mks27's 75 Books for 2011

January:
1. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson, 4.5 stars
2. Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen, 3 stars
3. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, 4 stars
4. The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed, 5 stars
5. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson,4.5 stars

February:
6. Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck 4.5 stars
7. The Swan Thieves: A Novel by Elizabeth Kostova, 4 stars
8. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin, 2.5 stars
9. The Three Incestuous Sisters: An Illustrated Novel by Audrey Niffenegger, 4 stars

March:
10. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, 4 stars

April:
11. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 4.5 stars
12. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear, 4 stars
13. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, 4 star

May:
14. The Bride's House by Sandra Dallas, 3 stars, (LT Early Reviewers Book)
15. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, 4.5 stars
16. The Arrival by Shaun Tan, 4.5 stars
17. Still Life by Louise Penny, mystery, 4 stars
18. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny, 4 stars.
19. Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi, 2.5 stars

June:
20. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall, 4 stars
21. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, 5 stars
22. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris, 4 stars
23. The Big Burn by Timothy Egan, 4.5 stars
24. A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear, currently reading
25. Open by Andre Agassi, currently reading

July:
26. When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris, currently reading
27. A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin, currently reading
28. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, currently reading

Hi, I am a fellow newbie to this group as well. It looks like a great reading year is shaping up.

Welcome to the group! Glad to see you will be joining in on the Jane Austen reads this year!

Already have my copy of Sense and Sensibility, one of Austen's I have not read. Other titles on my TR list for the year: A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard by Laurel Thatcher, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, The Master by Colm Toibin, and The Invisible Wall: A Love Story that Broke Barriers by Harry Bernstein.

DeltaQueen50, Lots of great reads to look forward to! Glad you joined!

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell - Aaaaaah!!! *runs away to hide under bed*

Fourpawz2 - frightening? Long? Or both? or something else?

Maddening. It had a number of good bits, but they were tucked in amongst a lot of (for me) bad stuff. Bad in a boring context, that is. But don't let me put you off it or anything - I am, after all, in the minority, I believe.

Your thoughts regarding Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell make me want to read it more, to form my own opinion. If it is boring, one characteristic I can't tolerate, I will not be able to complete it. Looking forward to investigating this this issue!

I think 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' is one of those divisive books that people either really enjoy or really dislike. I personally loved it, as I thought Susanna Clarke did a great job of mimicking the period style and produced something really different and interesting. I look forward to seeing which side of the divide you fall on.

#10 - Well stated, Ygraine. I am sitting here thinking of other titles in that same role.....from my former book group it would be Wicked by Gregory Maguire. Each member either loved it or greatly disliked it, not one reader took the middle road. I fell into the very much disliked faction. Again, the debate makes me want to read it more. Thanks for you thoughts.

welcome! I have Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell sitting on my bookshelf. I started it many months ago and now...well, I don't know whether I'll ever get back to it. But I have not sold it. So, maybe....I'll follow your thread and see what you think, too.

Welcome!

A question from a newbie regarding the handling of books in the process of being read as the new year begins. What is your approach? Do you count the book in the year you began it or the year you finished it? Just wondering how members approach this before I decide how I will. Thanks and a happy New Year to everyone!!

It's all up to you. My approach is to only count books in the year they were finished especially since I have a terrible habit of starting books and not finishing them. That way it all averages out in the end.

Hi Michelle! Found you and starred you. I also have Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell toward the top of my TBR list. I actually started it a couple of years ago and then was interrupted. Anyway, I'm looking forward to keeping up with you in 2011.

I usually count books in the year that I finish them, but as mamzel says, it's up to you. In the end, it'll even out one way or the other.

#15 and #17 That is what I was thinking made the most sense...thanks for sharing.

#16 Thanks for the star! l starred you back. I was thinking of starting Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in February. I live in upstate NY and it gets quite cold and snowy then, a nice time to settle in with a long read.

#17 I normally restart any book that I have put down for a while. My memory isn't that good :)
#18 I will also start in Feb. It could also be quite cold and snowy here in KY. And I'm loving The Historian

Welcome!

Jankylou, The Historian was one of those books I hated to finish. I read the last chapters as slowly as I could savoring every word and then I felt at loose ends without it. Those are my favorite books. More recently, I had the same experience with The Passage by Justin Cronin, also a vampire story, but very different.

So far for 2011:

1. I am trying to finish The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I have 100 pages to go and it is getting interesting. This might qualify as my favorite of the series.

2. Listening to Nature Girl by Carl Hiassen. This is my first adult book by this author, it is humorous, but I am struggling to stay interested.

3. Just began The Master by Colm Toibin. Greatly anticipating this novel as I fell in love with his Brooklyn. His writing style is unique and not what I usually like, but it had a great effect on me.

The Passage sounds interesting. I will put it on my list. :)

I am also trying to finish The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. I'm re-reading the earlier parts where all the characters were introduced because I lost track of who was who. I'm glad to hear that it gets better later.

I get confused by the surnames that begin with E, there are many in this book that are similar. It is a struggle to keep the straight. I does get interesting with lots going on around p. 400 (well...that is e-pages, I am reading it on my nook and the book has about 524 e-page).

And I'm reading on my Kindle, so I have no idea what page I'm on, but sounds like the last 25% or so will be good! :)

I need to get to the Larsson book this year. I have read the first two, but will probably re-read them prior to reading the third.

Hi Stasia....that is a good idea. It is complex with so many characters. You will enjoy it more if you read all three together, with no re-learning the characters and little details. I read the first two, took a break, then read the last one. It took me some time to re-learn and remember. I am glad I read the series and was not dissappointed by the finale. Michelle

#27: Thanks for the input, Michelle. I definitely do not want to have to re-learn and my remember-er is broken.

Not much reading done this weekend. I tried to start The Master by Colm Toibin, but was having trouble concentrating, mainly due to the shootings in Tuscan. My thoughts were so much with the victims and their families that I could not focus. I took Toibin's novel about Henry James back to the library this morning and will try something lighter like a mystery, maybe The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.

I hope you find a book that helps put your mind at more ease. The incident is truly disturbing but I believe it is important to keep my peace of mind, regardless. I send you a hug, and hope for you finding a good book. Sweetness might be just the thing!

Thank you for your encouragement, maggie1944. Books are much more than entertainment..they really can help a reader navigate through the ups and downs of life. I often remember events from the past in terms of what I was reading at the time. I especially remember all the books I read while I was pregnant with both my children. I have this week found refuge in the audiobook, The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed, which is an enourmously long and detailed account of their lives in American. Fiction was not working, but this story of these long dead people has captured my attention.

Hi there, you've got some interesting titles in your TBR list for the year and going back to the Johnathon Strange and Mr Norrell discussion, I am another one who really enjoyed this book, especially the very well-written characters for the period portrayed. I found the chapters focusing on Mr Norrell as the more conservative and duller of the two magicians a lot slower but I also found it just simply reflected their characters.

I will be very interested in what you think of this one, especially as you definitely did not like Wicked! and I totally agree with you there.

Hi KiwiNyx....hated Wicked. Read it for book club and found it was one of those books you either love or hate as our club clearly was divided along those lines, no one took the middle ground with this book. I am encouraged that you felt the same way about Wicked and enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I have just downloaded it to my Nook and hope to start tonight. Check back for updates on my progress.

Hi Michelle, I am also a newbie and I have really been enjoying all the chatter. I am definitely waiting until I can buy all of Larssons' trilogy in paperback, It is so much nicer that way ( I did that with the Twilight Saga... just waited for them all and ignored the hype until then), the only time that was a problem/annoyance was when I reread everything from the Inhertance Saga (which was really dragging in the middle), just to discover by the end of book three that ChristopherPaolini had changed his mind and decided to write another book! The Trilogy of Four...(only Douglas Adams could get away with that!)

Good approach, kpolhuis. My daughter loved the Inheritance Saga, I have not read them. Are you a fan of fantasy? I hope to expand my reading into more from that genre, it is my least favorite, except for the Harry Potter books. I know if I read it more I would love it, it is just hard for me to get started. Any recommendations for a good fantasy book for a non-fantasy reader to fall in love with?

#35:Any recommendations for a good fantasy book for a non-fantasy reader to fall in love with?

How do you feel about historical fiction? Guy Gavriel Kay writes historical fiction with fantasy overtones in several of his books. Connie Willis' The Doomsday Book is about time travellers, so there is that aspect of fantasy, but the time period is very real.

Hi Stasia....I have read The Doomsday Book and liked it, so you are on the right track for me. I will look into Guy Gavriel Kay.

I have been doing lots of reading this week....two quite long books: The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

I am getting obsessed with all things Jefferson and have been finding supplemental reading on him which is making this all take longer, as well as planning my imaginary trip to Monticello. I am loving all things 18th century French and 18th and early 19th century American.

I will be interested in seeing what you think of the Gordon-Reed book.

>35 mks27:a good fantasy book for a non-fantasy reader to fall in love with?
You might try the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. Time travel plus characters popping in and out of books. Lots of wonderful puns and an amazing new world! First one is The Eyre Affair. Happy reading!

Read reviews on The Eyre Affair. Since I have an affinity for British novels, this book might work for me. I am putting on my ever growing TBR list.

I am on chapter 26 of 31 in The Hemingses of Monticello. I am learning much about the slave/owner relationship in the life time of Thomas Jefferson, which is much different than later in the 19th century. As today is MLK Jr. Day, the issues are very much in my mind and being brought to life by my reading about the very real members of the Hemings family.

Finished The Hemingses of Monticello by Gordon-Reed. The book is extremely well researched and offers a glimpse into the lives of this unique family in American history who were slaves, but connected to their white owners by blood and in many cases close relationship. The author presents a convincing argument in terms of the relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, but reveals the extraordinary lives of many of Sally's relatives. This book is not just an answer to the question of who is the father of Sally Hemings' children.....it answers the question: who were the members of this slave family and how did they live in and survive this condition.

