ivyd's 2011 books

I decided to stop lurking on the 75 Books Challenge and join this year. My main threads have been on the Category Challenges since 2008, and I'm not very good at double posting, so I'll see how this goes, but -- especially since participating in TIOLI challenges since November -- I want to join in the fun of this group! There are many familiar "faces" from other challenges, and I look forward to "meeting" the rest.

2011 75 Books Challenge, Part 2: http://www.librarything.com/topic/118948
11 in 11 Category Challenge: http://www.librarything.com/topic/97422

January

1. The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan, 3*
2. The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett, 3 1/2*
3. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson, 4*
4. World War Z by Max Brooks, 4*
5. The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch, 3 1/2*
6. The Passage by Justin Cronin, 5*
7. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, 3 1/2*

February
8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, 3 1/2*
~~ Introduction & Book 1 of The Landmark Thucydides
9. The White Cascade by Gary Krist, 4*
10. A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton, 4*
11. Tideland by Mitch Cullin, 3*
12. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
13. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, 4 1/2*

March
14. No Safe Haven by Kimberley & Kayla R. Woodhouse, 3 1/2*
15. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, 4*
16. Pamela by Samuel Richardson, 3*
~~ Shamela by Henry Fielding, 3*
~~ "Samuel Richardson" in Eighteenth-Century English Literature
~~ "Henry Fielding" in Eighteenth-Century English Literature
17. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
18. At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson, 4*
19. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
~~ Book 2 of The Landmark Thucydides
~~ Fantomina by Mrs. Eliza Haywood, 4*
20. Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding, 3 1/2*

April
21. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell, 4 1/2*
22. Shade of the Raintree by Larry Lockridge, 3 1/2*
23. Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark, 2 1/2*
24. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, 4 1/2*
25. Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb, 3 1/2*
~~ Book 3 & Appendices of The Landmark Thucydides
26. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, 3 1/2*
27. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
28. Skeleton Key to the Suicide of My Father, Ross Lockridge, Jr., Author of Raintree County by Ernest Lockridge, 2*

May
29. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 3 1/2*
30. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
31. The Tavern of Folly by Mary Dickerson Donahey
32. The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear, 4*
33. The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley, 3*
34. A Murderous Procession by Ariana Franklin, 4*
35. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 5*
36. A Safe Place for Women by Kelly White, 4*

Hi Ivy: Welcome to 2011.

I always post here first and then copy it over to 11 in 11 afterwards. More friendly chat here but I organize my reading more over there.

Thanks, Linda! I'm happy to be here! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was totally disorganized and very lovely!

I'm sure you're right that copying my comments will be the best way to do it. I should be able to manage that, I think.

My Christmas was wonderful, too, Ivy. Glad to hear yours was, as well.

I wish I had more time off but I've got a 5-day weekend next weekend and a 4-day weekend the weekend after that.

Hey, Ivy! Glad you decided to join us for 2011!

Thanks, Stasia! I'm looking forward to it!

I am looking forward to seeing what you read this upcoming year!

Welcome!

Thank you, Jim!

Trying to learn all your names... it's almost like the first day at a new school!

Ivy, at least you knew a couple of kids at the new school before you got here. Cheli and me, at least.

We can steer you around and introduce you a bit (and make sure nobody tries to sell you a pool pass).

There's Stasia. Everybody knows her and she knows everyone.

Jim is the creator of the school.

Madeline runs the TIOLI wing of the school.

The Kitchen thread is a place to talk about anything.

"Pool passes! Get your pool passes here!"

Terri, don't pick on the freshmen like that!!

Next thing you know, you'll be telling them that there's a charge to participate in TIOLI.

Ivy,

I'm so glad you decided to join all the weirdos fun people here in the 75 group. Honestly, we're not so bad once you get to know everyone.

Linda forget to mention that Richard is the keeper of the Kitchen and a secret member of the THREAD POLICE! Don't let him catch you with an active thread with over 200 messages. he.he :-))

Thanks, Cheli!

I do know some people, Linda, and I think there are several of us from the 1010 who have joined the 75ers for the first time this year. Thanks for the introductions!

Just keep me away from the physics teacher! I won't be able to understand a word he/she says!

#11: There's Stasia. Everybody knows her and she knows everyone.

A blatantly untrue statement if ever there was one, Ivy. Do not listen to these people, they will lead you astray. Especially be careful of Terri :)

Just keep me away from the physics teacher!

We're not that scary! :)

ivyd, don't you worry about the physics teacher....he's actually a teddy bear who reads steampunk books

>17 drneutron: & 18 Oh, I know they can be nice people! It's just that my brain doesn't work that way. I confess to being fascinated by astrophysics, but my comprehension runs at the level of children's television programs with lots of pictures and drawings and demonstrations.

>16 alcottacre: Stasia, I think Linda may be right! I had heard of you before I ever even visited the 75 Group!

And as for the pool passes, Terri doesn't tempt me. Seems to me that there's something rather unnatural about having your head underwater.

Just kidding. I'm only the TIOLI treasurer. Just send your 10 bucks right to me, via PayPal...

One other secret, one you've already learned, I think: you end up spending far too much time reading the 75ers' threads.

>20 tloeffler: That's my book money you're asking for, Terri! Not a chance!

>21 lindapanzo: Yep! And I have work to do, not to mention books to read...

#19: I had heard of you before I ever even visited the 75 Group

And I try so hard to remain incognito.

Happy New Year, Ivy. We had about 10 inches of snow on the ground and yesterday's 40s and today's 50's have melted it all.

Hope you'll have a great year of reading ahead.

Thanks, Linda! And Happy New Year to you!

No snow here, but it's certainly cold enough for it to stick. I'm using my front porch as an adjunct refrigerator.

My brother and his family arrived yesterday for the weekend. It's really nice to see them; it's been more than a year. But since he and his children, along with my daughter, are all night owls, I probably won't get much reading done for a few days. I'm usually the only one awake at 2 am, but last night 6 of us (including my 11-year-old nephew) were up and playing games.

Happy New Year, Ivy!

Hi Ivy: Hope your 2011 reading year is starting out well.

Hi Ivy, it took me awhile to find your thread but I am starring it so hopefully I don't lose track of you. Of course I can always catch up over at the 11 in 11 Challenge.

>26 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! Happy New Year to you, too!

>27 lindapanzo: Happy New Year, Linda! Actually, neither my reading year nor life has gone very smoothly this week... I had family here last weekend (nice to see them, but also very busy, especially when you add a large diabetic dog to the 3 cats), then a disruption with my granddaughter, and a lot of work that needed to be done and a couple of social commitments.

