterly unraveled, almost mad with desire to be back with him...

Connections: reminded me of last year’s Costa winner Brooklyn

Rating: 5 stars

Hey all~ I'm back after a bout with the flu (ugh). Been getting a lot of reading done-- making headway with Infinite Jest. I had to do a lot of online research to know what the hell was going on, but now 200 pages in, I mostly "get" it, and am finding much of it brilliant.

For my more linear comfort read, I'm reading The Observations-- a fun, bawdy Victorian HF set in Scotland.

Today I purchased World War Z for my Kindle--couldn't resist the $5 price. I've wanted to read this for some time-- not too keen on zombies, but I hear this one's smart, so finger's crossed. :o)

Devil Goes Down to Moscow

19.

The Master and Margarita by Michail Bulgakov
Published: originally written in the 1930's but not published until 1967
Pages: 384

In my quest to read more Russian literature, I'd seen this title popping up quite a bit. But Tolstoy this ain't. It's more of a Faustian Satan goes down to Moscow story with fantastical, often gruesome results. It started off well--even had a remarkable Pontias Pilate section (The Master has written a novel of Pilate). As with other classic Russian lit. I've read, the names are quite a challenge. (Note to self--always take notes--especially for my upcoming War and Peace read) Just when I was ready to give up, I found a couple of fascinating chapters about the devil putting on a theatre show of the Black Arts. But 50 pages later I was once again confounded and rather turned off by all the magic realism (rather like that disjointed mess I read last year-Good Omens). So although I found some chapters engaging, ultimately I skimmed the 2nd half, deciding that this was not for me.

rating: 2.5 stars

contrivance kənˈtraɪvəns--3. an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc.

20.

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
2011
224 pages

short and gimmicky, not enough here for me to recommend, fine for twenty-somethings I'd say

rating: 2 stars

Shining a Light on the Tiffany Girls

21.

Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2011
Pages: 432

I've read 2 other Vreeland novels--The Forest Lover and Girl in Hyacinth Blue, neither of which I really cared for. But I admire her for sticking with writing what she loves--women of the art world, so when I saw positive reviews of her latest, I decided to give it a try. I ended up quite liking this. Clara Driscoll is the lead designer of Louis Comfort Tiffany's Decorative Arts Studio lamps. I love novels of this era--turn-of-the-century NYC. Not only are we invited into the opulence of Tiffany's designs for the Gilded Age, Vreeland takes us into NY's underclass world where the young women who work under Clara come from the immigrant tenements at the other end of spectrum. The art of stained-glass is described in great detail with rich details of color and natural inspiration. If you're like me, you'll run to your Google image search everytime you read of one of Tiffany's/Clara's designs.

rating: 4 stars

Hi Jenny. Sorry to hear you had the flu but it does look like you got alot of reading done. I'll be interested to hear what your final thoughts are on Infinite Jest. I've picked that up a couple of times in bookstores but put it back intimidated by its size. I started World War Z and thought it was great but couldn't finish it. I scare easily and it was just a little too real for me. I was afraid I wouldn't sleep.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't like The Master and Margarita. I've never read it but have heard mostly good things about it. I'll have to look for Clara and Mr. Tiffany. That sounds good and I've also seen some good reviews of it elsewhere.

Glad you're back!

Jenny- I'm also glad you are back and feeling better! It looks like you haven't been slowing down on your reading! That's good!

#123

Interesting thoughts on The Master and Margarita I was thinking this was going to be the next Russian novel I would read, perhaps I'll stick with Turgenev

Pat, World War Z does seem so real. I am pleased with the different format, but without any center main characters it might be hard for me to love it. Zombies don't scare me though; only real life has that effect on me.

Mark, I pushed it by going back in to work today--still have some healing to do. I saw that you ended up loving The Windup Girl! Wasn't the build up towards the end spectacular?-- thought the ending was just spot-on.

Barry, I should've done more research before trying The Master... I just never really do well with too much fantasy. You might like it, you never know. Do please recommend a Turgenev novel for me!

Jenny,

I would recommend Fathers and sons, Turgenev I read the penguin classics version which has an excellent translation by Rosemary Edmond. Some beautiful lyrical writing here.

You're Being Watched

22.

The Observations by Jane Harris
Historical Fiction
2006
405 pages

Bessy is a young former prostitute who runs away from her mother to a life in service as housekeeper to an odd lady. Arabella makes the strangest requests from Bessy, but Bessy aims to please. While the lady is away, Bessy discovers a journal being written called The Observations where Arabella is writing about the various girls whom she's employed over the years. Bessy is appalled to be part of some sort of experiment and plots her revenge.
The 2nd half is not nearly as engaging as the first where we come to know Bessy and her backstory. The language is a hoot but the story's turn to ghosts falls a bit short for me. --pretty good 1st novel--I'd definitely read the next book by Jane Harris.

rating: 3 stars

even if you think you're not into zombies

23.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
horror, dystopia
2006
352 pages

Wow-- so much better than I thought it could be. This collection of interviews, or oral histories, tells the story of the world's fight to survive the undead plague. The interviewer travels the world to collect the experiences of military and civilians who live to tell the unspeakable tale. seemed so real and so fresh-- absolutely could not put this down. What a thrilling novel!

rating: 4.5 stars

Glad you loved World War Z. Wish I wasn't such a wimp and could have finished it!

>131 GCPLreader:: I loved Bessie's "voice" too. That was a fun read--my idea of a good Saturday afternoon novel.

thank you, Pat. I guess I've developed a taste for horror after reading so much Stephen King over the years. It was the format here that I found so impressive.

Hi Bonnie-- I luvs me a good Victorian prostitution novel! I want to reread Slammerkin this year (barely remember it), since I was such a fan of Room by Emma Donoghue.

bad news on the Infinite Jest front. I can't renew it from the library--so will have to put in another request.-- can't wait to finish it!

"For the Lord God will illumine them."--Rev 22:5

24.
Title, author: The Illumination by Kevin Brockmeier
Genre: speculative fiction
Pages: 257
Published: 2011

Plot summary: Here’s a book that I really liked and yet I do feel that it is terribly flawed. The author imagines that one random day all people begin to radiate light from their pain and injuries. Anything from a hangnail to internal cancer is clearly visible. I expected the novel to show the compassion that humanity would surely exhibit if we could easily identify anyone’s suffering. And yet here, sadly, the characters remain isolated and do not reach out to one another.

The novel opens with woman who accidentally slices into her thumb. While recovering after her surgery, she meets a woman in the room with her who is dying from injuries sustained in a car accident. The woman shows her a journal of love letters her husband has written to her. Before she dies, she insists that she keep the diary. The novel then follows the book as a connecting device as it falls into various hands over the years. Each character is fascinating and each displays their illumination in different ways. The plot device of the love journal is not necessary, and I felt that the author had enough material to work with to just focus on the illumination. That said, I love Brockmeier’s writing and imagination and I would recommend this novel to lover’s of literary fiction.-- very moving

Connections: I would also recommend Brockmeier’s other speculative novel The Brief History of the Dead.

Rating: 4 stars

>136 GCPLreader: - I have The Illumination on my wishlist and just bought a copy of The Brief History of the Dead, which I am really looking forward to!

Katie, he's a great author-- I know you'll love them! I see that his novel The Truth About Celia has 2 strong reviews here, so I'm going to try that next.

Jenny- Great review of The Illumination. I've been hearing good things about this one. I also have a copy of The Brief History of the Dead sitting on a shelf.

thank you LT Early Review Program...thank you Bloomsbury Publishers--
a new favorite!

25.
In the Company of Angels by Thomas E. Kennedy
literary fiction
2010
276 pages

What a beautiful novel! Set in modern Copenhagen, In the Company of Angels tells the story of Nardo, a survivor of torture in Pinochet's Chile, and Michela, a Dane who has suffered from domestic violence. Nardo is undergoing treatment to "return to life" while Michela begins to doubt her current relationship with her younger boyfriend, Voss. Michela's aging parents also figure prominently as she cares for them in a nursing home. The author weaves a gorgeous tapestry of pain and confusion and longing. I found the emotional conclusion to be sheer perfection. I highly recommend this novel and am proud to list it as a favorite.

favorite quote: "Good news, " he said. "They are going to help you."
"In what way to help?" Nardo asked.
"To help you become a human being." Abruptly his fist flew into Nardo's face. This blow changed everything forever. It put a crack in the face of God.

rating: 5 stars

Jenny, I'm amazed at the output of your reading (and reviewing) considering that 'day job' of yours combined with a flu battle. You know, I've never read a book by Walter Mosley, but I'll be sure to start with Ptolemy Grey (Post 119) if the "M" bug bites me. I love a good heartwarming story.

Like Pat, I'm very interested in your thoughts on Infinite Jest. That's a book I've been afraid of for a long time. I overcame my fear of Master and Margarita, but like you, I found the fantasy parts a real stretch for me.

So glad that you loved In the Company of Angels. It's one of those books that deserve more recognition.

So, when is your spring break?

Donna! spring break's not til early april--sigh, but I've had a good couple of weeks in the classroom and have really been hitting my stride. This weekend I have to master electricity (ugh) and find a new, better way to teach fraction computation to my students. This curriculum is sooooooo challenging!! Language Arts is of course my favorite and we read some beautiful books this week that tie in with our WWII social studies lessons. Patricia Polacco's The Butterfly was a wonderful read for us. Next week I'll be sharing Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes-- yum!

The library has Infinite Jest ready for me so I'm excited to commit long hours to it this weekend. I'm undecided about finishing Four Souls by Louise Erdrich. I see that you loved it, Donna, but it's not quite working for me. we'll see... :o)

2 good reads this week

the kids are definitely not all right

26.