Now focusing attention on reading Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

#42: I really need to read that one. Thanks for the reminder, Michelle.

Strange & Norrell definitely takes attention! I thought it was really worth it, though. I admire Clarke for both the story she tells and the really unique way in which she does it, and it really stuck with me.

Currently on chapter 3 in Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell...am not sure what I think about all the long notes at the end of each chapter. I am anxious to get through them quickly to get back to the story and the characters. Will I regret this later? Are these end of chapter notes just interesting sides or are they critical to the story? Need imput from those who know! Oh...I am reading the ebook, since I did not want to lug around a 5 lb. book. Not sure if the notes in the hard copy are at the end of each chapter.

#45 Thanks for the encouragement. Thus far, I find the story and characters intriguing.

They aren't /critical/ to the story, but they flesh the world out in very interesting ways and add some information I think you'll want to know.

I found that when I started approaching the book more as history than as straightlined story, I enjoyed it more. It sort of takes an exploratory approach to things - the footnotes are often extremely tangential and appear quite unrelated, but they weave together in very interesting and engaging ways. It's one of the things I think is magnificently unique about the book.

It's unfortunate that your notes are all at the end of chapters instead of footnotes, though! I think that would make them much harder to read. I read mine as I went along and they popped up in the text. If there's any way to toggle that in your e-book, I definitely would. Reading them as you go is much better, IMO.

Ahhh, yes, I see.

Indeed, I can go directly to the note. But, getting back to the page I was reading is cumbersome, so I waited till the end to read them all. I will now go back in the first chapters, read the piece with a note and then go directly to the note and reread.

I might just get the book from the library and read the notes from that, in a hybrid style of reading.

Very helpful....thanks!

I agree with Aerrin99, I only read physical books so the notes were footnotes and just flowed throughout the story naturally. Getting the book from the library might be a good idea and it raises an interesting point about a feature that obviously needs to be worked on for the e-readers: footnotes. Also, I think I also appreciated the history aspect of the story as well and am pleased to hear you're enjoying it so far.

For the fantasy question, I thoroughly recommend The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. This book is easily the best fantasy I have ever read although a word of warning, book two is just being finished for print now and is not due to be out in stores until March and the wait has been pretty hard to bear. This is also planned as a trilogy so there will be another wait for book 3.

Oh! For the fantasy question, I might give The Lies of Locke Lamora a try. I'm glancing at books we have in common, and I think fantasy that has a bit of a historical feel might be up your alley.

I liked The Name of the Wind pretty well, but I'd avoid it if you're unsure of the genre - it's big and sprawling and has one of the worst 'wait for the next books!' endings I've read in awhile.

I'd also recommend Finnikin of the Rock and maybe something by Guy Gavriel Kay, like The Lions of al-Rassan or Tigana (I think someone upthread recc'd him too).

Since you enjoyed Harry Potter, you may like some YA in that genre. I'd give The Thief a try, or my own personal favorite, Robin McKinley - I adored The Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword growing up. A lot of people like her fairy-tales and her urban fantasy with awesome vampire and baking, Sunshine

Aerrin99, Sunshine sounds interesting, as do all the recommendations. I will give them a try if I ever finish with Mr. Norrell and the English magicians. Decided to just start anew in light of your imput and it is moving a long more smoothly.

KiwiNyx, the problem is that I don't always recall the page I was on after reading a long note and in an ebook there are multiples of each page, the n umber sometimes depending on font size...not all of page 20 fits on one e-book page...so even if I do remember the page number and find it quickly...it likely is still not exactly the page I am on, but near to it at least. I have not experienced this issue in any other book I have read on my Nook. Although, I have not read non-fiction or especiallly a history which would have many notes. I think, at least for now, I will stick to fiction without notes for my ereader. For sure, all the notes in Clarke's book took me by surprise. I will look into your recommendation...thanks.

Hello Michelle

Found your thread and starred you. I look forward to learning more about your reading habits.

Almost done with the Mr. Norrell section of JS &MN and I have enjoyed: the Jane Austen like humor and satire, the clever use of magic, and the well detailed period settings. I am struggling to connect to the character of Mr. Norrell, but loved the Magicians of York. Mr. Norrell feels distant to me, but that might be the intention.

Simultaneously.....listening to Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and feel like I will need a break from all things British for a while. I am enjoying the Major's struggle to deal with aging and all that comes with it.

Yeah, I think the distance of Mr. Norrell is intentional - in fact, neither of the main characters is particularly /relatable/, but Norrell especially is hard to kind of wrap yourself around.

#53: I loved Major Pettigrew when I read it last year, so I hope you enjoy it too, Michelle.

Aerrin99......The more I read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, the more I love it. The distance of Mr. Norrell is seen in the title...he is referred to in a formal, distant manner. I do feel more connected to Jonathan because I know his back story, parents and childhood. Mr. Norrell is kept at arms length. I love Lady Pole's story.

Stasia....not quite done, but enjoy it. I am attracted to books about the immigrant experience (my inlaws are immigrants)....being in two cultures at once, but in neither of them fully and feeling the pull of both. Major is so concerned about doing what is proper and then seems to plunge ahead doing what is not, but what is right. So many themes explored in so few characters and in a fairly simple plot, but lots of the complexity of modern life.

#56: So many themes explored in so few characters and in a fairly simple plot, but lots of the complexity of modern life.

I agree with you Michelle. I thought it was remarkable what Simonson did exploring the themes of immigration and the prejudices that immigrants experience. Not only did she tackle that but she covered unwed motherhood as well.

I think I wrote in my review of Strange and Norrell that it's an odd sort of book because I was not in any real rush to finish it, or even find out what happened, but I loved /living/ in it, and it lingered in my mind a lot. I remember it as a book you sort of experience, more than many other books. I'm not sure if it's her footnotes, the extremely thorough world-building, the writing style, or what!

I find Jonathan very interesting, and even moreso as the book goes on!

#58: Yes, reading Strange and Norrell will have a negative effect on my 75 books goal. I am reading it slowly, taking in the moment. The author wrote the book that way. She worked on bits and pieces and did not pull it together until the end, so we are/have read it the way it was written. I am not reading to see if the characters find what they are seeking in their lives, but just to be in the moment with the story.

Stasia, we can add family relationships and a changing social structure to the themes. I find myself thinking that I wish I had met the Major's wife, Nancy, and find that she plays an important role in the book, ever though she has died. Her memory hovers over the Major and their son. There is a lot going on here!

#60: Yes, we can. Major Pettigrew is definitely a book I hope to re-read in future. I know I did not catch everything the first time around!

The way you've both been describing JS&MN is exactly the same way I experienced the read. It is a book you enjoy the moments with rather than simply absorb a few words. I really loved that quality about it.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson: The modern world with its unrelenting complexity and confusion seems to be surrounding Major Ernest Pettigrew from all sides. He must watch as his son sells his soul to climb the social ladder, then he finds himself attracted to the completely unacceptable Pakistani woman who owns the local shop. Now he must deal with the recent death of his brother and a controversy over a precious family heirloom. He cares deeply about doing what is socially proper, but plunges head first into situations that his village friends and family view as just the opposite. Much of the conflict in this novel centers on this struggle between doing what is right and doing what is expected and socially acceptable.

Many themes run simultaneously through this well written novel, which is an accomplishment in light of the uncomplicated plot line and small number of primary characters. The most moving theme is that of racism and the immigrant experience. Simonson clearly illustrates how this conflict persists beyond the first immigrant generation, but continues through family lines into subsequent generations. Indeed, the author offers the reader both sides of the immigrant dilemma: the immigrant family unwilling to turn from the more oppressive traditions of their land of origin and the racism of their new land.

In the end, I fell completely in love with this novel and with Major Pettigrew and rooted for him the whole way. This is an engaging novel with lots to offer. I highly recommend it and rated it 4.5.

#63: I am glad you continued to enjoy that one, Michelle! It is a dandy book.

Stopped by the library today to load up for the snow storm and came home with Visitation by the German author Jenny Erpenbeck and Murder on the Leviathan by the Russian author Boris Akunin. So...adding two more books to my "Currently Reading" list.

Hi There

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

Thanks.

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

My review for Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck:

Reading Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck is a wholly unique reading experience. The story centers on a place, a patch of hilly forest bordering a lake close to Berlin, and follows the people who occupy this patch of earth. The plot travels in and out of time and characters, spanning from the 19th century until just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in an angular and unpredictable path. The individual stories include a young girl from the nearby village, a Jewish family who sell their parcel in hopes of escape, an architect and his wife in favor under Hitler, a communist writer and her family, a granddaughter who mourns the loss of her childhood, a woman who lost her family farm, a Jewish girl in hiding, a woman who learns the truth about herself, and a Soviet officer far from home. In the end, all spending time on this small piece of Germany are merely visitors, powerless in the face of Germany’s changing political powers.

Erpenbeck’s writing style is both poetic and beautiful, with a habit of frequently repeating phrases to mimic the repetition of the routines of everyday life. This repetition signifies who each character is or what makes a moment profound or memorable. Her descriptive writing offers readers a lush experience of both the natural world and the interior world of each character. The character of the Gardener, close to ever present, performs the role of steward to the land. Themes touch on the unpredictable nature of life, the passing of time, the concept of home, and the unrelenting character of nature. The author, who is German, does not skirt the issues of the Holocaust, Hitler, World War II, the Russian occupation of East Germany, and the end of communism, depicting the winners and losers on both sides. Nevertheless, in the end, there are no winners.

I found it difficult to follow my usual routine of reading through the chaos of an active household or in a public place. Visitation led me to seek solitude while reading, focusing on each word and sentence like a work of art. This novel is unique and possesses a poetic character. Those readers who enjoy books packed full of both meaning and beauty in every word, will find reading Visitation a rewarding experience. Visitation was translated from German by Susan Bernofsky and has been named to the 2011 Best Translated Books Awards Longlist. My rating is ****1/2.

#67: Wow! The book sounds terrific. I will have to see if I can locate a copy. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Michelle.