As for reading, I finally finished a book that I expected to finish before the 1st, and didn't especially like it (comments perhaps to follow, but I've started to post it 3 or 4 times and have gotten interrupted every time). But I've now begun an ER cozy mystery that I'm liking very much, and if the 2nd half is as good as the first, I'll have to add another series to my ever-growing list. I haven't, however, even started any of the 9 books that I blithely entered on the TIOLI challenges, including Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, which I expected to be the first book of the year...

>28 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy, and Happy New Year! I'm glad you found me! I think I starred your thread a while back -- will have to double check -- I always enjoy seeing what you're reading and what you have to say about it.

1. The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan, 3*

I didn't like this book very much, but I did find the story of Matilda of Tuscany (aka Matilda of Canossa) fascinating. I could probably go on at some length about what I didn't like, but I think I'll just say that 1) although I'm interested in early Christianity and church development, I don't like the author's beliefs supported by invented documents; 2) the present day portions about Maureen were primarily an account of the author's spiritual beliefs, with a couple of silly "dramatic" incidents, and lacked the elements of a good story; and 3) the writing level was barely adequate, liberally sprinkled with cliches and 21st century popular phrases interspersed with portions which read more like non-fiction and conversations that were poorly disguised lectures.

On the other hand, Matilda of Tuscany was a fascinating 11th century woman -- strong, independent and powerful. As nearly as I can tell from a bit of limited internet research, the author pretty much stuck to the known facts about her, though she overlaid her invented religion over those facts. She credits a non-fiction book, Tuscan Countess by Michele K. Spike, for much of the information. I think I might like to read that book.

#30: I think I am more interested in the nonfiction book too. Thanks for mentioning it, Ivy. I will see if my local library has the book.

Hi Ivy: I was starting to wonder. Thought you might be busy. Which cozy series?

I know I keep putting that Abigail Adams mystery on TIOLI but I never get to it either. Same with a few others.

Kindle books are now lendable and I borrowed one mystery and read it immediately then borrowed a nearly 700 page book from my sister.

I'd like to gently nudge you to get to Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I loved it and it feels just right as a new New Year book.

Good Luck and Welcome!

2. The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett (Liss MacCrimmon #4), 3 1/2*
Category: Eastern U.S. Mystery

A delightful cozy mystery set in Moosetookalook, Maine.

Liss MacCrimmon has returned to her hometown to run a Scottish Emporium and is the co-ordinator of the annual Burns Night Supper, held this year at the nearby Spruces resort hotel. As the event gets underway, a winter storm moves in, cutting all communications to and from the hotel, and -- how did you guess? -- a corpse is discovered.

The characterization is excellent, and the mystery is good, with clues and red herrings and a twist or two. Moosetookalook and its inhabitants are charming: a fictional little town that I want to know more about. This book is the 4th in the series, and although it doesn't appear to have spoilers of the earlier books, there are references that make me want to know more about the recurring characters. I definitely plan to backtrack to the beginning of this series.

>31 alcottacre: Did you find Tuscan Countess, Stasia? I'm trying to work down on my tbr stacks right now, so I'm not sure when I'll get to it.

>32 lindapanzo: Linda, comments above about the ER book. I really liked it.

I was so excited about the new Abigail Adams book, and got it right away. And now... it just keeps getting pushed down on the stacks.

>33 nancyewhite: Nancy, I'm convinced! I'll probably start it tonight.

But, first, I need to cheer on my Ducks! I've been waiting for this for 45 years!

GO, DUCKS!

A year ago at Christmas, I read the Dunnett Christmas book and enjoyed it. It's A Wee Christmas Homicide, I think.

Years ago, I was whining how, since I went to a small liberal arts college, my team was never in the national spotlight. Anyway, my friend had me pick a school name out of a hat and, henceforth, that would be my team. It was Oregon State, the Beavers, I think, which is the other one.

Good luck to your Ducks. I will be rooting for them, too.

Thanks, Linda! They are (obviously) really good this year, but based on a long history of cheering for a losing team, it does make me nervous. The Beavers are of course archrivals of the Ducks.

#37 Oops, I kind of thought that they were archrivals. I don't follow college football much but will probably at least look in on this one from time to time.

My sister informs me that she'll probably be going to Portland on a business trip. I wish I could join her.

Sorry to see that your Ducks lost. It was a good game (from the parts I saw--unfortunately, I missed the end).

Oh, I wish you could join your sister in coming to Portland!

Yes, it is very disappointing! So close! Sorry you missed the end -- definitely exciting!

I was rooting for the Ducks (considered the underdog and all that, and besides with a name like Ducks, have to love them!) and I actually put down the book I was reading when they tied it near the end . . . and then, darn!

I've got to try that series in Moosetookalook . . . another series . . . darn!

#35: No, I did not find a copy, Ivy. None of my local libraries has it.

3. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson, 4*

I really liked this book. I thought it would be a fast, light read, but it turned out to be both slower and deeper than I had expected. I found the exploration of aging, and the questioning of life-long beliefs and prejudices, especially interesting.

Both christina_reads and SouthernKiwi have recently posted excellent reviews of Major Pettigrew. I agree with them, and don't think I can say it as well as they have, so I won't attempt it.

4. World War Z by Max Brooks, 4*

How will the world react when a "virus," which turns people into zombies, begins in China and spreads worldwide?

I liked this book a lot. Ten years after the war against the zombies has been won, the outbreak is traced from its beginnings in a series of interviews with survivors from all over the world. There is depth in the discussions of political systems in the various countries, logic and perhaps probabilty in the way the outbreak spreads and is handled. The book is fun... and thought-provoking.

The negatives: For my personal taste, there was too much detailed discussion of weapons and military tactics and not quite enough personal stories of survival. Technically, I thought the book was well-written, but didn't see enough differences in the various voices, and thought that some of the later interviews were not sufficiently tied back to earlier ones.

Though not my usual type of book, I'm glad I read this one.

Hi Ivy: Glad to see you're back around here.

I'm very excited about the Packers, even though I was at a show yesterday and missed the big Packers/Bears game (and me, a Packer fan from Chicago).

Thanks, Linda!

I'll be rooting for the Packers, too. For me, the Super Bowl is indelibly connected with the birth of my daughter. That year, it was the day after she was born, and watching the game took precedence over anyone coming to see us at the hospital!

>42 alcottacre: Stasia, I did locate a copy of Tuscan Countess at the downtown Portland library, and also some used copies online. Given that getting it from the library would be 2 40-mile round trips plus parking, I may just order it. Ratings of the book aren't very high, but I'm still really interested in Matilda.

5. The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch (Charles Lenox #3), 3 1/2*

This is another solid entry in the Charles Lenox series. Mr Finch seems to become more adept and polished with each successive book. The events of this book are Lenox's campaign for Parliament (which I found extremely interesting) intertwined with the murders of 2 journalists. There is peculiar twist to the murder; I'm still not sure exactly what I think of it...