The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan
published in 1994
160 pages

Ian McEwan is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I'm going to make it a personal goal to have read all of his novels by the end of this year. The Cement Garden was of particular interest to me because I lost my mother in a similar way at a young age. But, be warned, this novel is verrrrrrrry disturbing as the 4 London siblings keep the death of their parents a secret from the authorities and try to survive on their own.

rating-- 3.5 stars

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

top 5 reasons to read this book (not really--lol)
27.

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
published in 1996
336 pages

Love the John Cusack movie so was anxious to give this well received novel a go. Turns out they're much the same except for the setting-- the original London moved to Chicago. The author has a relaxed, easy-to-read style and I thoroughly enjoyed his take on adult angst. Rob is miserable over the breakup with his girlfriend (well, he's always basically been miserable!) and he whines and reminisces over past loves and makes lists ad nauseum. Given its cultural references, it can't help but be a bit dated, but I loved all the music and movie and tv (thirtysomething!!) shout outs and found myself making many personal connections.

rating: 4 stars

Jenny- I have still not read McEwan. I did love High Fidelity and the film was terrific too. I really like Hornby's work. Have you read About a Boy?

Hi Mark! haven't read About a Boy but will definitely put it on my list (don't think I remember the movie at all, so that's a plus) -- thanks :o)

I don't think you can go wrong with Ian McEwan,. Plenty of good reads ahead. I particularly liked Enduring love and Atonement which I read last year

I also liked Enduring Love and Atonement but my favorite is Amsterdam.

Barry, Pat--hi, thanks for dropping by :o) Can't wait to read more McEwan this year. My library does carry most of his novels. I liked Atonement but my favorite so far is Saturday. (Yes, it was flawed in the home invasion scene, but) damn, can he write!

I've thought of picking up High Fidelity since I loved the movie but couldn't work out how much of it was the story and how much John Cusak. :)

I read The Cement Garden just a month ago myself, and enjoyed it quite a bit too. The first work by McEwan I read was Saturday, which I didn't particularly like, but I'm glad I stuck with him because I liked The Comfort of Strangers (also a disturbing work) and loved Atonement. I'm looking forward to reading Enduring Love, Amsterdam, and others.

Jane, read the book if you haven't seen the movie for a while. The writing is quite good.

Steven, thank you for stopping by. Between the two of us, let's add all his titles to our threads this year!

Contemporary fiction fans should check out my favorite version of March Madness-- The Morning News Tournament of Books! http://themorningnews.org/tob/ I read 12 of the 16 novels last year and I have some definite favorites I'm rooting for! (go Freedom, go Next) So while my better half has his basketball brackets displayed on the fridge, my book brackets proudly are placed just beneath!

It Is Finished!

28.
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
published 1996
1079 pages (including footnotes)

Phew, this was quite an effort! Reading Infinite Jest was, for me, not about following a coherent plot, but rather about the extraordinary details of the misery of the characters and their attempts to escape their pain.

Loosely, the novel is set in the near future in a neighboring tennis academy and a recovery halfway house. Hal Incandenza is a tennis sensation at the academy and son to the deceased James Incandenza, a brilliant filmmaker who made a movie called "Infinite Jest" which is so entertaining that anyone who views it, literally cannot turn away. Government extremists want to get their hands on the cartridge to use as a weapon against the Union of North American Nations (-- a storyline that was difficult to follow and that I didn't care for).

What I did love most (for those of you who know the book) are the following sections:
--p.3-- Admission's office
--p.17-- waiting for pot
--p. 27-- Hal scheduled for Conversationalist
--p. 49-- Hal gets high in Pump Room
--p. 140-- Hal's essay on cop t.v.
--p.144-- why no videophones
--p. 157-- Jim's dad -1960 *favorite
--p. 172-- Tennis and the Feral Prodigy- "Here is how to ..."
--p. 200-- exotic new facts learned at Ennet House
--p. 343-- AA long chapter
--p. 505-- the hug scene * funniest bit
--p. 760-- Mario and the Moms

On the flipside, IJ has a few extremely unpleasant scenes that I refused to follow too closely.

Much here was unnecessarily obscure and just too damn wordy. But I needed to read this (for reasons I cannot go into here) and the parts that struck home for me will never be forgotten.

favorite quote:
"--and then you're in serious trouble, very serious trouble, and you know it, finally, deadly serious trouble, because this Substance you thought was your one true friend, that you gave up all for, gladly, that for so long gave you relief from the pain of the Losses your love of that relief caused, your mother and lover and god and compadre, has finally removed its smily-face mask to reveal centerless eyes and a ravening maw, and canines down to here, it's the Face In The Floor, the grinning root-white face of your worst nightmares, and the face is your own face in the mirror, now, it's you, the Substance has devoured or replaced and become you, and the puke-, drool- and Substance-crusted T-shirt you've both worn for weeks now gets torn off and you stand there looking and in the root-white chest where your heart (given away to It) should be beating, in its exposed chest's center and centerless eyes is just a lightless hole, more teeth, and a beckoning taloned hand dangling something irresistible, and now you see you've been had, screwed royal, stripped and fucked and tossed to the side like some stuffed toy to lie for all time in the posture you land in. You see now that It's your enemy and your worst personal nightmare and the trouble It's gotten you into is undeniable and you still can't stop. Doing the Substance now is like attending Black Mass but you still can't stop, even though the Substance no longer gets you high. You are, as they say, Finished. You cannot get drunk and you cannot get sober; you cannot get high and you cannot get straight. You are behind bars; you are in a cage and can see only bars in every direction. You are in the kind of a hell of a mess that either ends lives or turns them around."

rating: 3.5 stars

That paragraph sounds like my crazy brother-in-law! Thanks for the quote; now I know that I truly don't want to read that book. Maybe if I had read the book, I would care more about the narrator, but I really don't like spending my time with someone who sounds so crazy/depressed and/or drug-addled.

Hi again, Jenny. I'm coming back to add to my comment, because I've been thinking about my negative response to your quote (not you!) as I've been rereading passages in Tinkers trying to decide what to quote from that book. So many of them don't sound that great on the page, but they resonated with me, and often because of my own life experiences which would take way too much time to explain even on my own thread--if I wanted to, which I often don't. It sounds like you had personal reasons for putting in that particular quote, and I regret my comments if they give you pain. I would take them away, but that feels dishonest. I do apologize if you feel hurt or uncomfortable about my reaction. Reading is such a personal act, isn't it?

Hmm, I really need to get back to Ian McEwan. I loved Atonement, and then enjoyed both Black Dogs and On Chesil Beach. Then I read Amsterdam and was really disappointed, and haven't picked up one of his books since. I think I'll look for Saturday though.

no, Bonnie, not at all offended-- and yes, it totally resonated with me for personal reasons. I had such a sense, while reading, of the experience of David Foster Wallace and it saddens me to be aware that in the end when he took his life, he must have still been consumed by those very demons.

can't wait to see your reaction to Tinkers. I thought it was gorgeously written.

Cait, I hope you like Saturday. The reviews here and elsewhere seem to be split. I was completely hooked from the opening page and just found the writing incredible. :o)

>152 GCPLreader:: Congrats, Jenny, on finishing Infinite Jest - (no touchstones this morning). I'm going to keep that one on the back burner and let it simmer indefinitely. It may be one of those books that I don't feel compelled to read.

Regarding Four Souls by Erdrich. Her books have recurring characters and themes (ala Faulkner) so unless you have a vested interest in the tangled lives of the Kapshaw family, some of her books can be difficult to get into.

Btw, Saturday is my favorite book of McEwan's, although I haven't read as many as you.

>153 bonniebooks: & 155: Oh, cringe, I forgot that Wallace killed himself. Now I really feel heartless.

When I was reading Tinkers, it sometimes felt disjointed, but the writing is so good, it's one of those books that you can pick up and reread passages with as much satisfaction as the the first time around.

Donna, I think I'll let it go. I will be reading The Plague of Doves this year. That one should be a good fit, don't you think?

Bonnie, yes, you're right about Tinkers. The narrative may be flawed but ahhhhhh, the words. I remember writing similar thoughts after reading Gilead.

"Civil? I'll be civil when the killing's done and not a minute before."

29.

When the Killing's Done by T.C. Boyle
published 2011
369 pages

What I like best about T.C. Boyle's fiction is the tension he builds. I've now read 5 of his novels and consider Tortilla Curtain his masterpiece. Like Tortilla Curtain which is about immigration, here Boyle tackles another important hot debate in the modern world of California and the world in general-- animal protection and environmental rights.

The setting is the Channel Islands off California's coast near Santa Barbara (terrific map included in front pages). Humans have of course mucked things up by trying to civilize the islands with livestock and, accidentally in the case of the rats' invasion, by shipwreck. The lead character, Alma, works for the National Parks Service, and she has the highly stressful job of spearheading efforts to eradicate the animals that have no business inhabiting the islands and returning the Channel Islands to their original (Galapagos-like) pristine, natural state. Dave LaJoy is her nemesis-- an extremist animal rights' advocate who will go to any length to stop her because he believes the rats and wild boars must be protected. The author also give us the backstories of people connected to Alma and Dave who've experience the islands firsthand. (The novel opens with Alma's grandmother as a young woman washing ashore on one of the islands and having close dealings with the rats-- totally gripping!)