Stasia...you won't regret the effort. I found it at my public library on the 'New" shelf.

#69: It is available for the Nook, but I am under a year-long book-buying ban, so that is not really helpful. I hope my local library gets a copy in soon!

Ooooooh...feel sorry for you. Good luck with that.

Thus far, I have been doing pretty well. I have only purchased one book this year and it was a cookbook.

oh, that can hardly be called a "book"...it is more of a "manual" don't you think. I think you can claim your "ban" is still intact! Congrats.

#73: Yeah, back in January when I confessed to purchasing a cookbook, several people tried to convince me that cookbooks do not count. I may use the excuse toward the end of the year if I need to and take the cookbook back off my ticker!

Stasia...clearly you need to define what you mean by "book". I might call a cookbook reference material and essential to your health and proper nourishment (although in a library cookbooks are not considered reference).

"Book" could in your situation be defined as a work of fiction or non-fiction not considered a work of reference by you....you might need a book on first-aid or household repair for goodness sakes.

#75: I see your point, Michelle, but for now the cookbook stays on the ticker. I did not have to buy it after all - my local library has a copy - it is just that I did not want to have to copy all the recipes on my copy machine and there were a bunch I wanted!

#76 Yes, the availability of all kinds of books at the library and the copy machine does form a whole in my argument. Sorry, I was trying. Honestly, I buy very few books because I have no room to store them and find the library the least expensive and best option, but I do purchase ebooks from Barnes & Noble even though they are offered though my library system. Luckily, they are fairly inexpensive.

#77: I use my local library a ton - primarily to vet books, so that I can decide if a book is one I want for my personal library. The problem is, I have almost 1000 books here in my home that I have not read yet, which is why I am not buying any more this year. I have to make at least a little bit of a dent in my TBR stack!

I am totally afraid to count how many actual, real life, dead tree books I have which I need to read...someday. And then to those I could add the ones on my Kindle that I have not read, yet. The best I can do right now is try to get the rest of the books out of the garage, out of the boxes, and on to some sort of shelf. Then.... well, you really don't want to listen to this, do you?

#79: Sure! We can commiserate together, Karen :)

#78 I can see why you are on a book buying fast, 1000 books will take some time to get through!

#79 All that sounds a lot like work to me and that will take time away from your reading.

Ah, ha! All this posting has stimulated my emptying boxes bones.... emptied two today while toddler was here watching silly TV. Yes, indeedy! Need to take a trip to the used book store and get some credits piled up.

I have added a review for the children's realistic fiction, The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall and have included it here:

Jeanne Birdsall presents the Penderwick family, comprised of four sisters, one widowed father, and a rambunctious hound. The family sets off on a summer vacation to the mountains of Western Massachusetts and the cottage at Arundel, where they find new friends, adventures, mishaps, and the difficult Mrs. Tifton. Although the uncaring and horrible Mrs. Tifton upsets their summer vacation, in many ways, much was gained by the whole Penderwick family.

This is a book of sisters, of their love for each other, of life, and of goodness. Each sister is a unique creation of Birdsall and one of the joys of reading the book is getting to know each one. As characters, each member of the Penderwick family stands out as an individual with talents, interests, and a personality all their own. The author’s creation of such diverse and well formed characters makes this novel a true accomplishment.

Each sister faces her own conflicts. Rosalind must deal with memories of her mother, missing her mother, and fulfilling her promise to her mother to care for her littlest sister Battie. Skye must face her heartbreak over Mrs. Tifton’s cruel words and her feelings of guilt over Mrs. Tifton and Dexter’s treatment of Jeffrey. Jane must come to terms with her dislike of Dexter and her desire to gain his help in publishing one of her stories. Battie must come to terms with not knowing her mother, except through the memories of her sisters and father. All the Penderwick girls must deal with the consequences of their actions, the ones they knew they should not do, but did anyway. But, most of all, they struggle, each in their own way, with the loss of their beloved mother.

The plot is not fast moving, but does create conflict with other people, primarily Dexter and Mrs. Tifton. However, much of the conflict is of an internal nature. Indeed, Mr. Penderwick struggles with his role as the only parent to four growing girls. Much of the plot revolves around every day events like baking brownies and going to a birthday party. Nevertheless, it is a believable story, humorous, and communicates the moral that being a caring and kind person is far superior to the phony Mrs. Tifton and Dexter. The setting offers a contrast between the down to earth Penderwick family living in Arundel Cottage and the rich Mrs. Tifton living in Arundel Manor. The Arundel Manor garden plays a large role in the book and is loved by both Mrs. Tifton and the Penderwick family, but in very different ways. This novel offers children lessons that are much needed in today’s culture. I highly recommend this book for middle and upper elementary children ages 8 – 12 and their parents. I have rated it ****1/2 stars.

#83: I liked both that one and the follow up, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street.

#84 I am looking forward to reading that one. I just fell in love with this family.

Ohh, The Penderwicks sounds good - onto my wishlist it goes.

#86: You will fall in love with them, too!

#85: I actually liked the second book a bit more, so I hope you enjoy it as much too, Michelle.

I have been reading Murder on the Leviathan and, although it is a good story and well written, it has not been a page turner for me. I have been struggling to finish it. With any luck, today will be the day!

My review for Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin:

Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin is a murder mystery similar to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The sleuth, in this case, is the Russian diplomat Erast Fandorin and much of the mystery solving takes place aboard a luxury ocean liner in the year 1878. Following the murder of ten people in a Paris mansion, the Paris police determine that the murderer will be sailing on the inaugural cruise of the Leviathan to the Far East. The most notable characteristics of this historical mystery are the author’s attention to both period details and attitudes, which are nicely depicted throughout the story, and his creation of interesting and diverse potential murderers. The settings offer readers a taste of the exotic and a hint of adventure.

This novel has everything that should have made it a page turner, but never was, at least for me. Curiously, I struggled to complete the book forcing myself to pick it up and read, never a good sign. The plot moved slowly and the twists and turns were not as interesting as required to keep me turning the pages. The main character, Fandorin, was not greatly interesting and I struggled to figure him out. On one page, more than two thirds through the book, Fandorin reveals some mystery about his past which intrigued me, heightening my interest for several pages, but this soon fizzled out. True, this book is part of a series and I have not read the earlier installment, The Winter Queen, which may have improved my interest in Fandorin. The author casts two men in the role of sleuth, one who is always following the most obvious, but incorrect path to the guilty party, while Fandorin saves the day and puts all to rights.

This novel was not badly written or developed, but did not capture my attention as I hoped it would. Murder on the Leviathan was translated from Russian by Andrew Bromfield. I have rated it 2.5 stars in my rating system in which 2 stars is “not my cup of tea” and 3 stars is “enjoyable”.

Good review, pity about the book not capturing you.

Thanks for visiting and reading my review, Leonie. I am going back to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell which I do enjoy, but have a long way to go to complete, and will continue with The Swan Thieves which I find very interesting so far.

#90: Sounds like I enjoyed that one more than you did, Michelle :)

I hope you like your next read more than that one!

#93 I am liking both, Stasia, thanks!

In my area of NYS, it was spring like yesterday and today it is blizzard like. I should be able to spend time reading today, although my son is having a jam session with his band in my basement later; I might need a good pair of earplugs!

Happy weekend everyone!

#94: I am glad your current reads are better!

I added a review for Karen Hesse's Letters from Rifka which I read in 2010. I especially love young adult historical fiction, likely because that is what I read a lot of when I was that age!

Karen Hesse uses the epistolary style to present the story of a Russian Jewish girl, and her family, escaping persecution with the hope of a new life in America. The story is based on the real life experience of the author’s Aunt Lucy. Rifka tells the story completely through letters to her cousin Tovah, which are written in the margins of her beloved book of poetry by Alexander Pushkin.

The author takes the reader through the immigrant experience in a way that connects with readers. The use of letters makes the novel extremely personal in nature and the reader strongly bonds to Rifka, who shares her experiences, fears, thoughts, hopes, and worries of the unknown.

The setting of the book is constantly changing in terms of location. However, the time period is clearly and effectively communicated through descriptions of clothing, modes of transportation, food (most memorable is the abundance of herring and onions). Hesse excels at illustrating the contrast between life, material items, food, and every day events in the family between Russia and Poland, compared to that of Western Europe and New York City, even on Ellis Island. Hesse successfully describes the various settings by sharing Rifka’s experiences through her senses, such as the smells on trains, and what she sees, the lovely markets and gardens of Antwerp, the crowds at Ellis Island.

Rifka herself experiences a great transformation through her own story. She is brave and courageous right from the beginning, but not independent and strong. She is living in fear. While on her journey, she experiences the kindness of others, even those who are not Jewish, and begins to trust. She develops confidence in herself and her abilities.

I highly recommend this book for children ages 9-12 and anyone interested in the immigrant experience, the experience of Russian Jews, and/or genealogy.

#96: Thanks for the review of that one, Michelle. I will look to see if my local library has a copy of the book.

Hi, Michelle, I found your thread!

>76 alcottacre: I think I will add this Karen Hesse to my list. I first discovered her several years ago through the picture book The Cats in Krasinski Square, which I love. I read her Out of the Dust last year, and I'm less fond of it -- beautifully written but not very pleasant.

I too have Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell sitting on my tbr stack. It's a borrowed book, and I really should get to it, but so far every time I've picked it up, I've felt rather intimidated. It doesn't sound like you're finding it as fascinating as The Passage...

I also find Karen Hesse's writing to be very interesting. Out of the Dust was also written in a unique style which leaves the reader to puzzle through much of what happens and yes, I agree with Ivy that it was not pleasant. I do think it is memorable and I would recommend it to most young people who have the maturity to deal with some of the sad facts of life.

#98 Thanks for the visit! I have not read The Cats in Krasinski Square, but will put it on the list. I liked Letters from Rifka better than Out of the Dust, it could be the author's personal connection, it being the story of her own aunt. I know that she interviewed her aunt in great depth about her experiences. Rifka is a little gem.