#47: I will be interested in seeing what you think of it if and when you get to read it, Ivy.

6. The Passage by Justin Cronin, 5*
Category: History That Never Was

Superb! I couldn't put it down. I'm sad that I've finished, and can't wait for the next book in this trilogy.

The Passage begins a few years before the apocalypse, caused by a top-secret government experiment gone wrong, and continues for nearly 100 years.

Apocalyptic, dystopian, paranormal. It's very similar to World War Z in many respects -- and I don't really recommend reading them as close together as I have -- but it's also a very different book. This is a book with fully realized characters, detailed descriptions of the post-apocalyptic society, tales of survival (or not), a gripping story line. I think it was well written, but I was mostly too engrossed in the story to notice.

Looking at other reviews, I see that most of those who didn't like the book objected to 1) its length (nearly 800 pages), and/or 2) the ending. I like long books where I can become immersed the characters' lives and in another place (or time). And I enjoyed the details and liked that my questions were answered. I agree that it could have been split into 3 or 4 books of a series, but it really doen't matter (except for increasing the book count for the year). As for the ending, I thought it was fine, keeping in mind that this is the first book of a trilogy -- would it be fair to criticize the ending of The Fellowship of the Ring or The Golden Compass?

Much to my surprise, I'm sure that this will be one of my favorite books of 2011.

#50: I am glad you think so highly of The Passage. I am planning on reading it in February.

>49 alcottacre: & 51 I'll let you know about Tuscan Countess, Stasia. I hope you like The Passage as much as I did!

7. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, 3 1/2*
Category: British Mystery

It's 1929 and Maisie Dobbs has just established her own investigation office. When a client wants to find out if his wife is cheating on him, Maisie is led back to the events of WWI and her own early life and experiences in the war.

** MINOR SPOILER (you find out about it 40 or so pages into the book) **
Many years ago I knew a lady who had studied in Paris in the very early 1930s. She told me once about the faceless, lost, masked war veterans on the streets of Paris -- still young men 15 years after the war's end. I haven't elsewhere encountered descriptions of this tragedy, so I found the subject matter of this book very interesting.
** END SPOILER **

I wouldn't call this book cozy, but it is a mystery, though a good third of the book is the interesting story of Maisie's life before 1929. The ending took me by surprise, and I'm still wondering if I missed clues or somehow misread Maisie's character.

I liked the book a lot and plan to continue with the series.

#53 I'm looking forward to reading #2 in the Maisie Dobbs series. For now, though, I started A Marked Man though I find myself gazing out the window looking at the snow more than I am reading.

#53: I enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series, Ivy. I hope you continue to do so.

Hi There

I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. Would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.

Thanks.

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

8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, 3 1/2*

Kate Morton's 3rd novel was enjoyable, but also disappointing, since it's my least favorite of her books.

In 1992, Edie discovers that her mother was evacuated from London in 1939 to Milderhurst Castle, the ancestral home of the Blythes. The story alternates between Edie's present-day conflict with her mother and uncovering the secrets of the Castle.

At times, I found the story engrossing, and at times I found the book rather boring and repetitive. I thought the present day plot was weak and don't think it really enhanced the historical story. In addition, I didn't think the characterizations were very good -- they seemed to be caricatures rather than fully realized characters, which interfered with empathizing with them. The organization was sometimes confusing and in my opinion not very smooth or logical. In short, I think the book could benefit from a thorough editing.

I know that authors don't necessarily write books that are progressively better than their previous books, but I wonder with this one -- as I have with a couple of other authors who have catapulted to fame -- whether this isn't a re-working of an earlier novel in order to meet contract obligations. And I really wonder why so many 21st century female authors find it necessary to write a book about twins.

>54 lindapanzo: & 55 I've now started A Marked Man, and maybe will go on to the 2nd Maisie Dobbs book after that -- it's definitely a series I want to continue.

#57: That one is already in the BlackHole. I will bump it down some, I think.

I'm getting dreadfully behind on my posting. So, although I have quite a lot I could say about the books I've read in the last week or so, I'm just going to list them. Maybe I'll get back later to say a bit more.

~~ Introduction and Book 1 of The Landmark Thucydides
Category: World History

I'm liking Thucydides, though I found Herodotus more entertaining. I really love the Landmark edition with all the maps!

9. The White Cascade: The Great Northern Railway Disaster and America's Deadliest Avalanche by Gary Krist, 4*
Category: US History

A very interesting look at the 1910 winter storm that stranded 2 trains in the Northern Cascades of Washington. The book was obviously well-researched and integrates a great number of primary and secondary sources. It is a testament to Gary Krist's writing ability that he had me racing through the book to see what happened (or more accurately, how it happened), even though I knew the ending! Thanks to Linda for the recommendation!

10. A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton (Abigail Adams #2), 4*
Category: Eastern US Mystery

A great 2nd book in the Abigail Adams series! She does a wonderful job of integrating history and fiction, and does a good job with the mystery. I hope there will be another book in this series soon.

Hi Ivy!
Read your review of The Distant Hours because I have been waiting for this book to come out in softcover but it looks like I don't need to be so anxious for it to come out..hehe :/

Ivy, so glad that you liked both the avalanche book and the second Barbara Hamilton mystery. I really liked both of them, too.

#60: The White Cascade sounds a little scary but also very interesting!

I read The White Cascade a while back. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Ivy, I recently finished reading The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America which was about a huge forest fire in northern Idaho, eastern Washington, western Montana...and more, in the summer of 1910. The railroads were a major actor in the fire starting and in saving people. The connection with Teddy Roosevelt relates to his conservation actions, and the beginnings of the forest service. Based on your comments on The White Cascade, I am thinking you might enjoy this book, also.

>61 jolerie: I was so impatient to read The Distant Hours that I bought it in hardcover -- at least it was discounted and I had a 15% off coupon, but I wish I'd used the coupon for something else. I haven't given up on Kate Morton, but I don't think I'll be quite so eager for her next book.

>62 lindapanzo:-65 I have it in my head that I don't especially like disaster books, but I may have to re-evaluate, since I've been absolutely fascinated by all 3 that I've read. This one appealed to me because of Linda's recommendation along with having seen a documentary about it, its proximity to me (in Oregon), and my interest in railroads (inherited memory? 2 great-grandfathers and 1 grandfather were railroad men).

Thanks for the recommendation, Maggie. This fire rings a very distant bell in my mind, perhaps something I heard about when, a number of years ago, we visted a remote railway station (Burlington?) in Montana. Growing up surrounded by mountains, I find forest fires very scary, but this book sounds interesting.