Boyle has given us much to think about here. While not an especially literary writer, as is his style, he once again writes a plot-rich, fascinating story that engaged me throughout with its many-layered characters and conflicts.

rating: 4 stars

here's the official book trailer which is pretty cool-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiydslluVeY

Great review, Jenny. I just recently read my first T.C. Boyle--The Tortilla Curtain-- on Donna and Mark's recommendation and loved it. Thanks for the link to the book trailer. This may be the first book trailer I've looked at.

Besides The Tortilla Curtain, what are your favorite books by Boyle?

Jenny- Great review! It's also a reminder, I need to get to more Boyle. I have only read 2. Drop City was outstanding. I also have Tortilla Curtain on the shelf. Maybe that will be my next Boyle.
Did you read The Women? That was on my list too!

Hey Pat, hey Mark! Drop City is a good read--hippie commune in Alaska and Talk Talk is also good-- deaf woman becomes victim of identity theft. I didn't read The Women, Mark. Its reviews were mixed and I had just read the other Frank Lloyd Wright novel Loving Frank, so I skipped over that one. Donna says I must get to East is East and I also want to read the Kellogg book The Road to Wellville. Boyle is my goto author when I just want conflict and a fun, fast pace.

Never seen book trailers?! I'm always on the lookout for them. Here are a few more recent ones:
Room: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8rj2otXNfM

One Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-pD-nwpMT0

The Passage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uENObmleRDY&feature=related

Fall of Giants: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUyR8HNqajk

Man in the Woods: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGzzqze4wv4

Shame the publishers don't put these on tv like the movie studios do! :o)

159 - Sounds like an intriguing topic. I've added it to the wishlist. I have The Women on my shelves as well that someone gave to me.

How did you like Loving Frank? I've been trying to decide whether or not to pick it up.

Hi Jane, Loving Frank was pretty good-- interesting take on feminism, but in my comments I wrote that it was rather slow-moving and dry. The best FLW biography may be a better bet.

I'm back from the library with some books to get me through this week and the following (spring break!):
We, the Drowned
Skippy Dies
The Paris Wife
Cleopatra: A Life
Finding Jack
Enduring Love
When Tito Loved Clara

>164 GCPLreader: - I recently heard about When Tito Loved Clara on NPR and put it on my wish list. Look forward to your thoughts on it!

thank you, Katie. I read the first chapter last night and it does look good!

The Dogs of War

30.

Finding Jack by Gareth Crocker
published in 2011
289 pages

Author's first novel is about a yellow labrador that is rescued by Marines during the Vietnam War. The action is over the top (climax of movie Tropic Thunder did flash through my mind!) and the book has been criticized as being sappy-- but I liked it. This book has a lot of heart, and for someone who doesn't try a lot of war fiction, it was accessible and gritty and seemed real enough. a must read for dog lovers!

rating: 4 stars

book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=078S46VLJBo

Jenny- Looks like you picked some promising books. I've heard great things about Skippy Dies & The Paris Wife. A bit more mixed on the Cleopatra: A Life, but I'd like to give it a shot. Maybe I'll wait for your opinion.
What is We, the Drowned about? And what attracted you to it?

I saw We, the Drowned reviewed in the Washington Post and it immediately sparked my interest. It's an award-winning Danish novel that's just now been translated and made available in the States. It's about a sailing community in Denmark from the mid-19th C. through WWII. I've just finished the first section and it is pretty amazing. It started with a sea battle between the Danes and the Germans, then it moved on to the disappearance of the main character and his now grown son sailing the Pacific to locate him. loving it!

Jenny, I loved your description of We, the Drowned and have WL'd it. Never heard of it before so thanks for the recommendation.

Since it sounds like you are well into We, the Drowned, I had a question. I've just started it (barely into the first chapter) and have noticed an alternating PoV from 3rd to 1st person plural. Does it continue on like this, or at some point does one or the other begin to dominate or take over? I'm trying to get used to it.

Jenny, I haven't stopped by in a while and I'm now see your Infinite Jest review. Congrats on finishing and thanks for post your thoughts and that excerpt - very interesting thoughts.

The AA section was the most powerful in the book for me. In his own life DFW dealt with serious addiction problems, breakdowns and, of course, depressions like the one that led to his suicide. (He also was a competitive youth tennis player.) I don't think he is wrote his life in this book, but he certainly used his experience. The addiction descriptions came across as very real. I found Don Gately's trials incredibly sad, but also powerful and inspiring.

As for the plot - it was only after finishing the book (which I read along with le Salon) and looking up web pages other readers referenced, that I began to actually learn what the plot was. It's almost impossible to decipher the first time through. Of course, it doesn't help that the opening scene is the end, and the end of the book is sort of the beginning.

Two web pages to check out for understanding the plot:
http://dfan.org/jest.txt
http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/ijend (titled "What Happens at the End of Infinite Jest?")

And, then there is group, which includes all our discussion from the le Salon group read (someone copied over every thread): http://www.librarything.com/groups/infinitejesters

Hi Pat!-- stay tuned for final verdict.

Ludmilla, as you no doubt have found by now, the majority of the novel is in the 3rd person voice of the town of Marstal, with the exception of the section told by Albert as he searches for his father. I did hit a dry patch midway through and put the novel to the side, but I'm anxious to get back into it this weekend. How are you liking it?

Daniel, I often read through the IJ threads here on LT. You liked best what I liked best-- the addiction/recovery parts of the book. Wallace was a very talented voice, I only wished he'd tightened up the plot a bit-- but by no means, do I regret reading it. Did you see the New York Times Review of his posthumous unfinished novel: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/01/books/the-pale-king-by-david-foster-wallace-bo...

interesting bit : "Not surprisingly, a novel about boredom is, more than occasionally, boring. It’s impossible to know whether Wallace, had he finished the book, might have decided to pare away such passages, or whether he truly wanted to test the reader’s tolerance for tedium — to make us share the misery of his office workers, who come to remind us of the unhappy hero of Joseph Heller’s “Something Happened,” or some of Beckett’s bone-weary characters, stuck in a limbo of never-ending waiting and routine."

Clérambault's Syndrome - Synonyms: erotomania (a delusion of passion)

31.
Enduring Love by Ian McEwan
Published in 1997
259 pages

Interesting story of obsession-- A happily married couple witness a terrible ballooning accident and one of the bystanders is convinced that some special connection was established between himself and the husband. Jed begins stalking Joe and Joe's marriage is thrown into upheaval. McEwan writes gorgeously of themes of science and religion and trust and love. As in Solar, the main character is a scientist (here a writer of science articles) and again, McEwan engaged me with his intelligent insights. The author's endings never fizzle, and even though I didn't really like the outcome, I think I understand why he went in that direction.

rating: 3.5 stars

La Dominicana

32.
When Tito Loved Clara by Jon Michaud
Published in 2011
338 pages

This novel didn't do much for me. I found it rather soap-operaish with unrequited love and unwanted pregnancies and anger and child abuse and marital affairs and even a terrible crime thrown in. The characters are Dominican immigrants to New York. Clara goes to college to escape an abusive childhood. Tito has never gotten over their teenage romance. -- not to my taste

rating: 2.5 stars

>175 GCPLreader: Hmm, that is disappointing, Jenny. I had that one on my wish list. Maybe I'll pick it up if I see it at the library...

Enduring Love sounds interesting! I really liked the way McEwan handled his scientist character in Solar, however unpleasant that character may have been. I think that one is going on my wishlist.

I remember enjoying Enduring Love. After reading about 8 of McEwan's books, I'm currently taking a break from them. Glad you liked it.

Smooth Sailing

33.

We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen
Published 2006, English translation 2010
674 pages

Marstal is a small Danish island that has a long tradition of sending its men to sea while its women carry on alone at home praying for their return. The author, Carsten Jensen, is a native of Marstal and here writes a gorgeous, weighty novel that won the top literary prize in Denmark. We, the Drowned focuses mainly on 3 sailors and covers a hundred years from the great age of sail in the 19th C. to the steamers of WWII. I thought the novel couldn't improve on its tales of natives and shrunken heads and sailing the South Pacific, but the finale with its cargo ships outracing German bombers and U-Boats is just stunning. For me, I did find flaws with the opening, a terribly unpleasant bit with young boys out for revenge (hate myself for not skipping over what I knew was to come), and some tedious business dealings with the shipyards of Marstal, but overall this book is a sheer delight. highly recommended

rating: 4.5 stars

I saw We, the Drowned the otherday at B&N. It's on the list of books I've given to my husband for my birthday later this month. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

oh, Katie, I know you'd love it...if you don't get it for a present put in a request at your library- no doubt it costs a great deal given its size :o)

Jenny- Good review! This one has to go on the obese WL!

I WL'd We, the Drowned when you first mentioned it Jenny. Glad it turned out to be a 4 1/2 star read. Loved your review.

a new translation of Hungarian novelist Sandor Marai

34.

Portraits of a Marriage by Sandor Marai
Published 1942, translated into English 2011
372 pages

I heard such good things about Embers when it was released here a few years back, so when this newly translated work received good reviews this year I decided to give this author a try. Sandor Marai was a prominent Hungarian novelist of the 1930's who came to America to escape the Communist takeover. Here, he lived in relative obsurity, publishing a few books in his native Hungarian, before finally taking his life in 1989.

Portraits of a Marriage is a wonderfully told story of a doomed love triangle. I love the author's style of starting each of its narrative sections with a relaxed friend-to-friend recounting of their lives. Here's a taste from the book's opening:

"Look, see that man? Wait! turn your head away, look at me, keep talking. I wouldn't like it if he glanced this way and spotted me; I don't want him to greet us. Now you can look again...The little squat one there in the fur-collared coat? No, of course not. It's the tall, pale-faced one in the black overcoat talking to that blond stick of a girl behind the counter. He is just having some candied orange peel wrapped. Strange, he never bought me candied orange peel."