I am now back to reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I do like it, but it does take a time commitment to get through. I am on p. 307 of 905 e-pages on my Nook. Reading this book might put me off my goal of 75, it is clearly putting me behind. I think that is why I took a break, but I have needed to go back and refresh my memory on a few characters. I will try to stick with it until I am done and supplement with audiobooks.

I liked The Passage better, the large number of pages just flew by and I was sad to be done. No, that is not my experience with JS & MN, nonetheless, it is interesting and I enjoy being in that world while I am there.

#99 Although I did like Rifka better, I am so glad I read Out of the Dust.

I learned much about living in the Dust Bowl that I never knew. I thought a lot about my own grandmothers while reading it, they were both young mother's living in a rural area during the 1930's, but not in Oklahoma. Even today, lots of children and young adults experience the loss of their mother and financial hardships. The book offers readers strength and hope in light of troubled times.
It was inspiring, which Hesse seems to offer in her books, which might be why she is one of my favorite children's authors.

Thanks for stopping by, Karen.

Yesterday I stopped by the library with my daughter and picked up The Three Incestuous Sisters: An Illustrated Novel by Audrey Niffenegger. I read it last night. It is a fantasy about three sisters: one with red hair, one with blue hair, and one with blond hair. The illustrations are dark and mysterious and, after reading the author's note regarding how they were created, quite difficult to complete. I greatly enjoyed the art involved in this book which is dark and mysterious, but the story was more difficult to understand, but involves jealousy, remorse, and reunion. I rated this book 4 stars, primarily due to the power of the illustrations.

With two days of visiting colleges behind us (University at Buffalo and Cornell University) with tours, info sessions, and general exploring little reading was accomplished.

I am forging on with Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and find being in Portugal building roads with Strange and the British army good fun. Clarke's humor and complete gift for satire make this book a greatly entertaining read.

Michelle

Your thread is dangerous to my tbr pile. I vow to read books off the shelf and then cannot help but add more to the list that I will obtain from the library.

I'm on a quest to read all the Newbery books. I read Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and it remains one of my favorite Newbery books.

I'm heading to the library tomorrow to see if I can obtain a copy of Letters From Rifka. This sounds fascinating.

I also like your description of Three Incestuous Sisters and thus I'm adding that one to the pile as well.

Whisper1, You will not have to feel guilty about The Three Incestuous Sisters; as a picture book it does not require a large investment of time.

Love the Newbery winners I have read, my favorite might be Missing May by Cynthia Rylant.

Hope you enjoy Rifka. I will look forward to your thoughts on it.

Michelle

I was able to obtain a copy of Letters From Rifka and I started it tonight. I hope to finish it tomorrow. I so enjoy the writing of Karen Hesse. Thanks again for recommending this one.

And, like you, Missing May is one of the Newbery winners that comes to mind when I think of my favorites -- It is right up there with The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt. Have you read this one? If not, I recommend it. Because of Winn Dixie is another great one!

Glad to hear you are reading Letters From Rifka. I have not read the titles you suggest, but will add them. I have not even heard of The Wednesday Wars. I appreciate the suggestions.

Enjoy your reading!

Michelle

I finished Letters From Rifka. It is a wonderfully written book.

I must be going through a painter/artist stage! I recently finished The Swan Thieves, a story about both French Impressionist and modern painters and then, without knowing what the novel was about, started reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

It is my first Oscar Wilde work and I was completely taken after the first page. All I can say is, "Wow."

Simultaneously, still working on Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I have gotten through the war in Portugal with Strange and am now with him and the mad King George at Windsor Castle and enjoying the journey.

#108 Linda, I want to read all of her books! She packs them so full, not one page is wasted.

I agree with your comments regarding the books of Karen Hesse.

I really must read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I anxiously await your review.

My review for The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova:

The Swan Thieves is ultimately a mystery. It is the story of Robert Oliver, a modern day gifted painter, who attempts to attack and damage a painting in the National Gallery in Washington, DC. Robert is suffering from a mental breakdown and is put under the care of a psychiatrist, also a painter. It becomes this doctor's obsession to discover why Robert Oliver did what he did.

The author tells three equally compelling stories simultaneously, that of Robert Oliver, the doctor, and a mysterious 19th century French Impressionist. The plot moves easily in and out of these stories, which at times mirror each other and at other times connect.

The world of artists, painters, 19th century France, and the Impressionists make for interesting reading. However, at times the plot moved too slowly for my tastes and it is not as good as The Historian. Still, it is well written and the mystery and characters involved are unique and compelling.

Suzanne (Chatterbox) recommended this one and it is on the tbr pile. I hope to read it soon. Thanks for your excellent review.

Swan Thieves looks great, will keep an eye out for that. I tried to read Dorian Gray last year and it is one of a handful of books that I couldn't finish. I found it so slow and dull and gave up not long after the beginning. Thought I was missing something so I got the movie out instead and still thought it was just an average story. I've got loads of other Oscar Wilde here though so I won't give up on him.

Leonie, Wilde, in The Picture of Dorian Gray, is largely philosophical. Reading a work of fiction that offers philosophy requires a lot of thinking on the part of the reader. I am finding, after only one day, that I can take it in small amounts and then I need a break. Being my first experience of Wilde, and knowing his personal story, makes this book more interesting to me. I think I am reading it to learn about Wilde as a person and a writer. He and his writing are both intense.

If you do read more Wilde, I would love a recommendation of what of his to read next. Michelle

#115 I'm reading Dorian Gray very slowly too - as I'm reading it on my mobile phone but only when I find myself away from home without my other books to read. I didn't like it at first, and have to go back and re-read sections because there are long gaps between, but I am finding it more interesting now. It's certainly full of self-consciously quotable and provocative quotes, especially from Lord Henry.

Hello :) First time visitor to your thread.Great review for The Swan Thieves. Just wanted to say I just picked up The Swan Thieves this weekend because I enjoyed her last book The Historian.

@gennyt....thank you for the visit. I had to put Dorian Gray down because I could not focus on it while traveling this past week. It is thoughtful and takes a lot of concentration. Yes, very true, Lord Henry's speeches are quite something and I am often rereading them.

@jolerie....glad you stopped by! Welcome. Thanks for reading my review of The Swan Thieves. It was not the same amazing read that The Historian was, but I was glad I read it. I loved the parts in 19th century France. I hope you enjoy it.

My review of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:



Truthfully, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not an enjoyable book to read, mainly due to the corrupt nature of the main character which represents the darker side of humanity. At the same time, the story is compelling and the writing is extraordinary. The novel itself is what Wilde illustrates through the story, that of living a double life.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a sad story of an innocent young man who sells his soul to retain his physical beauty. Although, my preference is to read novels that illustrate the goodness of humanity, I believe this cautionary tale is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1890. Clearly, Oscar Wilde wrote of a society and of attitudes which he was intimately familiar and, although modern society has progressed, corruption is still present and experienced daily.

Wilde builds a social commentary on the Gilded Age in which he lived, where gentlemen and ladies of the upper class and, society itself, lived double lives of outward respectability and inward corruption. The author cleverly uses the story of Dorian Gray to comment on this double life, the meaning of beauty, the role of pleasure in life, the attitudes of the so-called respectable in society, and the effects of these attitudes and behaviors on the individual, their innocent victims, and society as a whole.

The writing is brilliant, extremely detailed, highly intelligent, and thought provoking. Wilde uses the character of Lord Henry to communicate the most outrageous and offensive thoughts associated with the leisure class of the time and excels at constructing dialogue and communicating satire. This is not a casual read or a novel to take to the beach, but one to be savored by taking in small doses as a way to avoid being consumed by its darkness. I recommend reading this novel to experience the writing of Oscar Wilde, his crafty use of dialogue and characters to tell his tale, and to just be in the moment with a great mind’s words and thoughts. Rating: 4 stars

I can't decide if your review has made me try again with this book or not. I really didn't enjoy my first attempt at all and so will leave the decision on the fence for a while longer. Good review though.

Leonie...Thanks for reading it!

Not a feel good or cheery book, but I am glad I read it. It has reminded me of who I want to be and who I do not want to be. I do respect Wilde for putting this out there in 1890 and portraying his society in this way took some courage on his part.

I suppose I loved it and hated it at the same time, which might have been his intention.

Good review - I must read a bit more of it myself soon!

Great review, Michelle. Linda (Whisper1) reviewed it today, too. Great minds...

Genny and Anne....Thanks for stopping by and reading my review!

What a wonderful review of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It is a book that haunts me these last few days. There are so many nuances and multi layers. It is a commentary on the Guilded age and it is also a study of human nature. Dorian began innocently as he was introduced to the gentry, then spun out of control under Lord Henry's influence. Yet, can we blame Lord Henry? I don't think so!

The book is also about choices we make. In this case, Dorian readily made a choice to embrace evil, rushing hedonistically ahead.

Hi Linda, I concur with you thoughts. It was depressing for me to read (I needed to add in some light humoruous reading, films, and TV to get me through it), but I am happy to have read it and will likely read it again some day. It is so dense, I am sure much will be gained by a second go through.

True, Lord Henry was an influence, but ultimately Dorian made his own choices. I wonder if there was some mental condition or personality disorder, Dorian often seemed disconnected from reality.

I have been reading about the author and find his life fascinating and clearly connected to his story. I might try a Wilde biography at some point.

Michelle

You might be interested in reading a book that I found fascinating:

http://www.librarything.com/work/1393671/reviews

Linda..yes, it is the type of book I would like. I do make an effort to learn about the authors I am reading. I find myself often inspired by both their writing and their lives. I will try to locate this book.

Review of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke:

I have had an unusual, at times frustrating, and often satisfying relationship with Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell for a period of almost three months. It, like many turbulent relationships, ended this morning with a few tears and a broken heart, both mine. For most of this journey, I could not have imagined this book bringing me to tears and sadness at its end for I was frequently ambivalent, but it did.