1910 must have been quite a year in the Northwest! I wish I'd known about these disasters to ask my grandparents about them.

A bit of trivia tangentially connected to The White Cascade: late in the book, he mentions Samuel Hill, who lived in Washington and was the son-in-law of James Hill (owner of Great Northern Railway). I wondered if this could be the same Sam Hill who built Maryhill Castle and a replica of Stonehenge in the middle of nowhere overlooking the Columbia River, so I looked it up, and it is indeed the same Sam Hill:
http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/history.html
The official history is not quite as racy as the local legend I've heard all my life, that Marie, Queen of Romania, was Sam Hill's lover and that he built the castle for her to live in.

(For years and years, I thought the expression "What the Sam Hill are you doing?" must have come from this Sam Hill's strange building projects. When I finally checked it out, I found that "Sam Hill" is a euphemism for "hell" and that the expression predates this Sam Hill by about 100 years. It nevertheless seems applicable to him...)

I visited Maryhill when I was a child in the 1950s and then again sometime in the 1970s. Indeed, there are "crown jewels" there supposedly from the Romanian royalty. Also, some wonderful sculpture pieces by Rodin. (François-Auguste-René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917)

I am jealous of you reading the Landmark editions, Ivy! I have been trying to get my hands on them for a while now.

11. Tideland by Mitch Cullin, 3*
Category: History in the Making

Well! I'm not sure what to say about this book. It was too macabre for my taste, though I think it was probably a pretty good book for people who like horror; certainly the friend who loaned it to me (forced it on me) thought it was great.

Jeliza-Rose is an 11-year-old girl who finds herself, with her father, at a remote house in Texas. It's impossible to say much more without spoilers, since the book is so tightly constructed that the reader needs to make the discoveries as the author intended.

The cover blurb compares this book to A Rose for Emily and To Kill a Mockingbird. I haven't read the Faulkner (that I remember, anyway), but I saw few similarities to Mockingbird other than the narration by an 11-year-old girl; the themes, purposes, genres are totally different. I would, instead, compare the book to Shirley Jackson, Thomas Tryon, and probably Stephen King (though there's no paranormal in this book).

The voice of the girl didn't seem right much of the time, nor was it consistent, but otherwise the book was well written and very well plotted. Just not a book for me.

>67 maggie1944: Yes, the museum has an impressive though small collection -- hardly what one expects to find in Central Washington! With my ties to Eastern Oregon, I've made hundreds of trips (yes, really) through the Columbia Gorge and have been to the museum quite a few times, though not for several years now.

>68 alcottacre: I read another edition of Herodotus, since I already had it when the Group Read started last year. I thought I had a Thucydides, but couldn't find it, so I got the Landmark and I'm delighted with it. Had I known how helpful the organization and the maps are, I think I might have splurged on the Landmark Herodotus last year!

oh, I love eastern Oregon. Spent some summer times in Wallowa.

Book #9 sounds great! Thanks for your description.

>71 maggie1944: Though I've lived more than 2/3 of my life in Western Oregon, NE Oregon will always be home to me. I wonder if you've read / heard of The Shack, set at Wallowa Lake and in the Wallowa Mountains? The book is somewhat problematic for me, since it deals with the kidnapping of a child and also espouses religious beliefs different than mine, but the descriptions of the Wallowas are wonderful -- and I have to agree that if God is to be found anywhere, it just might be in the Wallowas.

>72 Whisper1: I do highly recommend The White Cascade, Linda (as did lindapanzo). It's a very readable non-fiction for anyone interested in the NW, disasters, railroads, early 20th century history...

I had heard of The Shack and what I'd heard had not made me want to read it; however, description of the Wallowas could very well have tipped me into the "I'll go get it." I think I will look for it on the Kindle. I also think I'll be reading The White Cascade. Did my undergrad work in U.S. History and love reading about "us" all the time. Thanks for such good recommendations.

My first visit to your thread! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on both The Passage and Maisie Dobbs. I read the passage at the end of 2010 and it was a great way to end the year! I was truly sad without this book for weeks, wandering around mourning its loss. So happy you loved it!

I have read all the Maisie Dobbs books except one and I have liked them more and more as I have read on. The most recent in the series, I thought was the best of them all. She grew on me over time. I don't mourn her when I put the book down, but she is like a familiar, comfy chair.

12. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #2), 4*
Category: British Mystery

I liked this 2nd book in the series even better than the first Maisie Dobbs, and getting ahold of the rest of the series has jumped to the top of my wishlist.

This book is set a few months after the first book and again explores the aftermath of WWI and the changing society of the years between the Wars. Ms Winspear again explores a little-known aspect (at least to me) of The Great War, again has an interesting and likable heroine in Maisie, and again has written a good and satisfying mystery.

>74 maggie1944: Maggie, my recommendation of The Shack is very much guarded, but I did love the descriptions. Few books are set in that little-known and astoundingly beautiful corner of the world.

>75 mks27: Michelle, thanks for dropping in! I'm glad to know that your reaction to The Passage was similar to mine. Since I'm not particularly a fan of apocalyptic fiction, and definitely not a fan of vampires, I was truly surprised at how much I liked it!

As you can see from the previous post, I'm now hooked on the Maisie Dobbs series!

Thanks, Ivy. I had noted your hesitant recommendation and I did buy it, but only after reading several Amazon reviews. It is not a book for everyone, but I think I can overlook the stuff I don't care about and just enjoy the description of the Wallowa. It is such a beautiful part of the world! I really need to find a way to get back there at least once more in my life. But there are lots of things on my bucket list....sigh. I'll let you know what I thought of The Shack after I've read it.

You're ahead of me on Maisie Dobbs, but I'll catch up eventually.

**Maybe I need to look into a speed reading class.**

I finished Birds of a Feather late this afternoon and I, too, am giving it 4 stars. It's been over a year since I'd read the first one but liked this one so much that I think I'll be reading book #3 for Mystery March. Excellent book.

I don't think I can say all that much about it without giving it away.

>78 maggie1944: Maggie, I'll be really interested in hearing what you think of it!

>79 cyderry: Cheli, I have no doubt that you'll catch up with me (and Linda) on Maisie Dobbs! I'm far less certain that I'll ever catch up with you on all the other books that I want to read!

**Maybe I need to look into a speed reading class.**

I took a couple of classes (a long time ago). I hated it. You may get the sense of the book, pick up on necessary facts, but you miss the glory of the language, the nuances of the way the author tells the story or presents the information. I prefer my own slow pace, but I wouldn't mind having more time to read, to catch up on some of these books I want to read right now!

>80 lindapanzo: Linda, I totally agree. Did you know about the subject that we can't talk about without giving it away? I'd never heard of it before. Very interesting.