The novel focuses on a middle-class bourgeois couple living in pre-WWII Budapest. The wife senses a growing distance with her husband and then discovers his secret love, a poor scullery maid employed in his childhood home. The authors writes endlessly of class differences and the meaning of culture. The final sections deal with the war and the destruction of all that is held dear with the rise of Communism. The novel is exquisitely written and I was completely captivated with its quiet intelligence. recommended

rating: 4 stars

>184 GCPLreader: - Another great review! I have that one on my wish list and am hoping to get it for my birthday later this month. I loved Embers when I read it several years ago, and hope to re-read it soon.

Edited to fix touchstone.

Some great reading going on here! I'm enjoying your reviews, and have added We, The Drowned to my wishlist.

Jenny, I've never heard of Sandor Marai. My library has Embers so I just put that on hold. Good review of Portraits of a Marriage.

hi Katie, Deborah, and Pat! -- wonderful to hear you love Embers, Katie. can't wait to read it. I have a feeling as more and more of his novels are translated that Marai will become quite popular here.

Deborah, do let me know what you think of We, the Damned when you read it. I expect it will become a hit, just as Sea of Poppies did a couple of years ago.

Pat, I have you to thank for my current novel The Paris Wife! I'm really enjoying it. I can't tell you how having this week off to relax and enjoy my books has cheered me up!

The winner of the Morning News Tournament of Books has been announced. A Visit from the Goon Squad narrowly defeated Freedom by a score of 9 to 8. I did love both novels-- giving Goon 4 stars and Freedom 4.5 stars. Freedom is just more my style of book, while interlocking short stories are not so much my thing. The tournament was great fun to follow. Be sure to check out the final comments for a great list of potential front-runners for next year's competition. http://themorningnews.org/tob/

Thanks for that link to the Tournament of Books, Jenny. I'll have to check it out. I'm glad you're enjoying The Paris Wife. I'm currently reading A Moveable Feast, Hemingway's memoir of those years, and one of Michael Reynolds biographies of Hemingway (Hemingway: The Paris Years). In A Moveable Feast I've noticed that Hemingway primarily talks about his writing life rather than his married life whereas Hadley mostly talks about Hemingway in The Paris Wife. It's interesting to see the same story told from different points of view.

"He wanted everything there was to have, and more than that."

35.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Published in 2011
314 pages

Not bad but the lead character wasn't quite interesting enough. This fictionalization of Hemingway's first marriage is told in the voice of his wife, Hadley. It follows them from their Chicago romance to their living in Paris in the 20's and becoming part of the "Lost Generation" of writers (and drinkers!) I loved The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms last year, and while it was interesting to learn details of his life, the 2 novels were autobiographical enough that I felt I already knew this story.

fun YouTube trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRR6PINbsqY

rating: 3 stars

the Enigmatic Queen

36.

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
Biography
Published in 2010
302 pages

After recently watching the Rome mini-series on HBO (which I love, love, love!), I was interested in finding out all the facts about Cleopatra's life. Well, it seems that there's not much we can know about her reign. The author makes it clear that there just isn't enough source material available (or, seeing as much of it was written by Romans, she assures us of its probable bias). Still, I learned a great deal about Alexandria and the Ptolemy dynasty that Cleopatra ruled just a generation before the birth of Christ. I don't read many biographies, so I'm not sure whether or nor this is a good one. I especially enjoyed the whole Antony and Cleopatra (love?) story (most fascinating is the biographer's conclusion that it wasn't even an asp!), but in the end I'll take historical fiction or, better yet, a stunningly set-rich and costume-rich 4 star film production.

rating: 3.5 stars

Hi Jenny,
Cleopatra : a life I was wondering if this is one of those history books aimed at the general reader. The picture on the cover of the book would make you think so. I enjoyed your review.

hey Barry--yeah, the cover is definitely aimed at historical fiction readers, but is well researched and quite academic. You should give it a go.

Last night I started February and it is just beautiful-- a woman loses her husband at sea and struggles to raise their 4 small children. Also new from the library are The Poison Tree, The Tiger's Wife, and Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr.

Busy day planned-- outlet mall (ugh) and lesson plans and my fantasy baseball teams and the Masters-- tonight I'll finish Mildred Pierce on HBO (the performances are so good). :o)

Hiiiiigh Jinx at an Irish Boy's Boarding School

37.

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Published in 2010
661 pages

Damn, I had such high hopes for this one. The story with its multiple narratives takes place at Seabrook College--a boy's boarding school in Ireland. The antics of the fourteen-year-olds were often hilarious, but I never found any one character especially endearing. The kids' narratives alternate with the story of one teacher who questions his choice to work at the very institution that he attended as a boy. I liked his story and the pressures he faced, but it just wasn't all that captivating. I suspect men will like this better than I did--given the crass humor and raging hormones.

rating: 3 stars

Jenny, I think you're the third LTer that has loved reading February in the last couple of weeks. I need to get a copy. I'm almost glad you didn't like Skippy Dies that much. It's a relief to NOT have to add something to the WL.

too funny, Pat-- sad, but true that we are often relieved when others pan books and we can pass on them.

February ended up being good, but not as great as the opening had me hoping for. The minor characters were not as fully developed as I wanted. I'd give it between a 3.5 and a 4.

Have been too swamped at work to get much reading done. I've been working on lesson plans today-- math is about to kill me, gotta teach mean, median, mode, and range tomorrow??!! Whatever happened to just teaching elementary kids to average numbers?

I'm in the middle of 2 books-- one a suspense novel- The Poison Tree-- can't tell yet if I'm going to like it, and finally got my hands on The Tiger's Wife, which of course, has had great reviews.

Trying to get everything finished so I can relax tonight with the much anticipated Game of Thrones tonight on HBO. :o)

Hi Jenny- Boy, you've been a busy reader! Good for you! I liked The Paris Wife just a little bit more than you. I'm not sure if recently reading A Moveable Feast helped or not.
I have the audio of Cleopatra: A Life at hand, so we will see. To bad about Skippy Dies, I had high hopes for that one.

191 - I absolutely loved HBO's Rome as well, but I think I'll skip this one.

hi Mark-- curious what your favorite Hemingway fiction is? (oh, and thrilled to see you loved Handmaid's Tale!) :o)

hi Jane, I really enjoyed the Cleopatra biography. I'm thinking of trying Margaret George's The Memoirs of Cleopatra: A Novel sometime in the future.

It's been an okay week of reading-- 2 pretty goods and 1 miss, but the great news is I'm about a hundred pages into my ARC copy of Doc by Mary Doria Russell and it is good, good, good!

"Helen, we have to go forward."

38.

February by Lisa Moore
Published 2010
320 pages

This lovely, quiet Canadian novel tells the story of Helen who has lost her husband at sea and must raise her 4 small children alone. The narration splits between the early marriage and tragedy and 20 years on, as Helen remembers and still mourns. While Lisa Moore writes beautifully, I felt that she didn't develop the characters enough. I wanted to see more of the husband and her adult children.

rating: 3.5 stars

Keeping Secrets

39.

The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly
Published in 2011
336 pages

Karen is a conventional, young student of foreign languages in London in the 1990's. She feels rather stagnant in her life until she meets Biba, the bohemian actress who lives alone with her brother in a strange Victorian mansion. Karen falls in love with both brother and sister and enters their world of drugs and irresponsibility and abandon. Contrary to most suspense novels I've read, here the author takes her time with the story. She wonderfully describes the atmosphere created that summer when Karen becomes tangled up in the lives and deceptions that will forever change her. well done for a debut author

rating: 3.5 stars

"Wash the bones, bring the body, leave the heart behind."

40.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
Published in 2011
338 pages

I had a hard time connecting with this lauded debut novel. Set in an unnamed Balkan country in the 1980's, the central (yet rather unnecessary) main character Natalia is a young doctor carrying medicine to an orphanage when she receives the news that her beloved grandfather has died. Her grandfather's two important stories of his life-- his encounters with a deathless man and a tiger who escapes from the zoo during a wartime bombing and stalks his childhood village-- take up the majority of the novel. I enjoyed the stories within the novel enough, but the novel as a whole was strangely incoherent. Patient reading is required I fear to understand the myths and the author's vision for her homeland, and I'm afraid I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to tackle this.

rating: 2.5 stars

>200 GCPLreader: Wow, three books close to the top of my TBR! I've heard a lot of varied things about The Tiger's Wife and since I bought it in hardcover, I'm going to have to give it a try...

Good reviews on all three, Jenny.

>200 GCPLreader: - Hmm, I just bought The Tiger's Wife as well. I'm glad you mentioned that patient reading is required - I will make sure to give it my full attention.

Thank you for posting, Katie and Cait. Keep me posted with your eventual reaction to The Tiger's Wife. It certainly is receiving mixed (though mostly positive) reviews.

:o)

Traveling Back in Time--> The Wild West - Dodge City

41.

Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell
Published in 2011
394 pages
Thanks to the Early Reviewer's Program here at LT for this gratifying read.

I loved this historical novel from the opening paragraph: "He began to die when he was twenty-one, but turberculosis is slow and sly and subtle. The disease took fifteen years to hollow out his lungs so completely they could no longer keep him alive. In all that time, he was allowed a single season of something like happiness."
Forget everything you think you know about the legend of Doc Holliday. He wasn't quite the gunslinger I had imagined him to be, but instead was an amiable dentist and cardplayer who lived in the heart of the Wild West in Dodge City, Kansas after the Civil War. Alongside the famous Wyatt brothers and a cast of multitudes, Mary Doria Russell (best known for her spectacular novel The Sparrow), has written a warm, engaging story of Doc's fight against the Fates. The novel isn't perfect-- I was disappointed in her decision not to showcase the infamous Tombstone shootout. I also felt the storyline of the unfortunate murder of a minor character was unneccesary. But, overall, the writing and the interesting characters more than made up for it. This was a novel that had me smiling throughout-- highly recommended.

rating: 4 stars

Me Someday

42.