This book was never what I expected it to be. I had hoped for an amazing ride. What I got was often intellectual, slow, and tedious. Clarke builds a detailed and beautiful world reminiscent of Dickens and Austen, a world I never once struggled to enjoy. Her settings and magic were a joy from start to finish. The magic was clever and compelling and I always found myself wanting more and believed myself cheated as it was doled out so frugally. She wrote of the magic in a way that led me to almost feel it in a physical sense.

At the same time, the plot stumbled along, seeming to disappear at points. Chapters, events, characters presented appeared to be unrelated and completely random. The reading was long and for weeks I struggled to pick it up and continue. The book contained a large number of footnotes, which added to the story and created interest, while at the same time making it more tedious and increasing my sense of frustration. I kept waiting for something to happen, for the characters to actually do something, for the situations to move or be resolved. Then came the last 200 pages and, at last, I experienced, not the ride I was seeking, but acts of courage, acts of evil, acts of love and friendship, goodness overcoming evil, pieces moving together creating plot, and a well constructed and satisfying ending.

So, the tears were for both sadness and happiness and the broken heart was because I was done and had to put the book down. It was just a sudden thing; I loved the book, finally, just at the last word. Rating: 4 1/2 stars.

I am back, after taking a break to focus on finishing Strange & Norrell, which took some time and concentration. What to read now? What fun it is to decide. I will first spend some time catching up on everyones reading and posts.

If I recall correctly, you've been reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell for quite a long time so congratulations on finishing it, and good that you ended up loving it! It's not a book I'm familiar with myself.

It is a historical fantasy about magicians, set in early 19th century England. I ended up loving it, but did not always love it. It has put me way off my reading goals for the year. It was 905 pages on my Nook and they did not go by quickly until the last 200, which flew by.

I am planning on some light reading for the next few choices!

I am way behind on threads, Michelle. Hopefully I can keep up with you from here on out though.

I am in the same circumstance, Stasia. March seemed to get away from me, hoping April does not!

Congratulations on finishing Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, your review was amazing and well thought out and very close to how I felt when I read it a few years ago although I didn't have quite as many frustrations as you and I found I couldn't put it down for the whole reading journey.

Enjoy your quicker, lighter reads, they are well-deserved.

Thanks, Leonie. I am glad to hear you had some of the same feelings about Clarke's book. I just reread my review and it sounds contradictory.....I did love it, it just took some time. That really does not happen much in my reading experience, but I am glad it did in this case.

#135: We can both hope!

I am back from more college visits with my daughter, this time in Massachusetts, three colleges in three days and three college drive bys. I did finish one book on the trip and I am posting my review in the next post. I hope all is well with everyone.

My review of Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear:

Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series is a particular favorite and this, the sixth novel, did not disappoint. Admittedly, I have struggled to connect with other author’s historical mystery series, but that has never been the case with Maisie Dobbs; they seem to get better with each new addition.

The setting takes us to familiar territory for fans of the series. The time period is the holiday season of late December 1931 and January 1932 in and around the city of London, England. In this installment, an expert in chemical weapons threatens to use his knowledge to punish the government for neglecting homeless, ill, disabled and unemployed veterans living as the unseen of the city.

Maisie Dobbs, a former World War I nurse in France, and currently an investigator and psychologist, confronts difficult issues including a legacy of untreated mental health conditions experienced by World War I veterans, the inhuman treatment of women in mental health institutions, the emotional toll of war on a nation and its people as a whole and individually, and the effects of chemical war weapons, including during their research and development.

As always, Maisie confronts her own demons resulting from her wartime experiences as Winspear examines the human need for home, love, companionship, friendship and the healing power found in our human interactions. Winspear takes the genre of historical mystery and raises it to do much more than entertain, but to examine who we are and why we do what we do.

I highly recommend reading this novel if you enjoy well written, interesting mysteries, which take the readers deeply into examining the human condition and for anyone who enjoys the time period of World War I and/or the years between the World Wars. Finally, this book and the series as a whole, is very British….so if that is to your liking as it is to mine, then Maisie Dobbs and Among the Mad might be for you. Rating: 4 stars

Review for Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fever, 1793 is a young adult historical fiction set in Philadelphia during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. Matilda Cook, the main character, is a girl on the verge of becoming a woman. As in many similar instances, facing hard times leads young people to mature and take on adult responsibilities and this becomes true for Mattie.

The author paints a realistic picture of life in Philadelphia during the early years of our nation and of the everyday life of its inhabitants. When yellow fever began taking lives, everything changed and turned the city and its people into something almost unrecognizable as Mattie, her family, and friends struggled to survive. The author reveals the humanity of man in the variety of reactions to this terrible disease and, at times, I wondered what would I have done in similar circumstances.

Walking in Mattie’s shoes through this story was a highly worthwhile experience and I was inspired by her strength and courage. In the end, I enjoyed the book, learned much about the time period, yellow fever, and the city of Philadelphia. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy young adult historical fiction and strong willed and determined young female heroines.

Hi Michelle!
You've had some good reads lately. I've never read any Maisie Dobbs books, but they're on my wishlist!

Did you see any schools you think may be a good fit for your daughter?

Hi Anne, Glad you stopped by! I liked both my recent reads. I needed something interesting, but on the lighter side. Maisie Dobbs is one of my favorite series, I hope you can read it. They are short books, so not a huge time investment, but I have gotten interested in the characters and where their lives are going.

She has decided that small to medium size, liberal arts schools will be best for her. She loved Oberlin College in Ohio and Smith College in MA, but we have more to visit. She is a junior, so there is still time. Thanks for asking.

I really like th sound of your historical fiction read, I love that genre and you always discover some event that is largely obscure. A great way to learn history.

Hi. Delurking (I am a regular visitor!) and jumping way back to February to say that I have just read Visitation and am looking back to others' reviews to help me get my mind around it, and I found your comments extremely helpful. I loved the sense of so much happening in such a short time, but on the other hand the land being so permanent (as per the introduction) that it's all as nothing in the end. Beautiful writing. I also just read her Book of Words - have you read that one?

Janet. Glad you came out of the mist and that my review was helpful. It was a joy to write because I loved the book and found it completely unique. I was not aware of Book of Words. Is it in the same style? I am going to read about it now.

Hi Michelle--I am hoping to read Visitation sometime this month and will go back and read your comments once I do.

Hi Anne, I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts; there is much going on in this little book. Enjoy.

My review for The Bride's House by Sandra Dallas:

The Bride’s House by Sandra Dallas is a novel about three generations of women whose lives are impacted by secrets and by their lack of power to control and direct their own lives, in many ways, because they were women. The setting of the story is Georgetown, Colorado, a mining town, beginning in the 1880’s and stretching for three generations.

I struggled to pin down the specific genre of this book. Although it is historical fiction, I don’t believe I would recommend it to readers of this genre. It is primarily a work of women’s historical fiction in which the focus is on the love relationships of the main characters with particular focus on these characters finding a husband. However, it is not a romance. I had never read any of this author's work, and received this book through the Early Reviewers program, therefore had no idea what to expect. Dallas’ writing reminds me greatly of Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, and Andrew Greeley, especially their period pieces.

Initially I was not encouraged. I rarely read the authors previously mentioned, but often did twenty years ago. I have not recorded these titles in my LT library because I don’t remember them. They are enjoyable, light material to read, but nothing that lasts in my memory. However, I must say, that I did find it difficult to put the book down. The reading went easily and before I knew it, I was done. The author formed the three women as wholly distinct characters with unique situations and personalities, although they do face similar situations. The setting is well described and I did learn some small amount about the mining business. The plot is well constructed with some surprises and I found myself wanting to know how these women’s lives progressed, even cheering for them to find happiness and love.

In the end, I did enjoy the book, but would likely not read another book by this author. I would recommend this book to readers who are fans of authors such as Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown, and they do have a large readership. I have rated the book 3 stars, which in my rating system is enjoyable.

You wrote an interesting review of The Bride's House (there doesn't seem to be a touchstone for this title), and I appreciate it because I'll probably skip that one. It doesn't at all sound like the type of book I like to read. I wanted to say, though, that I have read 3 books by Sandra Dallas....The Persian Pickle Club, Whiter Than Snow, and Tallgrass, and none of them were about romantic relationships...in fact none of them even had any romance in them at all, and they weren't at all like a Nora Roberts or Sandra Brown book. They were each very different, however. The Persian Pickle Club was a mystery set in the Great Depression years, Tallgrass was historical fiction from the point of view of a girl in a farming town in Colorado that had a Japanese internment camp in WWII, and Whiter Than Snow is about the tragic aftermath in a town in the 1920s after an avalanche sweeps through town taking several children with it. So you might not want to scratch Sandra Dallas off your list yet, because I don't think this title was typical of her work.

Hi chinquapin, Thanks for visiting and for your thoughts about Sandra Dallas. I did go, after reading your post, to look at reviews for Tallgrass. I loved Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford which, in part, is about the internment of Japanese-Americans during WW II, so I thought I might like it. You are so right....it does not seem much like The Bride's House.

I just started HotCoBaS last night. I think I'm really going to like it.

Mamzel, You are in for a treat...I just fell in love with Henry, after which I was completely taken.

Hi Michelle! Nice review of The Bride's House. I enjoy Sandra Dallas. Georgetown, CO is a real place, though -- not too far from where I live, so we visit a few times a year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown,_Colorado

Anne...thanks for filling me in on Georgetown, not sure why I thought it was fictional. Looks like a quaint little mountain village just as Dallas described it in the book. I have never been to Colorado, but look forward to getting there one day. I am now going to edit my review.

I have read the first 100 pages of A Game of Thrones and I am glad I did. I am finding it a very well told story with lots of conflict, mystery, dynamic characters and a dangerous, but breathtaking world. Thanks to all the LT members who wrote such indepth reviews, which in the end, greatly encouraged me.

#156 A Song of Ice and Fire is an amazing series, I am sure you will like it more as you read it!

#157 So far, the reading is going quickly and it is getting more interesting. Thanks for the encouragement.