I'm trying not to buy books this year until I reduce the tbr shelves, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to get some more in this series... hopefully, I will join you in March! Did you see Michelle's comment (msg #75 above) about the books continuing to get even better?

#81 Once I heard what the subject was (the one we can't talk about), I figured out whodunnit. I had never heard of it before. Very powerful stuff.

Glad to hear that the books get better. I thought the first one was good and this second one even better.

Oh, dear, not another series for me to try! ;)

Ivy,
Thanks for the heads up about the speed reading ... I think I'll just try to dedicate more time to reading and maybe then I'll get to all the books I want to read sometime in my life. Maybe if I just stop reading threads and hearing about new books to read...NO, NO - that just defeats the purpose of being here, oh, well.

>82 lindapanzo: Linda, I guessed the ending too, but maybe not quite so quickly as you did. It didn't ruin it at all, though; I was glad to see that I'd picked up on the clues and was right. I've ordered books 3-7 in the series. So much for my good intentions!

>83 tymfos: Terri, it's a good one! I agree with Linda that the 2nd book is better than the first... will soon report on #3!

>84 cyderry: Cheli, I think I find at least one book that I want to read every day. But give up LT in order to read them? Not a chance!

13. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (Heroes of Olympus #1), 4 1/2*
Category: History That Never Was

After having visited, in the last month or so, the Peloponnesian War, the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, 2 apocalypses, a deadly avalanche and the dark gruesome Tideland, I wanted something light and entertaining. The Lost Hero is indeed entertaining, but has some depth as well, and of course involves fights/wars between heroes and monsters.

This is not really a new series, but very definitely a continuation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, beginning only a few months after The Last Olympian, and containing many references to (and spoilers of) the previous series. The first series did mostly conclude that particular threat to the gods, but as far as I can see, the main reason for renaming the series is that Percy is not the protagonist of this book. While a great many of the previous characters re-appear in this book, there is a new set of demigods whose story is being told, with a new threat and new quests to undertake.

I think this may be Rick Riordan's best book yet. Someone (could it have been Stephen King?) commented that J.K. Rowling started writing for a general audience somewhere around book 3 of the Harry Potter series, and I think Riordan has also moved in that direction, with this book if not before, though I would still classify this as YA. He is also referencing additional mythologies, though I won't mention which ones since that could be a spoiler; it appears that we will see more of one of them in subsequent books, and I hope we'll see more of the other, though that's less clear at the moment.

Riordan's style is clever and amusing -- sometimes laugh-out-loud funny -- but I wonder (and this is just a musing, no conclusions drawn) whether being so fully tied to 21st century popular culture and jargon will prevent these books from withstanding the test of time.

I've got this one on my Nook ready for an early summer reading. I'f I get stuck in the airport next week and have finish Outlander I may just push this one up to the top of the list. Sounds great! Wanted to give you a thumbs up but it wasn't there :-(

14. No Safe Haven by Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse, 3 1/2*
Category: Other Mystery

This is one of the more difficult reviews I've had to write, and I do need to, since it's an ER book. The problem is that I liked this book far more than I should have, given its literary flaws and my personal taste.

A collaborative effort by a mother and her teenage daughter, No Safe Haven begins as Jenna and her 12-year-old daughter Andie board their private plane to return home to North Pole, Alaska. Things quickly go amiss, and they find themselves stranded on the slopes of Sultana, in Denali National Park, with a stranger that they don't know whether they can trust. The whole situation is complicated by the death a year earlier of their husband/father, the shadowy work that he had been involved with, and Andie's serious medical condition (she is unable to regulate her body temperature or to feel pain, a condition which also afflicts Kayla Woodhouse).

The book is a page-turner, with a terrific story line, despite its melodrama and serendipity. I thought the voice of the 12-year-old, written in first person, was nearly perfect, as was her matter-of-fact acceptance of her medical problems; and I'm sure much of that can be attributed to the talented teenage author. On the other hand, the mother-daughter relationship was just too perfect, the characterizations were rather shallow, and matters of trust and faith changed at lightning-fast speed with little basis. As for the mystery, there was just too much going on, inadequately explained, though the basic premise was intriguing.

The best part of the book was the survival attempt on the mountain. And in this first part, the Christian message was integrated and understandable – if your plane crashes on the side of a mountain in Alaska, it seems eminently logical that you might choose to pray. In the latter half of the book, where the mystery primarily unfolded, the Christian message was too preachy for my taste, and I thought that depth of character and intricacies of plot were sacrified for lengthy restatings of basic Christian principles.

Nevertheless, this is Christian fiction, and marketed as such, so it is perhaps to be expected. And I liked the book quite a lot.

>87 cyderry: Thanks, Cheli! I don't usually post my reviews on the book page, but sometimes get busy and add several at once.

I hope you'll be able to get to The Lost Hero soon. I think you'll really like it!

15. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (Newbery Medal 1961), 4*
Category: Children of Yesteryear

The charming and beautiful story of a Native American woman who was abandoned for 18 years on a remote island off the coast of California. Based on a true event -- she was rescued in 1853 -- Mr O'Dell has woven the few known facts about her into a captivating and moving story of her solitary survival.

16. Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson, 3*
Category: British History

Published in 1740, Pamela is an interesting look at the 18th century from a contemporary standpoint and is surprisingly readable with a (mostly) lively voice. It is nevertheless rather slow going and at times tedious. It took me a while to get through it, and I'm somewhat surprised that I actually finished it, but I thought it was interesting enough -- as a story, as a view into the past, and from a literary standpoint, as a very early novel -- to keep going.

My interest in the book started from the many references to it in Barbara Hamilton's Abigail Adams mystery series; it was, according to those books, Abigail's favorite book (and I still wonder if there is a factual basis for that assertion). It's the story of a servant girl whose virtue is assailed by her "master" and her determination to preserve her "honesty" at all costs. I still don't exactly understand why Abigail would have liked it so much, but there were very few novels to choose from back then, and Pamela does stand for the proposition that maintaining one's morals will pay off in the end, and also raises some interesting points about equality of all persons regardless of "class."

~~ Shamela by Henry Fielding, 3*
Category: British History

A very clever and bawdy parody of Pamela, published about a year later. Shamela cares not a whit about her virtue, but is indeed interested in Mr. Booby's money.

~~ "Samuel Richardson" and "Henry Fielding" in Eighteenth Century English Literature
Category: British History

Just a little background from my college textbook on these 18th Century authors (a class, incidentally, that I did not much like, though I've since found the textbook useful and interesting). And I must say, the concise summaries in this book were more astute and helpful than the long introductions in the editions that I've been reading.

17. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #3), 4*
Category: British Mystery

In this book, Maisie again deals with the after-effects of WW I, and journeys to France for the first time since the Great War. The mystery is complex -- in fact, there are 5 interrelated mystery threads. I really liked it and am already into the next book of the series.

18. At Home: A Short History of Private Life, by Bill Bryson, 4*
Category: World History

I love trivia. I love history. And Bill Bryson has an entertaining style of bringing to life interesting people and events from the past. I think the title of the book is a misnomer, since much of the book is about historical events and scientific/technological advances all over the world.

I had expected more social history and more direct exploration of "private life," but his organizational framework of rooms in the old rectory (his home) is only that: a framework on which he hangs a variety of items from the past which have caught his interest. And I found his moving back and forth through the 17th to 19th century for each new topic a bit confusing; it made it difficult to put one topic into context with another. In skimming through his bibliography, I was surprised to find that almost all of the references were from the past 50 years, the great bulk of them from the past 20 years; his research, in other words, seems to be a culling of little known facts from recent, undoubtedly dryer, works -- and I think that the modern perspective of the past is reflected in many of his discussions.

But I really enjoyed the book and finding out "the rest of the story"; and the origins of words and phrases were especially interesting to me. Just yesterday, I came across a reference to a room painted with distemper; I would have had no idea what it was had I not read about it in this book a few days earlier.

I've hit a book-reading funk over the weekend. I'd hoped to finish Pardonable Lies but I've just barely started. I'm headed upstairs and will make myself read a bit before I fall asleep. Hoping that I make progress tomorrow on it and finish Tuesday so we can discuss!

I've been in a book reading funk for about a week now. I've probably read a total of about 25 pages over that time though I started up again a bit yesterday and then again this morning.

Lori & Linda, sorry to hear about the reading funks! When I stop to think about it, I think I've been in a mild one since December -- I've used lots of excuses (long books, daughter home, work), but it really comes down to just not reading as much, some days hardly at all, although there have been a few books that I've just raced through (like Pardonable Lies).

And I think the disaster in Japan is affecting everyone. I know I've been glued to the tv, even with a good book sitting in my lap. It's hard to feel positive and enthusiastic when such dreadful things are happening. Last night I was really upset about something that happens in the next Maisie Dobbs -- made me angry, in fact, thinking "I don't need that! How dare you put that in a nice mystery!" Totally unjustified on my part, I'm sure, and I did pick up the book again later (it's good, but probably not my favorite of the series).

I hope the funks dissipate soon!

It may be Wednesday before I finish. I have about 3 to 4 hours of reading left on it. It depends on how much time I have to read today and how fast I read. If I really get settled in, I can probably finish it tonight. If I get distracted, it may be tomorrow.

19. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #4), 4*
Category: British Mystery

WW I experiences still figure into this installment of Maisie Dobbs, but the art world is the focus of this mystery, set in early 1931 as the Depression deepens.

When I read a mystery -- cozy, historical, thriller, spy, whatever -- I'm usually looking for entertainment. It seems to me that there is an unacknowledged contract with the reader that emotions won't be touched too deeply; the subject is, after all, murder and the dark side, and if the reader becomes too involved with the characters, the lightness of just unravelling a puzzle is lost. Ms Winspear's earlier books have come perilously close to this line, and for me it was definitely crossed in this book. While I give her credit for succeeding with greater depth, and there's no question that I will continue with this series, I won't be choosing her books for light entertainment.

>95 thornton37814: No pressure, Lori! I'm interested in hearing what you think about it, whenever you finish.

I finished tonight. Hopefully Linda won't be far behind us!

Not feeling in the mood for anything dark right now. Watching Japanese earthquake/tsunami coverage is plenty for me.

I know what you mean, Linda. Me, too.

I totally understand. I'm so thankful that I've heard from one of my friends over there who has safely evacuated down to Osaka (because of the meltdown threat where he lives).

I'm feeling the same way. Which is why Maisie Dobbs #4 upset me so much -- I really don't want to read anything right now that involves more emotions. I found an answer last night by reading Thucydides, which is very straight forward and unemotional, and Fielding's Joseph Andrews, a very clever satire of Pamela with a lot of sexual puns and innuendoes.

So glad to hear that your friend is out of the danger zone, Lori. My daughter talked with 2 ladies fluent in Japanese who are assisting at the University with exchange students -- they have 2 of them on suicide watch. So sad...

Me, I'm the opposite. When things are grim, I get annoyed with books that are fluff. I tend to dive into really dark reads. Probably not a healthy response.

~~ Book 2 of The Landmark Thucydides
Category: World History

Some of Thucydides comments about character and motivations, political stances and situations seem very wise. I wish there were more commentary, but his history is mostly a detailed description of the various actions and movements of the participants.

The last few pages of Book 2 were a pleasant surprise, where he gives some history of the Thracians, including a couple of rumors reminiscent of Herodotus and the mythological story of Alcmaeon. As the accompanying material notes (more than once), Thucydides' readers were probably familiar with the history and character of many of the city-states and people, such as Pericles (whose character is briefly discussed) -- but 2500 years later, it would be nice to have more.

I think I'm inclining toward the view that Thucydides mostly invented the speeches that he records.

>103 tymfos: Probably not a healthy response.

The older I get, the harder I find it to judge what is "healthy" -- or even to "judge." We all have our ways of coping and it seems to me that whatever works is just fine. One of the stranger responses I've seen was a woman whose husband was in ICU, fighting for his life, and all she could talk about was how angry she was with the doctor for not telling her what foods he would be able to eat when he got out of the hospital. Her children were furious with her, and at the time, I tended to agree with them, but in retrospect I think it was the only way she could cope.

#105 I agree -- that lady probably needed something, anything, to focus on other than the fact that her husband might die. I'm sure she's not the only person who ever did that by getting mad at the doctor. I may have done a little of that when my mother was dying . . . although the guy was truly a first-class jerk, and I'm not the only person to say that.

~~ Fantomina by Mrs Eliza Haywood, 4*
Category: British History

This risque story/novella by Mrs Eliza Haywood was published in 1725. I thought it was delightful, with an ending that I didn't expect. Thanks to keristars for the recommendation and online link to the story!

>106 tymfos: No profession is immune to its jerks. But in the case I was talking about, the doctor was not a jerk. He was a highly qualified specialist -- but young (relatively speaking; it takes a while for all that education). I think he was taken aback by her demands, too. Had he been more experienced in dealing with family, he might have just answered her questions, even though he knew it was unlikely that they'd ever be relevant.

108 Odds are, if he'd answered her questions, she would have had to find something else to fixate on. Just a difficult, painful situation with which she obviously couldn't come to terms. Understandable, really.

20. Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding, 3 1/2*

Sometimes funny, sometimes interesting, sometimes boring. Comparing Fielding to Richardson's Pamela, I have to say that I preferred Richardson's style (not quite so convoluted and difficult to read), but that I thought Fielding was a far better observer of character -- often quite wise -- and more entertaining than Richardson. I'm not very knowledgable about 18th century literature or about 18th century history until the American Revolution, so I probably learned quite a lot about both the period and the development of the novel. For now, though, I'm done with 18th century literature.

>109 tymfos: I'm sure you're right, Terri. I hadn't thought of that.

My favorites for the 1st quarter of 2011:

#1 The Passage by Justin Cronin

Other Fantasy:
World War Z by Max Brooks
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Mystery:
A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winsepar

Non-Fiction:
The White Cascade by Gary Krist

Children/YA:
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

So that's 8 "favorites" of 20 books read so far this year, and there were several others that came close. A very nice percentage of really good books, I think.

You are having a great reading year. I am too - so far I have had only one clunker for the year, all the rest I've liked or loved! There's a couple on your list, The Passage and the Jacqueline Winspear series that I am looking forward to in the future.

>113 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I've added a whole lot of books to my wishlist from your threads (both last year and this year). I'm guessing that you will love The Passage -- and the Maisie Dobbs books, too. I'm hoping to continue with that series soon, and can't wait for Justin Cronin's next book (this fall, I think).

21. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell, 4 1/2*

A wonderful book. I'm thinking that David Mitchell may be today's most talented writer, and I think The New York Times accolade of "a genius" is well-deserved.

The missing 1/2* is because 1) I thought Part 1 was slow and confusing -- interesting and beautifully written, but I wasn't really caught up in the story until Part 2; and 2) probably mostly a matter of personal taste, I just can't say that I really, really loved the book, though I know that others (including my son-in-law) have.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Ivy. Is it a quick read or a slower-paced read?

I'm almost done with the Water for Elephants book and will probably read something different (mystery or baseball) and then start on that one.

>116 lindapanzo: I'm eagerly awaiting your verdict on Water for Elephants!

For me, Jacob de Zoet was a slower read (but not as slow as most non-fiction). It is a fairly long book -- around 500 pages -- and I wanted to read it slowly enough to appreciate Mitchell's mastery of language. In addition, I know almost nothing about Japanese history, so I was trying to absorb all the new information, and I also had to keep checking back, particularly in Part 1, because I couldn't keep all the Japanese and Dutch names straight. If you run into the same problem, I would advise not worrying about it too much; the ones you need to remember become clear later on.

#115: I have got to get to Thousand Autumns this year!

>118 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia, thanks for stopping by. It's wonderful to see you back on LT!

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet is well worth reading.

#119: Thanks, Ivy. It is good to be back.

22. Shade of the Raintree by Larry Lockridge, 3 1/2*
Category: US History

In January 1948, Raintree County -- the wonderful, amazing first novel of Ross Lockridge, Jr -- was published. On March 6, 1948, the same week that his book became the #1 bestseller, Ross Lockridge committed suicide at the age of 33. The world lost a brilliant writer and 5-year-old Larry Lockridge lost his father.

In 1989, Larry Lockridge began his biography of the father he barely remembered. I ordered this book shortly after I read Raintree County last year, expecting a brief history of his father's life and perhaps some insight into the seemingly inexplicable suicide of a brilliant young man on the cusp of fame. When the book arrived, I found that it was a meticulously researched tome of nearly 500 pages. It took me a while to get to it, and wish I had done so earlier, while Raintree County was still more fresh in my mind.

Shade of the Raintree is a son's quest to know his father and to find some answers. He interviewed practically everyone who had known his father; obtained letters written by his father to others; delved into family archives for notes, outlines, commentary and unpublished works of his father; and researced the psychology of depression and suicide. He also brings a scholar's viewpoint -- he is/was a professor of Romantic literature -- to his father's book.

For me, the book was worth reading just for the excerpts of Ross Lockridge's amazing writing, much of it not publicly available or at least not easily accessible (and I wish he had included more). But it is more than that, too: it's a well-written portrait of a genius, and a documentation of the ravages of depression.

Larry Lockridge was looking for answers. I hope he found them for himself, but I wasn't satisfied with the blame he attached to his grandparents and Ross's early childhood, or with the Freudian theories, as an explanation for Ross's deep depression after finishing his book. Even with our greater understanding of depression 60 years later, it is almost impossible to pinpoint causes. What is tragically clear, though, is that today's wider recognition of depression, and far better treatment options including anti-depression drugs, would quite likely have prevented his suicide.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read Raintree County (and I also highly recommend reading that book). Without having read the novel, though, I don't think this book would be so interesting.

The Shades book sounds fascinating as if you are invited into the son's intimate thinking about his father, a rare opportunity. Thanks for your review.

>122 maggie1944: It's an unusual situation and an unusual book. Much as Larry Lockridge was trying to discover his father through his writing, I found myself trying to discover Larry through his writing. I actually would have liked a bit more of him, and how being his father's son affected his life -- and interestingly, in his notes he comments that one reader had encouraged him to put more of himself into the book.

23. Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark, 2 1/2*

Rachel Knight, a prosecutor in the Special Trials unit of the Los Angeles DA's office, is confronted with a murder that hits close to home and is subsequently assigned to a high-profile rape case. She and her sidekicks try to decipher an increasingly tangled web of clues and suspects in order to solve the cases, encountering danger along the way.

The mystery is a decent one, quite well presented and resolved, though a few aspects were not fully explained at the end. The real strength of the novel, however, is in the naturalness of the presentation of the investigations, criminal law and procedure, prosecution and courts. That this knowledge is second-nature to Ms Clark is obvious, and she handles it well, with adequate (but not overly technical) explanations.

But for me, the overriding detraction was the 1st person voice and character of Rachel Knight. She expresses herself in cliché after cliché, many of them outdated colloquialisms. She is snarky, snide, sarcastic; mean-spirited, self-absorbed, jealous, self-justifying and self-delusional. Aspects of her character remind me of Kinsey Milhone, Bridget Jones and Eve Dallas, but she has the appeal of none of them. Far from finding her denigrations amusing, I formed such an active dislike of her that I was hoping (though not expecting) that she would be arrested and disbarred for her illegal actions.

Which brings me to the active disregard that Rachel Knight has for the law. She seems to delight in breaking it, in both large and small ways, apparently believing that her desires are paramount. I am appalled that a lawyer would write a book, with a lawyer protagonist, which so neatly reinforces and justifies public disdain of lawyers.

Well, now I know I can definitely skip the Clark book! Thanks for the frank review.

>125 tymfos: You're welcome, Terri, and thanks for the support. I really don't like writing negative reviews, especially on an ER book that I've been given. But I also don't want to mislead people on LT. I tried to be fair about the book's good points, but in my opinion there are too many good mysteries out there to waste time or money on this one.