Emily Alone: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan
Published in 2011
255 pages

Emily, Alone is a lovely novel of the mundane life of an elderly Pittsburgh widow who lives alone. Whether fussing at her aged dog, nervously riding shotgun with her best friend, or patiently awaiting her children's phone calls on Mother's Day, Emily keeps herself busy with life's quotidian affairs while always listening to classical music in the background. Stewart O'Nan gets all the details right and never feels the need to fancy up the story with complexity. Each short chapter sheds just a little more light on such a simple life. No doubt you will see in Emily the elderly women of your family as I did. So evocative, so ordinary, and yet, such an impact.

rating: 4.5 stars

I hesitated to read Emily, Alone when I got it from the library when I found out it is a sequel to O'Nan's earlier novel Wish You Were Here, which I've not read. But I made the mistake of reading the opening chapter and I was hooked. I do plan to read the first novel, but it wasn't necessary in coming to know and love these characters.
This is the second O'Nan novel I've read-- Last Night at the Lobster was another good read. I respect this author for not shying away from the mundane-- for writing so simply of typical working-class American life. There are 2 types of reads I love-- those that take me away to another place and time and an adventure I'd never myself experience and as with O'Nan, books where I see myself reflected in the story.

I'm sort of afraid to read Emily Alone. I'm afraid I'll recognize myself in her story. ;-(

Two great reviews, Jenny. I remember listening to something on NPR about Emily, Alone and thinking I'd like to read it. I'm definitely going to look for this one.

I'm one of the few people who didn't like The Sparrow so I haven't looked for anymore of Russell's books but you made Doc sound like a good read.

Pat, I bet you'd really like A Thread of Grace. It's nothing like The Sparrow.

#208 Thanks Bonnie. Your sis said exactly the same thing!

Jenny- A couple good reviews of some very interesting books. I look forward to "Doc" and Emily Alone! I've read 2 of O'Nan's books. Circus Fire is incredible.

Bonnie, I would give anything to have the strength and character of Emily. If you do see yourself reflected in the novel, then you should be proud. :o)

Pat, I do think you'd love them both. Since our advanced copies of Doc are the advanced uncorrected proofs I'm hoping Russell and her publishers tweak some things before official publication. I found much about it flawed and yet it was still such a good, good story. Was it the brutal finale that threw you off of Sparrow? I tried A Thread of Grace a couple of years ago and couldn't get into it.

Mark, thank you for the great recommendation!--can't wait!

"...the men stayed up late, talking around the dining room table, huddled together against the gathering storm... They didn't realize that the storm was right there in the room, contained in their own minds and hearts."

43.

Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr
Published in 2011
250 pages

As a native Southerner with our history of Jim Crow laws, I only imagine extreme bigotry existing here in the South. But in Nina Revoyr's new novel Wingshooters, ingrained hate thrives in 1970's smalltown Wisconsin. The novel is told through the point of view of 9-year-old Michelle. Michelle, rejected because of her Japanese mother, is treated cruelly by townsfolks and her peers when she is abandoned by her parents and left to live with her grandparents in Deerhorn. Yet the turmoil she causes is nothing compared to the anger felt by the town with the arrival of an African-American couple to their community. The novel's real strength lies in the complex character of the grandfather and his relationship with his granddaughter. Charlie LeBeau is richly drawn and most intriguing. The author has some interesting things to say about prejudice and the struggle to accept change in smalltown America.

rating: 3.5 stars

Jenny - interesting. Do you know where is WI "Deerhorn" was located? (google tells me there is a "Deerhorn Camp" outside Rhinelander, but there isn't a town of Deerhorn).

I'm unsure if Deerhorn is an actual town but on Nina Revoyr's website it says: "Set in the expansive countryside of Central Wisconsin..."

Is that near you, Daniel?

No, my wife grew up in rural WI - western WI, near I-94. We end up in and around Menomonie on occasion. Thanks for the location. "Central Wisconsin" helps.

#211 Jenny, I went in to The Sparrow with extremely high expectations because so many people love the book. Unfortunately, I never really got into it and only finished it because I kept expecting to eventually like it and then, of course, I hated the ending. For some reason, I never really liked any of the characters. It was one of those experiences where I couldn't figure out what I was missing.

I've finished 4 books since my last post but have been too caught up in school to do any formal postings. Here's a quick run-down:

44. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand-- 3.5 stars-- pretty good, liked the "lost at sea" section the best

45. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell--4 stars-- found the writing exceptional and the story full of originality and drama and heart

46. The Aeneid by Virgil (Fagles' translation)--5 stars-- so, so wonderful-- companion read to last year's The Iliad and The Odyssey-- lately I'm completely mad for anything with mythology and the ancient world!

47. 2030: the Real Story of What Happens to America by Albert Brooks (yes, the comedian!)-- 4 stars-- totally fun debut novel of plausible near future focusing on politics, the national debt, aging, and technology (I've posted the first review)

Hi Jenny, just seeing what you're up to these days. I think I liked Unbroken more than you did, but agree that the lost at sea section was amazing. I get the shivers when I think about those sharks.

Are you through with the school year? I think June 3 is the last day where I live. We still have a few elementary schools that aren't air conditioned. It's supposed to be hot the next few days. I remember how sticky and miserable everyone was at the end of the school year when I taught. I don't miss that part of it at all.

Pat, how have you been? missed you on your thread (yes, I always check your star!)

Donna! hi, phewww, yes, just finished. that was not an easy year ... I've never in all my years felt so "managed"-- glad to get a break! :o)

Unbroken was good... I just don't even know why I bother with nonfiction-- I'm real hard to please there.

Donna you were much too distracted by the filth(!) to truly see the love between the family and neighbors in Kings of the Earth. I do fault it for the crime storyline-- does Clinch do that to keep us guessing?

On my next library pick-up, I've got Huck and Finn coming home with me! I'll keep you posted.

what was I thinking?

48.
Hester by Paula Reed
308 pages
Early Reviewers Program

I never really got caught up in this historical novel follows up on Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. I was interested in the history of Cromwell's "reign", but even that was rather dull. And since I didn't buy into the focus on Hester's "gift"... well, other fans of HF may still like the setting and the book's fond reaqaintance with a favorite classic character.

2 stars

Didn't pick a great Vonnegut

49.
Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut
1985
324 pages

I guess I'd consider this a dystopian novel. I keep a loose definition of dystopia as any speculative novel that involves a drastic (usually futuristic) change to society. So, I guess a novel of the future (in a million years) where humans surviving on an island in the Galapagos evolvvvvvvvvvvvvve would qualify. (won't spoil that here!) It was pretty cool to see how Vonnegut structured the story with the actual "event" not taking place until 2/3 of the way through. There was one super funny section early on. Not bad-- maybe a bit dated and too tongue-in-cheek, but good enough.

3 stars

Questioning What's Real

50.

Chronic City by Jonathan Lethem
2009
467 pages

I ended up really liking this. It's mostly a character study of Manhattanites, one a former child-star whose claim to fame is being the boyfriend of an astronaut abandoned at a space station, and the other main character is a reclusive avant-garde who smokes high grade pot and obsesses over a ceramic vase. some fabulous writing here... easily recommended for fans of DFW or Franzen or the New York high wire novel (can't think of the name)

4 stars

read this on a hot day

51.
The Silent Land by Graham Joyce
2011
262 pages

Stayed up real late to finish this one. Been awhile since I've had such an emotional investment. A young married couple are vacationing at a ski resort in the oh-so-snowy French Pyrenees when an avalance buries the entire resort. 5 stars from me-- recommended for lovers of a good thriller (think Stephen King)
5 stars

Latest from a Favorite Author

52.
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
2011
306 pages

not as good as her first 3 novels-- The publicity lead me to believe this was based on the true story of the first Native American (here Wampanoang)to graduate from Harvard-- yes, but it's mainly about Bethia, friend of Caleb and daughter to Martha Vineyard's missionary preacher in the 1660's. Bethia writes a journal that spans her life on the beautiful island as she is tormented by her concept of sin and by her determination to find her true path. The book is soooooooooo perfectly written........ but why then was I so disinterested? There's just nothing new here. Yes, fans of the author should read this, but read it for the language and the setting. I bet you'll connect with it a bit better than I did.3.5 stars

good book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULilLp1mnmQ

Wow, Jenny, you've been busy! I have The Silent Land and Caleb's Crossing on my wish list, as well as a couple Lethem books on my TBR shelves (but not Chronic City).

I hope you have a restful summer break from school!

ooohh, good ones, Katie! Can't wait to see your responses. and thank you for the kind words-- I will.

Hi Jenny- Wow, I don't see you for awhile and then you come back with a vengeance. Once again, I love your book choices.
I have had Chronic City on my WL forever. the Silent Land sounds very good. I think someone else was raving about it.
I also have a copy of Caleb's Crossing waiting nearby. Even if it's not up to par with her other books, it sounds like a worthy read.
BTW- The Albert Brooks book sounds promising too! I've been a fan of his, for years.

Mark, I love when you come over and visit! oh, good, you noticed the Albert Brooks novel-- He's so great--I try and catch Lost in America every time it comes on. The themes in the new Geraldine Brooks book are wonderfully explored-- faith, education, strength --hope you love it!