Yup, I agree with PiyushChourasia (what a fine name, too) that you'll enjoy it as you go. I'm well into Book Two and still enjoying it, and enjoying the TV series as well. Unusual to enjoy both, in my past experience.

Thank you Karen, Piyush is my first name, Chourasia being the surname. Before you mock me for my tepid imagination, I must mention that when one has so many logins for as many sites like I do (not to mention the inconvenient habit of losing laptops in cabs, twice last year in case you are wondering), keeping login ids simple and easy makes a lot more sense :)

The storyline follows the book closely and the cast is good, I hope it will continue doing good.

I have read three in the series so far, I generally read one book in the series every year, Book 4 is due for 2011.

One reason I decided to read the book was so that I would enjoy the series more when it goes on Netflix, as I don't have HBO. It is good to hear the series seems much like the book. I was somewhat disappointed with the Pillars of the Earth television series.

Well, it is the weekend, which means more time for reading! I am going to get busy on doing my work so that I can see what is happening with the Starks. So far, I am anxious to learn about Jon's mysterious mother and her relationship with Ned and the fate of poor Bran. I seem to have already found characters to love.

Michelle, I thought you might be interested in this article that was in The Denver Post today:

http://www.denverpost.com/insideandout/ci_18011215

It seems that Sandra Dallas bought the Georgetown house featured in The Bride's House and restored it.

Anne...thank you for the link to the article. The description of the house very much reminds me of the way Dallas describes the house in the book. It must be an important book for her since she set it in her own home and town.

#161 I am sure you won't be disappointed, neither with the books, nor the TV series :)

Nothing to say, Michelle, just waving as I pass through the threads. . .

Hi, Michelle! I just read your superb review of Jonathan Strange! I just finished the book -- a more or less marathon read of about 2 weeks -- and agree with almost everything you said, except that I ended up liking but not loving the book.

But I started Among the Mad last night, and this one I am loving -- will come back to read your review when I've finished.

#165 Waving back to you and hoping your doing well!

#166 I am hoping to reread the series after I read the newest addition, I think I have forgotten things.

I went for a 45 minute walk and listened to Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly on my iPod. If the rain stays away and I can get in some good walking time, I might soon finish. As I walk I think of things to write about it and need to jot it all down when I am done. So, I should have much to say in the end.

I continue with A Game of Thrones enjoying it in almost everyway. I am struggling some keeping track of the secondary characters. I love Arya, Jon, Eddard, Bran, and Dany and look forward to spending time with them each day!

I enjoyed Revolution. Cannot wait to see your thoughts on it!

Review for Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

One of the most difficult questions in life is how one survives the most tragic, cruel, and painful that life has to offer including circumstances of brutal violence and the senseless death of innocent children. How is hope restored in the wake of such tragedies? Jennifer Donnelly presents two characters in Revolution who must face these questions: Andi, a senior in high school from Brooklyn, and Alex, a girl growing up in and around Paris during the French Revolution. As expected, there are no easy answers.

The girl’s stories become intertwined and connected. Donnelly easily transports the reader back and forth between the girls, and in time, using the device of Alex’s diary, read by Andi. The plot, in both centuries, offers conflict, mystery, and interest. Alex’s story cannot really be called a back story and as the novel progresses, it becomes equally as important as Andi’s story, if not more important.

The characters are, in some cases, not as well rounded as I would like and somewhat stereotypical, including Andi’s father and mother. However, many of the characters were a joy, especially Virgil. The settings are nicely depicted, including Brooklyn and Paris of the 21st century and Paris and its surroundings in the late 18th century, which offered a great contrast between these time periods. Experiencing the mysterious world found under the city of Paris, in both centuries, was a special treat. Additionally, this novel has a bit of a mystical feel to it, with Andi experiencing brushes with the dead and the past, while the reader and Andi herself are not sure if it all really happened. The book’s significant relationships were at times shallow, with the exception of the relationship between Andi and Virgil, which I did enjoy.

This is a wonderful book for young adults and adults alike. Andi’s passion for music, her research project, her intellectual curiosity, and mysteries from the past takes the reader on a journey to the French Revolution. The incorporation of topics such as music, both contemporary and classical, history, and genetics creates interest and leads the reader to want to learn more. Finally, Andi and Alex face tragedy and hopelessness, but find hope in loving and in giving oneself to benefit others, a lesson we all could learn from. Rating: 4 stars

OK, Revolution goes on to the wishlist. Good review.

I actually ran over to Amazon and ordered a used copy of it. Sounds just like my kind of read.

I should have mentioned in my review that it took me time to warm up to the book, so give it some pages to grow on you. When the setting moves to Paris, I got hooked.

Already read Revolution, so I get to dodge that BB. Glad to see you enjoyed it!

I have started Still Life by Louise Penny. I am so glad I learned about this series and author here in LT. There is a lot going on here, so much more than a who done it. The characters, right off the bat, were well rounded, full, and real. I think I am on to something good here.

Oh, you are definitely on to something good and the series just gets stronger as you go along!

I stopped at the library yesterday and came home with two books from my TBR list: The Arrival by Shaun Tan and The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna. Thanks to AnneDC for introducing me to The Memory of Love on her thread.

I read The Arrival last night. Here is my review:



The Arrival is a graphic novel/wordless picture book that amazingly speaks volumes about the immigrant experience.

The illustrations resemble the aged, black and white photographs carried from one life to the next by the immigrants of years past. Tan varies the presentation and layout of each page to create emphasis and impact. In this way and more, much about his characters are communicated. Many focus on small bits such as a face at a crucial moment, hands, the back of the head, or a distant view in silhouette. Each image is moving and highly personal. There is very little color, sepia tones, grays, tans and this adds to the mood and feel of the book. The faces, the small expressions and gestures, of each individual speak eloquently and beautifully. What a treat they all are, each and every one.

The plot is complicated, which is no small task in this format. The main plot involves the immigrant experience of one man and, as you go along, sub-plots develop which tell the immigrant story of those he connects with and who help him become familiar with his new surroundings. The setting is surreal and completely foreign to the reader, evoking the sensation of arriving in a place where all is unknown. The characters are heartbreakingly human in every way and wear all they think, feel, and experience on their faces and in their bodies. The fantastical creatures and settings are just a pleasure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves graphic novels, is interested in the immigrant experience, or who enjoys beautiful stories told in pictures. Indeed, for anyone thinking of trying a graphic novel for the first time, this might be a good place to start.
Rating: 4.5 stars.

It does sound fascinating. I'm being strong and resisting adding it to my TBR pile, as it is also so tall, and teetering towards collapse.

Ahh...yes, the TBR pile can be daunting and I agree, keeping it managable is preferable. I printed off some pages of my TBR collection and brought it with me to the library to keep me honest and it worked. Thanks for stopping by!

Good idea (#178), I'm impressed!

I hope you like The Memory of Love as much as I did. One note of warning--others have commented, and I found this too, that the beginning is a little bit confusing because of shifts between characters and from past to present. Just let it unfold--it sorts itself out very quickly and naturally, I found.

I too am hoping to get to Still Life one of these days.

Oh I wasn't strong at all, I just requested The Arrival from the library :) I think I have a slight book addiction problem!

Great review! It's amazing how much can be told with little or no words. I appreciate the recommendation!

#180 Thanks for the heads up. I will stick with it.

#181 No guilt with The Arrival, it is quick, but powerful. I hope you like it.

#182 Thank you and I am in awe of the that kind of talent, which, by the way, I am completely hopeless at! I am at the level of stick figures. I have great respect for artists, but I do believe it is a gift.

I am feeling a bit discouraged about reaching 75 books this year, but will very happily put the blame directly on the shoulders of Strange and Norrell, which clearly put me behind. But, I think I have recovered some this month.

I finished Still Life by Louise Penny and here are my thoughts:

Still Life by Louise Penny

I struggle to find mystery series that I enjoy, but enjoying Still Life was easy. I was hooked right from the start. This novel has a lot to offer the mystery reader who seeks a storyline that encompasses more complex issues than simply who killed who.

Penny takes the reader deeply into what motivates and drives us as humans, not only the murderer, but all of the characters, as well as who we are when all our layers are peeled away. Armand Gamache is the head detective and I greatly enjoyed the way his mind works and his approach to solving murder. So, add to these, issues of family relationships, issues between friends, issues from the past, art and artists, antiques, history, bow hunting, and a group of good, but struggling villagers and friends and what is left is a satisfying and well crafted mystery. Rating: 4 Stars

Glad you enjoyed Still Life! I'm enjoying the Three Pines series as well.

Don't feel discouraged, it's the journey that counts, not the number at the end, and I can see you've read some great books so far this year.

Ooh, yes, Leonie. I needed that reminder, much appreciated.

#183: The Three Pines series gets better as it goes along! I am glad to see you have joined the rest of us on the bus :)

A Fatal Grace:

This second addition to the Three Pines Mysteries made me fall in love with this series more than the first, if that is possible. Much more is revealed about our Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, his past, and the residents of Three Pines. I was worried that murders focused on one small village might feel unrealistic, however, Penny pulls it all off in a very believable way.

I was attracted to the themes examined in A Fatal Grace, the meaning of belonging, the power of words, and the examination of our beliefs and their role in our lives. The plot kept me reading and there was a twist at the end, though I will admit that it is the characters who live in Three Pines that will keep me coming back for more; they are a treasure, roundly unique, and completely compelling. I am hooked.

I have completed Marjane Satrapi's Chicken with Plums and need to let it all marinate awhile before I write my thoughts. It was a difficult book to read and now I have lots of divergent thoughts and feelings.

But, looking forward to finishing A Game of Thrones and going back to my beloved Penderwicks with the 2nd in the series, The Penderwicks of Gardam Street.

I was worried that murders focused on one small village might feel unrealistic

The Three Pines books get better as we get more involved with the characters. I was reminded of the small Maine town, Cabot Cove, in the Murder, She Wrote series where everyone knew someone who was murdered, was related to someone who was murdered, or was murdered themselves. Not exactly a vacation destination!

>188 mks27: it is the characters who live in Three Pines that will keep me coming back for more; they are a treasure, roundly unique, and completely compelling. I am hooked.

Me, too. Although I enjoy mysteries, and think she does a good job with them, it's really the characters that have me devouring each new book.

Sounds like a lovely list; the Susanna Clarke I found I needed to downshift my usual intake speed down, as one must with many slower-paced earlier period books, and find it very worthwhile to have done so. In other words, if you find it slow-going, hang in there, you'll be glad you did.

Hi Michelle -- you're nearly caught up with me in Three Pines. I love the Penderwicks! I just bought the latest The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, which I plan to read aloud.

#192: I did not realize there was a third Penderwicks book! I hope my local library gets that one in as it carries the first two.

I'm new to your thread. Always glad to meet a fan of Game of Thrones. Also Louise Penny! This little town is a favorite setting. I look forward to more.

#189 You are so right and that was my concern, however, it does not seem to be a problem with this series. Glad you enjoyed them too.

#190 My sentiments exactly, I am planning to go slowly, read others books in between, savor,and make the series last.

#191 Hi...I am proud to report that I did complete Strange and Norrell and did it as you recommended, slowly, three months in fact. In the end, I was glad to have invested the time and felt the ending was excellent.

#192 Hi Anne, While reading the The Penderwicks on Gardam Street last night, I thought how wonderful it would be to have them as neighbors with Battie and hound stopping by and learning Latin with Mr. P and Rosalind. What amazing "people" Jeanne Birdsall created, just spending time with them makes my day.

#193 I do hope you find it, Stasia. I am looking forward to it as well.

#194 Hi jeanned...so nice of you to drop by! I am 150 pages away from finishing A Game of Thrones. Martin is a talented storyteller, what a ride!

I just read A Game of Thrones, too, and found it really exciting - what a great story. I'm off to try to find the next one (second hand or in the library) this weekend.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall:

Hats off to Jeanne Birdsall for creating the Penderwicks, an imperfect, yet genuinely good family made up of four sisters, a hound, and one loving father.

As in the first Penderwick book, the characters are spot on, especially the Penderwick sisters. The setting is the Penderwick home where we meet their neighbors, school friends, teachers, soccer opponents, and Aunt. As before, each sister faces a predicament, and although they want to be good, in the end there is explaining to do and apologies to be made. Birdsall includes the girl’s old friend, Jeffrey, a reminder of their Summer adventure. In my mind, the only improvement would be a prominent evil character, such as Mrs. Tipton, who made the girl's goodness shine in contrast.

The themes of this book are family love and support for each other through whatever difficulties need facing and that each member of the family is loved and accepted for who they are, add to this lovely schemes gone wrong, great humor, innocence, and a few tears at the end (at least for me), and you have a highly recommended read for both children and adults. (4 stars )

Added to the wishlist, especially since so many people seem to love these Penderwick books.

#197: I really like the Penderwicks books. I am glad to see that you do too, Michelle!

Just a few thoughts on Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi

Chicken with Plums is a sad story about the author's great uncle and his struggle to find meaning in life and a reason to live after his favorite Tar is destroyed. I found this story deeply sad, even to the point of feeling his sense of hopelessness myself. This book offered very little hope, although it did chronicle how decisions and circumstances conspired to result in his unhappiness. I do not mind reading sad books, as long as some hopefulness is communicated, some goodness. This might be found in some small amount in the future lives of this man's children, but it was not enough for me to take away.

In my opinion, this book is not a good choice for young adults, yet the library I found this book in shelves and labels it YA, just as her Persepolis books (which I loved). I do not see much here for YA readers and would not recommend it for this age group. I rated this book 2.5 stars.

This one is surely the best of this year for me so far and it will be hard to top!

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin is a master storyteller and his A Game of Thrones is an extraordinary ride! I would not have one word changed. I truly cannot recall reading a book so well plotted. Each and every move was perfect in every way. His writing is descriptive, but not at all in a burdensome way. Here is an example:

“ ‘When he comes after you, we will be waiting’—his finger moved an inch to the left— ‘here.’ Here was a hush in the night, moonlight and shadows, a thick carpet of dead leaves underfoot, densely wooded ridges sloping gently down to the streambed, the underbrush thinning as the ground fell away. Here was her son on his stallion, glancing back at her one last time and lifting his sword in salute. Here was the call of Maege Mormont’s warhorn, a long low blast that rolled down the valley from the east to tell them that the last of Jaime’s riders had entered the trap.”

Just perfect for setting the tone and creating mood and atmosphere. The characters are well designed and developed. I felt I knew them close to completely from the start and knowing them in an intimate way, their pain, their fears, and their loves. But really not all, Martin gives his characters some hidden part as well, some things we are never quite sure of, just perfectly done. The themes are not complicated; they are finding the balance between honor and loyalty and love and vengeance. It is the so powerful and eternal struggle between good and evil. The settings are gorgeous and expansive, small and intimate. The fantasy elements seem secondary, hidden, a thing of another age, but that perception ends in a blaze of fire.

I rarely offer 5 stars, but I have no reservations about this one, it is all that and more.

Michelle, Great review of A Game of Thrones. Captured my impressions exactly. (And to use a quote that is just were the HBO series is....)

..yep, getting to it very soon, just have to finish the current library books.. great review though. I sometimes wonder if I'm avoiding starting it because everyone has given it 5 stars and I peeked at the first page and went huh? Silly I know.

Hi Jeanne...Martin is a gifted writer. He sculpted this story so perfectly. The plot and the characters are its great strenghths I think. It does not try to communicate a great message, it just takes you on an amazing journey. It was so easy to read, the writing just seems to flow. I am glad you enjoyed it too.

Hi Leonie.. if I remember, the prologue is not about the characters you will become attached to, really barely characters at all, more of a warning. It does start out quite simply, but gets complicated soon enough and the complications are a work of art, so many strands weaving together. This story is all plot and characters, done very well. It is simple great storytelling.

ugh not sure when I'm ever going to get around to A Game of Thrones - I need to purchase a copy because the library's copy was just too filthy to want to read - but I really need to make myself read the other long book that's been on my shelf for way too long - Rothruss's The Name of the Wind. A friend recommended it to me while at a conference in June 2008 and I still haven't gotten to it (though I did finally buy it about a year and a half ago, lol)

What an enjoyable thread you have here, Michelle. You were kind enough to visit me so thought I'd pay a return visit. I'm glad I did, and I'll be back.

I've read the five Three Pines books and am eagerly anticipating the next one to be releasted in late August. You nailed it when you mentioned the interesting characters. I love the setting as well. I don't know if I could live in such a small village but I do enjoy reading about the closeness of the inhabitants.

Hi Michelle! I see you've just recently read A Game of Thrones. I don't think I've met one person who hasn't raved about that book yet and I see that you definitely enjoyed it as well. :) I just recently book the first 4 books in the set so I will get to it one of these days.

#205 Yeah, The Name of the Wind is on my list, too. I hear it is very good, but will need to wait now that I am on this series. I am inching my way into fantasy, liking it very much, thanks to lots of LT recommendations. Previously, I was mainly into realistic fiction and historical fiction. This new interest has been fun.

#206 Glad that you stopped by! I grew up in a small village and decided not settle in one as an adult, too far from everything for me. My village was not as friendly and accepting as Three Pines; I wonder if a place like that actually exists. Maybe that is why I like reading about it....it is what my small town was not.

#207 Thanks for visiting! Read A Game of Thrones when you need some good escape reading and nothing to thoughtful. It will be perfect then. May and June are always stressful months, mainly because our schedules get crazy with end of school year things and sports for our teenages. This series is helping me get through it all! I am lovin escaping it all for a time each day!

My experience with small towns is as was yours, I'll guess. Not so tolerant and accepting of differences as I would have wished.

BTW, I am in Book 3 of the Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones is book 1) and I find the series to be quite thought provoking. What is "human nature" after all? Do humans always "play the game"?

#208 I've only gotten into Fantasy/SciFi the last couple of years myself, so I'm playing "catch up" except that I haven't too well... I've gotten a lot more YA ones read because they're shorter and faster reads, some of the longer ones scare me off despite the fact that historically I always liked longer books (but that was as a child, when one has plenty of time to read!)

#209 Ohh, yes, Karen, you are right. It does examine our human nature. What motivates us, why we make certain choices.

Looking back, I remember thinking about trust? Ned was way too trusting. Is there anyone we really trust completely; what might we be risking when we trust?

The idea of being an outsider is looked at. Why are some people outsiders in a society? I am thinking of Jon and Sam. Do we really want to do those things we have to do to fit in as Sansa did. What price do we pay for being an insider?

Yesssss...it is thought provoking, but I was having so much fun, I did not even notice.

#210 I enjoy long novels, but it has put my reading goal for the year out of reach; which is fine since I have been enjoying them.

Reading Strange and Norrell put my goals completely out of reach at 3 months to complete (I read shorter works at the same time). A Game of Thrones took a little less than a month, while reading some children's and graphic novels at the same time.

That time thing is always a bother....I hate when life gets in the way of reading.

I am glad to hear I am not the only one just now experimenting with fantasy/Sci fi. I have not read much YA, but did like The House of the Scorpion and Ender's Game, both Sci Fi. Where should I go from there? Any suggestions?

#212 My first suggestion for anyone who hasn't read them is The Hunger Games series... Incarceron was also a great read, I was a bit disappointed in the sequel, but I think it was as much due to how much I liked the first one (and it kind of left some ends loose as if she was going to do a trilogy but everything suggests not). Graceling was good, I haven't read the sequel yet. (And I've read book 2 Voices of a 3 book series by Ursula Le Guin that was fabulous, but I bought it on a bargain table not realizing it was book 2, I've got book 1 to read now, but Voices was fabulous enough by itself...