Proof that I’ve got way too much free-time these days :o)

Always wanted to try and connect with visitors with one of these questionnaires. So if you have a little time to respond and connect (and make my day!) then cut and paste the questions and replace my answers.

Favorite childhood book? ahhh, books were what helped me escape back then-- the Little House on the Prairie books were my favs

What are you reading right now? The Pale King by David Foster Wallace

Bad book habit? – not getting enough sleep if I needed to teach the next day

Do you have an e-reader? – I have the plain Kindle -- mainly use it for gaming!

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? I do tend to have up to 3 going at a time….unless one takes a hold of me

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? don’t think so

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? welllllll, (ducks head) I didn’t love The Tiger’s Wife

Favorite book you’ve read this year? ooohh, this is hard-- I’m gonna say The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? not very often, and usually don’t like it

What is your reading comfort zone? literary fiction, well-reviewed contemporary novels, dystopia

Can you read on the bus? don’t do buses

Favorite place to read? my favorite place to read is on the bed when the sunlight is just right

What is your policy on book lending? don’t lend--don’t have no books (sic) to lend

Do you ever dog-ear books? nope, use the free paper bookmarks from the library (thanks guys!)

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? not since college

What is your favorite language to read in? English, but oh how I regret not learning Latin

What makes you love a book? the writing, the writing, the writing, the plot, the writing

What will inspire you to recommend a book? if I know the book will bring others pleasure

Favorite genre? literary fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction/dystopia, some horror/thrillers

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) – mysteries-- don’t like books with crimes to be solved….don’t really like short story collections-- (this I might need to change)

Favorite biography? hmmm, I just finished and liked the new Cleopatra bio

Have you ever read a self-help book? only those required of me for school assignments-- ugh

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? I’ll say Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan-- I am inspired by this gorgeous novel to live carefully and find peace as I age (and no doubt live alone)

Favorite reading snack? coffee and sometimes sunflower seeds

How often do you agree with critics about a book? maybe 75% of the time

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? oh, I hate it--I always think the vulnerable young authors will be devastated by what I think --lol

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Latin--- I want to read Virgil in Latin

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? I’ll say Joyce’s Ulysses.. Didn’t get very far I admit

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? uhhh, Finnegan’s Wake ---there’s no way

Favorite Poet? I used to read Rilke, but I don’t do much poetry unless you count The Iliad and the like (oh, and my favorite poet to teach to my students is Langston Hughes!)

Favorite fictional character? Stevens from The Remains of the Day -- perfect book

Favorite fictional villain? Kevin from We Need to Talk About Kevin -- I love this book

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? anything, doesn’t matter

The longest I’ve gone without reading – I suppose in my early 30’s, after my divorce, I did other things instead

Name a book that you could/would not finish-- Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire -- hated it

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? hate the loud tv

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? gotta go with The Lord of the Rings trilogy --thanks PJ

Most disappointing film adaptation? I’ll go with the Showtime mini-series of The Pillars of the Earth

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? no, I won’t pay for what I can borrow for free

How often do you skim a book before reading it? I do spend time with the book jacket and trying out the first few pages before deciding on what I’ll read next

Do you like to keep your books organized? no

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? I’m wondering about Dante’s Inferno

Name a book that made you angry – The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin -- can’t stand seeing women acting horribly to each other --(save it for the men I say)

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? Yay, let’s hear it for Stephen King!

Jenny, I'll have to come back when I have more time and answer all the questions but I'm pretty sure I'll agree with you on liking Stevens in The Remains of the Day. I absolutely loved that book. I also loved We Need to Talk About Kevin but mostly remember the mother not Kevin. It's been awhile since I read it. I also hate hate hate a loud TV and I'm usually in the same room reading with my husband while he's watching TV. It's a great questionnaire.

Ok, I'll give it a go.

Favorite childhood book? Must spent youth - read R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books.

What are you reading right now? - The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet

Bad book habit? - Being a bit too meticulous and finicky about my books - I never break the spines of paperbacks, for instance.

Do you have an e-reader? – Not yet.

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? Also tend to have at least 3 going on, but different genres.

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? I feel more pressured to finish the books.

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? - Sunnyside Sal, a book by a guy who used to teach me in first year.

Favorite book you’ve read this year? Favourite book: The Gormenghast Novels; favourite novella: Hadji Murat by Leo Tolstoy

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I try different things, but not things that I know I won't like

What is your reading comfort zone? Literary fiction, poetry, speculative fiction

Can you read on the bus? I live in South Africa - try finding good public transport

Favorite place to read? I enjoy reading on an easy-chair

What is your policy on book lending? Only to friends I trust.

Do you ever dog-ear books? Never

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Yes, if I'm really into the book. I also underline passages.

What is your favorite language to read in? English, and I also regret not learning Latin

What makes you love a book? Mainly good writing, but interesting ideas are also important.

What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I know the person I'm recommending it to has an interest.

Favorite genre? Literary fiction, speculative fiction

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) – maybe crime fiction, but it has to be really good, like Lush Life by Richard Price

Favorite biography? R.F. Foster's biographies of Willem Butler Yeats

Have you ever read a self-help book? I've read some that my previous psychologist recommended.

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? Brodeck's Report by Philippe Claudel - it really struck me as a parable for the modern world.

Favorite reading snack? Crisps (what we South Africans call chips)

How often do you agree with critics about a book? Depends on the critic

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I try to be objective, and not unduly harsh - especially if it's someone I know.

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Latin or Russian

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? I read a student's edition of Ulysses, which was quite helpful.

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? Finnegans Wake, natch.

Favorite Poet? Too many - John Clare of the Romantics, James Merrill of the moderns.

Favorite fictional character? Hamlet, when I'm feeling pretensious; Steerpike, when I'm feeling sadistic; Severian of the Guild

Favorite fictional villain? See Steerpike, above.

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? Fantasy novels

The longest I’ve gone without reading – A day, maybe.

Name a book that you could/would not finish-- Nothing really - I'm a completist.

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? Television

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? I also like the Lord of the Rings trilogy

Most disappointing film adaptation? Dreamcatcher from Stephen King

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? Too much

How often do you skim a book before reading it? I read the blurbs and description, but I don't really skim through the pages.

Do you like to keep your books organized? Fairly, depending on how much enthusiasm I can gather to actually organise them.

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I keep my books, if I can.

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? No

Name a book that made you angry – MAUS by Art Spiegelman - the cruelty of that time really made me angry.

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? I have a good sense of what I'm going to like, so nothing really.

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? Agreed, let’s hear it for Stephen King!

Pat, hi! cool finding out what we have in common.. if your husband's like mine, he always has to have some tv going. it's not such an issue now in this heat because the fan I have going in the bedroom drowns everything out. hope you'll come back when you've found an open 2-3 hours to blow--lol
(and yeah, I didn't make up the q's, just found them on a random book blog--so borrowed it)

Hey South Africa-- thanks so much for posting. thank god I'm too old to have gone through an RL Stine phase -- well, that at least explains the shout-out for King! russian is a great choice for language-- i'm itching to read some more russian lit this year. lol, have you even tried the opening pages to Finnegan's Wake? my god, it's so cool but surely beyond my grasp. you've got great taste--nice to meet you. :o)

Fun!

Favorite childhood book? It's still one of my favs today - Anne of Green Gables

What are you reading right now? No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod

Bad book habit? I make a list of books I plan to read, and then promptly read totally different books!

Do you have an e-reader? I have a Kindle, and I love it!

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? One at a time, always. I can't focus on more than one

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? Since joining LT, I've read a wider variety of authors and books, and really figured out what I like, and what I don't

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? Generation X by Douglas Coupland

Favorite book you’ve read this year? Hmm... for sheer enjoyment, My Antonia by Willa Cather; for best writing, Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Maybe two-five books a year

What is your reading comfort zone? Classics, Can Lit, literary fiction, stuff you would find in www.belletrista.com

Can you read on the bus? Yep! I can read anywhere!

Favorite place to read? My bed I guess... or outside, in the park in my town

What is your policy on book lending? You break it, you replace it!

Do you ever dog-ear books? Never! Sacrilige!

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Sometimes, if it is one I am going to teach

What is your favorite language to read in? English

What makes you love a book? Sparse prose, meaty characters, a vibrant setting

What will inspire you to recommend a book? I try to only recommend books to people whose taste I think I have a pretty good handle on

Favorite genre? Can Lit

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) Non-fiction - but I'm trying!

Favorite biography? I don't read bios...how 'bout a memoir? I really loved Patti Smith's Just Kids

Have you ever read a self-help book? No

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? Just Kids by Patti Smith

Favorite reading snack? Coffee or hot chocolate with Baileys in the winter, lemonade in the summer. No food - it might get on the book! :)

How often do you agree with critics about a book? I don't really track what they say - I value LT reviews more

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I just say what I feel!

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? French

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? Crime and Punishment maybe? I threw it across the room!

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? Vanity Fair - it has been sitting on my bookshelf for years

Favorite Poet? Margaret Atwood or Sylvia Plath

Favorite fictional character? Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights

Favorite fictional villain? Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? Whatever!

The longest I’ve gone without reading - maybe a week?

Name a book that you could/would not finish - Crime and Punishment

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? People talking to me

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? Gone With the Wind or To Kill a Mockingbird

Most disappointing film adaptation? The Other Boleyn Girl was pretty horrible...