Let me find my list I sent a friend recently - she's actually the one who loved the Song of Fire and Ice series so much, but she doesn't have as much time to read now as she did before so I suggested the YA thing to her. I didn't really start out to read so much YA, but I read the Harry Potter series finally in 2007 (entire series in a month and a half or so, while working full time, the only way it happened is to say that's all I did was read Harry Potter outside of work, which generally I can't be THAT focused lol) and thanks to some academic writers related to HP that I follow, I found out about The Hunger Games and Incarceron, and stumbled on the others.

Recently read The Knife of Never Letting Go which I highly recommend. Currently reading Okay for Now, which even halfway through is amazing. The latter is a companion book to Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars which is one of my favorite all time books. All are YA. Can't recommend enough or praise more highly Gary Schmidt's work.

#214 Hi Linda and welcome! Can't say I have heard of Gary Schmidt or his novels, but now I am anxious to check them out, feeling very happy to have found a new author to explore. Thank you for the recommendation.

Review of Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris



A friend has been long encouraging me to read David Sedaris. She did not tell me why or anything about him or his writing, so I went into Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim without knowledge or expectations. What I found was humor, sarcasm, wit, pain, sorrow and a level of honesty rarely found.

This book is comprised of a series of essays about Sedaris’ life and experiences. They are not in strict chronological order, but more from his childhood are found in the first half of the book.

Sedaris is the second child in a family of six children and the Sedaris family is far from the quintessential American family. They are unique, struggling, humorous, imperfect, but loving. They are different, outside, and trying. He touches issues we all might recognize: not being the person our parents/family would like us to be, embracing and/or rejecting childhood roles, conflict mixed with love, the struggle to leave our parents and find a life of our own, the pain of not meeting our own and our family’s expectations, the complexity of relationships.

Along the way I fell in love with the Sedaris family, especially his parents. I will admit to using some of his mother’s sayings with my own kids; I just could not help it. One of my favorites is a take on “I wasn’t just born yesterday,” and went “do you think I was born a middle age woman with expensive shoes and a nice purse.” I updated it a bit, saying “do you think I was born a middle aged woman.” It felt good saying it.

I most enjoyed his writing style. I am not sure how he does it, but he combines humor with pain and sorrow all at once. One of his books is titled Naked, and I can see why. He is nakedly honest about himself and his family, about his experience with life and all he encounters. I do recommend this if you like quirky, struggling families and a dry humor, mixed in with honesty and the pain and sorrow that come along for the ride. 4 stars

Thanks, Michelle. I always enjoyed David Sedaris' appearances on NPR's This American lLife. I've long had a TBR entry: "Anything by David Sedaris" but haven't come across his work when browsing through shop or library shelves. I will be more active in seeking him out.

Thanks for the wonderful review Michelle. I haven't heard of this author before, but will definitely have to look him up now. :) Hope you are having a great day!

#217 I think NPR's This American Life is where my friend found Sedaris. I want to find his This American Life episodes on iTunes if I can. Some of his comedy can be found on YouTube. I waited until I finished the book, then went and watched some. He is so funny and seems like he is not even trying.

#218 He is mainly a humorist, but with a serious side. I can't even think of someone to compare him to, really funny and completely unique.

Thank you Michelle, another good author to watch out for. Nice review.

Lots of good reviews since I was here last, Michelle. I am still holding to my resolve not to read the Martin series until he is done writing it though :)

#220 Thanks, Leonie.

#221 Stasia, I am not sure how many will be in the series. I hope it is not too long, I need to find out how this ends at some point. :) Happy reading!

#222: I hope the series is not too long either since Martin seems to be taking forever to write the books!

#223 I believe he planned 7 books. Book 5 is out in July.

Yeah, thats right, book 5 expected to be released in July, remaining two should not take more than another 8 years going by his past record.

Oh, well, looks like I am in this for quite awhile then. Wow! You know the books are good when readers stay around for so long.

I think I will take a break after book 2, no hurry, right.

Thanks jmaloney17 and PiyushChourasia!

Hi Michelle -- great reviews of A Game of Thrones, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim!

#224: Seven books? I am safe for a while then before I have to pick up book 1.

#227 Hi Anne and thanks!

#228 Stasia...you certainly are safe. You will get lots of reading done before this series is done.

Yesterday, at the library, I found Jacqueline Winspear's most recent Maisie Dobbs A Lesson in Secrets, which is always checked out. So, at the moment I am reading too many books! But, it is the kind of problem I don't mind.

Today is my high school daughter's last full day, now she only needs to go for exams.....summer vacation from school is almost here and a much more relaxed daily schedule for my me and my family! Let's hope it translates into more reading time.

Yay for summer vacations and more reading time! :)
I always like to think summer vacations are a time for fun and relaxation but the past couple of years I'm finding it's becoming more and more like a whirlwind of activities to try to squeeze in as much as possible and then we end up being more busy that we are during the other parts of the year!

I hope you get your wish for more reading time, Michelle!

The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan



Egan gives readers an in-depth and all-encompassing look at the great fire of 1910, which burned though Montana, Idaho, and eastern Washington. He examines the issue from both a large and a small persepective. He reviews political issues, politicians, personalities, and businesses that had a stake in the forests as well as the lives of individual foresters and various others brought on to work that summer.

His accounts of these days are heartbreaking and inspirational. His writing about the area around Wallace, Idaho during those days is moving and heartwrenching. I have added the names of heroes to my memory, those whose example I will look to in times of crisis. One particular hero was Ed Pulaski whose story is inspirational, but bitter. Egan expertly details the amazing lives of both Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt, their work and friendship, which in itself would make this book well worth reading.

Perhaps that might have been the end of the story, but Egan continues to tell the forests' story up until the recent past. I might add that, in truth, Egan is slightly biased, although especially with Pinchot, offered a well balanced view. Indeed, he painted the opponents of the Forest Service as greedy and short-sighted, and who could blame him in the case of men like Senator William Clark from Montana. Overall, very well written, very well researched and a very important story we all should know.

Another great review, Michelle -- thank you! I hadn't heard of this one, but I really enjoyed The Worst Hard Time, also by Timothy Egan.

#233 Glad you stopped by, Anne! I loved this book and learned so much about the area and this period of history that I did not know. I am looking forward to a visit there some day ( we have relatives who have just moved to Spokane, so we have a base to stay for free!)

I have not read The Worst Hard Time, but now I am greatly looking forward to it!

That one does look very interesting, especially as I know nothing about the topic and I'm trying to think how a great fire could save a country. Was this a pivotal point in US history?

>232 mks27: Nice review! This is one that I have on my wishlist, and you make me even more eager to get to it soon. I hope you get to visit the area -- I think that northern Idaho is one of the most beautiful places on the the planet (that I've seen anyway); Coeur d'Alene is only about a half hour from Spokane.

#235 Hi Leonie, At the time the U.S. Forest Service was in its infancy and many in Congress worked to destroy it by giving almost no funding...no money for tools and equipment needed to fight forest fires. Rangers needed to buy their own equipment and horse and were paid almost nothing, many being Yale University graduates. Forest Service enemies thought the western forests should be developed and stripped of their resources to make profits for some already very wealthy men.

After the fire, the men who were terribly burned could not pay their medical bills and many were refused treatment at hospitals. The families of the dead foresters did not get help to pay for burials or markers. After their bravery and sacrifice, the government turned their backs on them.
Many severely burned men had to return to work at the Forest Service because they needed to support their families, eventhough they were in constant pain.

Many were appalled by this and worked for change, but it took time. By the 1930's, laws were passed to give employees disability and medical insurance, the Forest Service was funded and the Civilian Conservation Corp built trails to make fire fighting safer. If there were trails in 1910, many Forest Service workers would have been able to escape their deaths.

The author believes that Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs were in part a result of lessons learned as a result of this fire...and, hence, saved America. Many might argue against this, but he did offer a good argument. It did at least make many more people aware of changes that needed to be made and the importance of conservation and the US Forest Service.

#236 Thank you! My hopes of a visit to this part of the country is what prompted me to choose this to read and I am so glad I did. It will make a trip to the area much more meaningful!

Wow, thanks for that information, I understand the title now. Isn't it sad in our history that usually something terrible has to happen first to create change.

Yes, Leonie...I agree!! Thanks for visiting and taking time to read my long winded response.

I must say this story got me angry, inspired me, and it has stuck with me.

I can't stop thinking about the brave men who fought this fire and the rotten deal they got afterwards.

The author wrote that the burned forest service men were reminders of a failure and a disaster, so many did no want to see them or deal with them in the years after so they were not reminded of the fire. How infuriating that is!

Thankfully, this would not happen today to our forest rangers and fire fighters.

Are forest fires an issue in New Zealand? At the moment, here, many are burning in Arizona and the surrounding region.

We've had a string of really bad forest fires this summer here in Alberta. Of course to top it off, we had some wind storms as well so that didn't help the situation. But the rain came and I think everything is calm again...

Hi Valerie, Good news!! Yeah, wind and fire together are NOT a good combination!

>237 mks27:: Michelle, thanks for that great history lesson in a nutshell. Good review of The Big Burn. I'm also a fan of The Worst Hard Time and will look for this book by Egan. The recent fires in Arizona were scary. I used to live in Colorado and dreaded the fires that rained ash down on us. My niece had horses that had to be moved whenever a fire threatened the area. I can live without that kind of excitement... we just have floods and tornadoes here in Missouri!

Michelle, we get a few every year but usually very small and quickly controlled. Our forests just aren't are hot as in other places in the world. I know Australia constantly battles with this issue though and their climate sounds more like what you've got in Arizona; New Zealand often sends fire teams over there to help fight the big fires.

My friend is actually a local volunteer fireman and he gets more medical callouts than fires where we live. The other common thing is boat explosions! People not turning their gas cylinders off properly. Gas freaks me out..

Time for a new thread, find me here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/119523

HI Michelle. I'm way behind on the threads, but hope August will be a better month and will afford the luxury of visiting more often to see the great books you are reading.

Behind is my middle name, or at least it should be! I always love your visits and comments so I hope you find my new thread and are able to stop by.