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? Oh, probably $200

How often do you skim a book before reading it? Maybe 5 minutes? I usually buy books from word-of-mouth recs, so I don't need to skim

Do you like to keep your books organized? Yes, alphabetically by author, in two different areas - read, and unread

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I'm a keeper, because I'm a rereader

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? No

Name a book that made you angry – Generation X - I wanted to yell at those three main characters

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? Jane Eyre - I had tried to read it so many times without success, that I thought it just wasn't for me

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? The Winter King - I usually like King Arthur books, but this was not my King Arthur

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris

hey Cait-- has your school year winded down? great to have you posting. you had me laughing about Crime and Punishment-- was it the 7-syllable names that all begin blurring together? lol thanks for the reminder to reread Wuthering Heights sometime soon. :o)

Favorite childhood book? - Kipling's Jungle Books

What are you reading right now? - Several books including The Recognitions by Gaddis, A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin, and Uncle Tom's Cabin

Bad book habit? – Reading too many books at a time (see above)

Do you have an e-reader? – I was given a Nook Color for Christmas last year, but I wish it had been a Kindle.

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? - Usually 4-5 novels, plus collections of stories, plays and poems that I read from time to time.

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? - don’t think so

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? - The Chronicles of Narnia

Favorite book you’ve read this year? - Germinal by Emile Zola

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? - Quite often. I read from various lists of "great books" and "recommended reading," so as to keep myself from getting into a rut

What is your reading comfort zone? - I'm probably most at home in 19th century fiction

Can you read on the bus? - Yes. I'm retired now, but when working I did much of my reading on the bus.

Favorite place to read? - The recliner in my library.

What is your policy on book lending? - I don't offer books to lend, but if someone asks, I will. I then write it off, because I've never had a lent book returned.

Do you ever dog-ear books? - Never!

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? - No. I keep several Post-It Flags stuck each of my bookmarks. When I want to mark a passage, I pull off a flag and stick it on the page.

What is your favorite language to read in? - English. 40 years ago I could read German, but not any more.

What makes you love a book? - Good writing and something to say.

What will inspire you to recommend a book? - Quality writing, not necessarily entertainment value.

Favorite genre? - Literary fiction. Years ago I read mostly science fiction, and I'm starting to get back into it as well.

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) – Mysteries and thrillers. One of these days I'll try Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, etc.

Favorite biography? - Peter the Great by Robert Massie.

Have you ever read a self-help book? - not unless you count the stuff I had to read at work like The One Minute Manager

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? - I guess it would be Germinal

Favorite reading snack? - Wine and cheese

How often do you agree with critics about a book? - Most of the time, I suppose

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? - I usually try to be descriptive rather than judgmental in my reviews. Who am I to sit in judgment on someone who's done something I can't do?

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? - French. There are lots of free e-books of Balzac, Zola, Hugo, etc. I could then read.

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? - Finnegans Wake. If I understood one line per page, I was doing well.

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? - After Finnegans Wake, it's all downhill.

Favorite Poet? - I don't read as much as I should. I liked Baudelaire, Milton and Rilke

Favorite fictional character? - From my youth: Horatio Hornblower

Favorite fictional villain? - I fell in love with Eustacia Vye, the femme fatale in Hardy's Return of the Native

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? - Something appropriate to the place I'm visiting

The longest I’ve gone without reading – Maybe three weeks in the 80s.

Name a book that you could/would not finish - I started Artistotle's Politics, but gave up after a few pages. I still intend to get back to it some day.

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? - Television

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? - Probably the Russian production of War and Peace from the 1960s.

Most disappointing film adaptation? - The recent version of The Time Machine. (I rarely go to movies or watch television, so I have very little to judge from. I happened to see this one on a plane flight.)

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? - Probably around $125. I buy most of my books used by the boxfull at prices averaging under $3. I confess to buying far more books than I'll ever live to read.

How often do you skim a book before reading it? - Rarely. I read books based on lists and awards, often without even looking at them ahead of time or knowing what they are about.

Do you like to keep your books organized? - I try to keep them alphabetized by author, but as I buy new ones all the time, they are never as neat as I would like. My granddaughter keeps nagging me, though, to put them together by sets.

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? - I would rather keep every book I've ever owned, but there isn't room, so I reluctantly sell most of the ones I've read back to the used book store they came from.

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? - I should long ago have read Plutarch's Lives and The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, but they are sooo looong.

Name a book that made you angry – Gone with the Wind for its elitism and sympathetic view of the Klan.

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? - The Corrections. As the author feared, that Oprah tag had me thinking chick lit.

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. A good book, but nothing at all like Housekeeping which is one of my all time favorites.

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? - Gothic classics such as The Monk and Dracula.

Thanks for this fun little survey, Jenny. It made me think a little about how and why I read what I do and what I get out of it.

hey steven, thanks for playing along! wondering why didn't you like the Narnia? wow, wasn't that Franzen incredible?! love your shout-out

(and we also share something in common with our M Robinson preference)

#236 Re Narnia: I resented the apocalyptic religious concepts being presented this way to young readers. What is an 8-year-old supposed to make of ideas such as the antichrist and the last judgment?

yes, point taken, but I was in my religious phase so I liked it

Oh fun!

Favorite childhood book? - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Anne of Green Gables, and Sarah, Plain and Tall.

What are you reading right now? - Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, The Hustle by Doug Merlino (an ER book), and I'm listening to The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny.

Bad book habit? – Buying more books that I will ever be able to read, and then going to the library and taking out a bunch more.

Do you have an e-reader? – I have a Kindle which I only bought because I travel a lot for work, but now I love it. And I still buy too many physical books!

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? - Until fairly recently, I was strictly one at a time, but now I tend to have a fiction and non-fiction going at the same time, as well as an audio book in the car.

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? - I don't have a blog, but since I started on LT, I am reading a lot more and a lot of things I might not normally have tried.

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? - And I Shall Have Some Peace There by Margaret Roach (an ER book that I can't adequately express my dislike of)

Favorite book you’ve read this year? - The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields or Animal Farm

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? - Not as often as I should, but more than I used to...

What is your reading comfort zone? - Literary fiction

Can you read on the bus? - I don't use public transportation anymore, but when I lived in DC, I had a bus and Metro ride, and could devour books on both. I also read on planes, boats, and in cars (when I'm not driving!).

Favorite place to read? - The Chair That Ate New Jersey - a huge over-stuffed arm chair I inherited from my parents, with a matching ottoman.

What is your policy on book lending? - I am happy to lend books, but I keep careful track of where my books are and will come to your house and take them back if they are not returned in a timely manner!

Do you ever dog-ear books? - No, no, no.

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? - Occasionally, in pencil. Once I am finished reading it and recording my thoughts, I erase the writing.

What is your favorite language to read in? - English. I used to be able to read quite well in French, but alas, no longer...

What makes you love a book? - Complete transportation into a different world/reality. The best books are the ones that make me forget I am sitting holding a book.

What will inspire you to recommend a book? - I don't like to recommend books because it's so personal... If someone asks me flat out for a recommendation, I will first try to get a sense of what they like.

Favorite genre? - Literary fiction and literary mysteries.

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) – I know there is a lot of good sci-fi out there, and it is one of my goals this year to read more of it, but it seems so silly to me sometimes.

Favorite biography? - I can't remember any biographies I've read, though there must be a few... But I love well-done memoirs like Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt and Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck.

Have you ever read a self-help book? - I don't think so.

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? - The books that have made me think the most are Without a collection of poems by Donald Hall and The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.

Favorite reading snack? - red wine. Is that a snack?

How often do you agree with critics about a book? - I don't read a lot of critics/reviews.

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? - I try to be fair and it should always go without saying that reviews are inherently personal and should always be taken with a grain of salt - good and bad.

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? - Arabic. I think there is probably a lot of great literature being written that is not being translated.

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? - I read Gone with the Wind when I was 10 and it's sheer length intimidated me at the time. But as far as writing, style, etc. go - I was pretty intimidated by both Crime and Punishment and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. I ended up liking both, though.

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? - Finnegan's Wake

Favorite Poet? - TS Eliot, John Donne, WH Auden.

Favorite fictional character? - There are too many! But Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird springs to mind.

Favorite fictional villain? - Again, too many! Fanny Dashwood of Sense and Sensibility is pretty loathsome, as is Lady Catherine in Pride and Prejudice. But they are fun villains. The Man Jack, in The Graveyard Book was pretty terrifying...

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? - Long ones that I know I will be able to sink into. Anything by favorite authors.

The longest I’ve gone without reading – Maybe a day or two.

Name a book that you could/would not finish - This year I have consciously given myself the freedom to stop reading a book that isn't appealing to me. I've abandoned about five I think...
The previously mentioned And I Shall Have Some Peace There, Haunted Ground, A Window Across the River - that's all that I can think of off-hand at the moment.

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? - LT

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? - 1990s BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and I thought Atonement was well-done, especially given the complexity of the book.

Most disappointing film adaptation? - There are so many! But I found the 1940s Laurence Olivier version of Pride and Prejudice to be ridiculous in leaving out so much of the book and completely changing at least one plot element.

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? - Around $200 maybe?

How often do you skim a book before reading it? - Not often.

Do you like to keep your books organized? - Yes. They are broken into categories (non-fiction, poetry, literary and historical fiction, childhood favorites, mysteries/thrillers, and fluff) and then arranged alphabetically by author. The non-fiction is sub-categorized (travel, memoir, history, etc.) and then alphabetized...

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? - I keep a lot of them but periodically purge the shelves and sell some to a used bookstore.

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? - Not consciously.

Name a book that made you angry – The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill. She killed off my favorite character!

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? - The Stone Diaries. I thought it would be kind of boring, but it was incredibly engaging and beautiful.

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? - Any of the books I've abandoned...

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? - Nelson DeMille and Ken Follett

hi katie, great answers! oh, isn't The Stone Diaries terrific? lol@ your comfy chair--I'd love to see a pic.
most excellent pick of Atticus Finch for best character. :o)

my summer Stephen King treat-- an epic homage to Tolkien

53.

The Gunslinger (book 1 of the 7 part series The Dark Tower) by Stephen King
1982
300 pages

Ever since I lost myself to King's The Stand about 5 summers ago, I've allowed myself a tradition of kickstarting my summer vacation with a new Stephen King novel. I'd heard of a series he'd written, but not being a "series-type of girl" (I think the only series I do devour is Cornwell's Uthred Saxon novels) I never really investigated The Dark Tower books. Well, when I read that King referred to this series as his epic and it is his homage to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I decided to try it out. The Gunslinger is about a quest set in a futuristic desert where the lead character, Roland, chases "the man in black". It's a remarkably well written novel and I especially enjoyed finding connections with the Tolkien story I know so well. I'm excited to check out the next in the series and am only a little bit nervous about the potential fantasy/ time-travel/ alternative worlds storyline-- I rarely read fantasy--I'm used to more of a horror or thriller genre from King. fingers crossed

4 stars

An Indictment

54.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-sook Shin
translated into English 2011 (2008 in Korea)
237 pages

An elderly woman can't keep up with her husband at a Seoul subway station and is left behind. Her adult children frantically search for her throughout the city. Most of the novel tells various vignettes from their lives and we come to see what an amazing, unselfish woman the mother is. I enjoyed the first half of the book and found it quite moving, but as I read on, I became frustrated at the sentimentality and clear didacticism. OK, I get it--- we neglect our aging parents and we never appreciate all they do for us and we never imagine their inner turmoils. Maybe this message needs to be heard in Korea where it is a bestseller, but for me I don't really need to be beaten over the head with such an obvious message. I also was a bit confused by the 2nd person narrative with every character referred to as "you" (yes, the author means YOU). I don't regret reading this-- much of the writing was beautiful, and what I did love most was all the insight into Korean culture.

3 stars

Trying Twain as an Adult

55.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
1885
506 pages

Did I read this as a child? ...or was that Tom Sawyer? Of course, with its iconic status and pop culture references I know the story. And the story I loved reading was the part I knew--Huck and Jim on the Mississippi River on a raft. When it was just the two of them I found it brilliant. But oh, the side characters-- much was funny, but much was too cartoonish for my taste. So between laughing out loud, crying, and rolling my eyes, I must admit that all in all I had a good time with Twain.

3.5 stars

Yay!--an excellent book from the Early Reviewers program

56.

The Upright Piano Player by David Abbott
2010
264 pages

The Upright Piano Player is a bold McEwan-esque debut novel that has quite an emotional impact. The author takes the risks of starting the novel with an unspeakable tragedy and then going back in time to show the journey each character went through up to that point. Henry Cage is a wealthy British retiree who has become estranged from his family. A random act of violence on New Year's Eve triggers a series of unpleasant encounters that leave him unhinged. The tension here is palpable and it is certainly the type of novel that I didn't want to put down. My only quibble would be the peripheral characters and storylines that seem unresolved. Perhaps the novel should have been longer. I certainly wouldn't have minded reading more from this talented author. ---strongly recommended

4 stars

Too tired to read tonight - and so this questionaire will do nicely

Favorite childhood book? Alice in wonderland

What are you reading right now? Porius - John Cowper Powis and too many others

Bad book habit? – deciding which book to read - can take ages

Do you have an e-reader? – I have the plain Kindle

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? several at once

Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? Yes especially since I have gotten involved with the group reads over at the Salon

Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? The Junior Officers Reading Club by Patrick Hennessey

Favorite book you’ve read this year? Difficult to pick one but I'll go for The Vagabond - Colette

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Most of the time it seems

What is your reading comfort zone? literary fiction, history, science fiction, detective novels

Can you read on the bus? Have not been on a bus for ten years - no buses where I live.

Favorite place to read? Upstairs in my own little room

What is your policy on book lending? I am an enthusiastic lender of books

Do you ever dog-ear books? not so much theses days

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? yes of course doesn't everybody

What is your favorite language to read in? English

What makes you love a book? The writing style and if it captures my imagination

What will inspire you to recommend a book? anything I like

Favorite genre? literary fiction, medieval literature, history, poetry

Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) – non-fiction natural history

Favorite biography? this year: secrets of the Flesh - A life of Colette

Have you ever read a self-help book? yes the one by Samuel Smiles

Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? The consolation of Philosophy - Boethius

Favorite reading snack? biscuits and a cup of tea

How often do you agree with critics about a book? not that often as I am deeply suspicious of critics whose main function seems to be to sell books. I much prefer LT reviewers

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? It doesn't bother me as my reviews are personal and if I don't like something I feel I have a right to say so.

If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?l French - I can manage a little but I still miss an awful lot

Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? T S Eliot's selected poems in school.

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
The bible

Favorite Poet? D H Lawrence

Favorite fictional character? John Gardener's Grendel

Favorite fictional villain? not sure I like any villains

Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? poetry, literary fiction

The longest I’ve gone without reading – I can't remeber a non-reading period but role playing games and computer games took up much of my leisure time 20 years ago.

Name a book that you could/would not finish-- I can't remeber not finishing a book that I have started although The visions of Piers Plowman came close

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? the computer

Favorite film adaptation of a novel? Room with a view

Most disappointing film adaptation? most others

The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? Don't know but I regularly spend £50-£60 every time I go onl line at amazon etc

How often do you skim a book before reading it? Hardly ever I just plunge in and come out the other end

Do you like to keep your books organized? yes

Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I keep books I might read again otherwise they go to the bookswop

Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? not really

Name a book that made you angry – The junior Officers Reading club.

A book you didn’t expect to like but did? Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

A book that you expected to like but didn’t? Room - Emma Donaghue

Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? Rough guides to music

Barry, how kind of you to take the quiz. I only wish I'd heard of half of the books you've mentioned. Medieval literature--how daunting!-- I guess the only medieval book I've tried is Beowulf. Oh, agreed-- A Room with a View is so good. - How romantic the final scene is!

Hi Jenny! It's so funny, I was listening to the Books on the Nightstand podcast and they were raving about The Upright Piano Player and said the same thing - it's very similar to McEwan. The only McEwan that I've read was Atonement and I enjoyed it very much -- but I will definitely be checking out the Upright Piano Player as well. Thanks for the review!

Katie, thank you for posting. I was excited to hear Ann discussing the book on the podcast knowing that I had won it here and it was on the way. One thing that helped me from the show was her mention of Nan Talese's publishing division over at Random House. I had to go to their website and submit a comment requesting help with the title itself, The Upright Piano Player. You know how you're reading a novel and all of a sudden you get to the passage that shows the author's intent regarding the significance of the title? Well, I couldn't figure it out in this case. (I now see that a reviewer who posted before me seems to have the same issues and indeed may have pieced together some explanation.) It does interest me, though. Surely the author intended it as a metaphor-- the novel mentions twice, briefly, that the main character tinkles away on an upright piano. I've yet to hear from them.

Speaking of book titles, the one I'm reading today has a neat one-- The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt-- (erghh, touchstones not working) So far it is fantastic. Two hired guns with the last name Sisters are heading down to Sacramento in the 1850's. very funny and touching

Somewhere Down the Crazy River

57.

Finn by Jon Clinch
2007
287 pages

fab u lous -- a re-imagining of Twain's classic. Clinch takes the "clues" about Pap Finn from the original and creates a story of brutality and degeneration. Every sentence is amazing. This is my second novel from the author after Kings of the Earth and I just think he is great. Finn has some challenging shifts in time that had me going back and rethinking where I was, but other than that I just loved it.

4.5 stars

Jenny- I've probably told you this before! But you read some great freakin' titles. I also heard Ann rave about The Upright Piano Player on BOTNS and have already added it to my list. I'm so glad you liked it too.
I have a signed copy of Finn and hope to get to it, later this year. I also have a copy of The Sisters Brothers, I might be able to squeeze this one in, in the next couple weeks.
Lastly, I heard Elijah Wood is reading a new audio version of Huck. That sounds good.

oh Mark, do listen to the Elijah Wood narration and tell me how it is. I know you'll be crazy for it considering how much you loved Walking to Gatlinburg. The Sisters Brothers was such an amazing read. Check out this trailer -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bXs1_v2Mik

here's a taste of the author's writing:

I left the hotel, searching distractedly for a chemist's or a doctor's, but found myself focusing mainly on the subject of women, and love. I had never been with a woman for longer than a night, and they had always been whores. And while throughout each of these speedy encounters I tried to maintain a friendliness with the women, I knew in my heart it was false, and afterward always felt remote and caved in. I had in the last year or so given up whores entirely, thinking it best to go without rather than pantomime human closeness; and though it was unrealistic for a man in my position to be thinking such thoughts, I could not help myself: I saw my bulky person in the windows of the passing storefronts and wondered, When will that man there find himself to be loved?

Jenny- I am a big fan of Huck Finn. I've read it a couple of times but it would be cool to try the audio.
I'm so glad you loved Sisters Brothers. I loved the quote. I need to get to this one.

Jenny, all your recent reads look good to me. I especially loved that quote from The Sisters Brothers.

Pat, I have had some really good reads recently. I find that my reading seems to slow time down and right now I'm enjoying the perception that my vacation will go on forever. sigh :o)

(hmmm, do I know how to do this?) Here's my new thread: Jenny's Reading Journal Part Two