I am skipping the Clark book too.

I hope your next read is a much better one, Ivy!

>127 alcottacre: It's definitely better, Stasia! I'm well into Fingersmith and loving it!

Love, love, LOVE Fingersmith!

I am a Fingersmith fan too!

>129 katiekrug: & 130 Me, too!

24. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, 4 1/2*
Category: British History

Not much can be said about this book without revealing too much. Suffice it to say that it's set in 19th Century England; it deals with unscrupulous (but very likeable) people, and a major con; it's well-written, well-characterized and very well plotted; it's full of suprises; and I really liked it.

A curious note: Although set a century later, this book reminded me very much -- in characters, style and plot -- of the 18th century literature I read last month. I liked this book better, though.

Thanks to Karen (wisechild), from whose library I chose this book for the tag mirror TIOLI challenge!

Glad you liked it, Ivy!

I am glad you enjoyed it too!

25. Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb (Eve Dallas #31), 3 1/2*

Twice a year, when I read the latest J.D. Robb books as they appear in paperback, I'm amazed that my interest in this series has continued for so long. Some I like better than others, but I always enjoy them. I found the topic of this one interesting: for several years now, I've been ranting about the belief in entitlement that seems far too prevalent in American society today (and not just by the super-rich, but in various ways at all levels of society).

**sneaks in, looks around, nobody here**

hi.

tiptoes away

>135 cyderry: Hi, Cheli! Just me and my books in here, but they're a lot of company! Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Ivy--It's finally sunny here, at long last.

Still a bit chilly but the sunshine makes it so much nicer.

~~ Book 3 & Appendices of The Landmark Thucydides
Category: World History

26. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Newbery Medal 2000), 3 1/2*
Category: Children of Yesteryear

Bud (not Buddy) Caldwell is a 10-year-old orphan living in Flint, Michigan, during The Great Depression. Written in 1st person, Bud is a captivating character; the details of the Depression are well done and interesting; the story is a typical orphan finds his home, a recurring theme of children's books (and of many adult books as well).

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for 9-12 year olds. But although there are some beautiful and touching moments and episodes, it's just not one of my favorite children's books. I think I've said this before, but for a children's book about the Depression, my favorite book and #1 recommendation is Blue Willow by Doris Gates (Newbery Honor Book 1941).

>137 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! The sun is out here, too, off and on at least. But it's still rather cold -- my thermometer seems to be stuck at 44. I'm not sure how general it is, but they keep saying that this is the coldest and wettest spring ever. But, as you say, sunshine is a big improvement!

I'm in an unusual reading spot today: I have no idea what book I will pick up to read tonight! I do, of course, have plenty to choose from, but I've finished the ones I had definitely planned for April.

>139 ivyd: Correction: It just started raining -- AGAIN!

Ivy, may I call you Ivy?

I was reading your complaints about the cold wet spring and I caught myself thinking: Oh, she just does not know what cold and wet spring is like. Then, I looked on your profile and see you are in Oregon. So, I altered my attitude and now I'm thinking: I share your pain.

It has been so cold and so wet. My backyard is a wetland. I am a native of western Washington, and even I am sick of this! Dang.

I also noticed that you and I share Half Broke Horses. Did you love that book. I sure did. I thought it was an excellent story and very evocative of the "old west" as it really was, at least in the 20th Century.

>138 ivyd: I have not read Blue Willow, but I own it, so I'll have to add it to my stack. I did enjoy Bud, Not Buddy, so thanks for the recommendation.

>141 maggie1944: Karen, yes, please call me Ivy!

I grew up in Eastern Oregon, so even in good winters I get really tired of the gloom. But usually we have some really nice weather to break it up a bit. The sun's out again today, though, and I think it's finally supposed to get warmer...

I had to look up what my rating was for Half Broke Horses. It is only 3 1/2* but should probably be at least a 4* -- I think that was during the time that I was rating most books lower than they deserved (and probably still do much of the time, but I was way too critical for a while). I love Jeannette Walls' straight-forward style, the absence of self-pity in difficult situations, and I agree with you that it is an excellent and true picture of the time and place -- I kept being reminded of stories told by my parents and grandparents. I was also fascinated with her fictionalization of her ancestors; my daughter who believes in such things claims that she "channelled" her grandmother and that it was probably more truth than fiction.

>142 chinquapin: chinquapin, I'll be interested in seeing how Blue Willow compares for you! It's for a slightly younger audience, probably ages 6-10. I've read it several times (the first time read to me by my father when I was about 6) and loved it every time -- such a wonderful story of love and kindness and hope in times of adversity.

I also love Blue Willow china. I had a doll's tea set in that pattern when I little, and I really can't say whether the tea set contributed to my love of the book, or whether it was the other way round. But the pictures do inspire wistful dreaming...

27. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #5), 4*
Category: British Mystery

Another great installment in the Maisie Dobbs series, this book is set mostly in Kent during hops-picking season, when Londoners and gypsies travel to the farms. As usual with Ms Winspear's books, it's hard to say much without giving away too much.

This book is probably one of my favorites (so far) in the series, with greater confidence by Ms Winspear resulting in tighter construction and character development, but... WARNING: this book contains many spoilers of earlier books, so I strongly recommend reading them in order.

28. Skeleton Key to the Suicide of My Father, Ross Lockridge, Jr., Author of Raintree County, by Ernest Lockridge, 2*
Category: US History

This book is... well, just peculiar.

After reading the detailed biography written by Larry Lockridge, I was curious what the older son (Ernest was 9 when his father died) had to say. Not much -- except that he claims that his grandfather, Ross Lockridge, Sr., sexually abused him after his father's death.

The book is a disjointed compilation of photographs (most of which were also in Shade of the Raintree), some facsimiles of documents, quotations from a variety of sources, a few vignettes of events, thinly veiled suppositions and accusations, bitter invectives of everyone in his life except his mother's parents, and a great deal of sarcasm.

I found myself not wanting to believe Ernest Lockridge. Yet, I can see no reason for him to disclose this -- 60 years later -- unless it happened. And, from having worked with sexually abused children, I well know that reluctance to believe such accusations is one of the reasons that abuse is so often hidden, and so difficult to stop or to prosecute. I also know that it is pretty much statistically impossible that Ernest was the first or only victim of his grandfather.

But his inference that abuse of his father was "the skeleton in the closet" leading to his suicide is not backed up. I've read the 1000+ page novel of Ross Lockridge, Jr, and the almost 500 page biography by Larry Lockridge, which was well-researched and included a great many unpublished writings by Ross Jr. In none of it is any suggestion of pedophilia, nor does Ernest Lockridge present any evidence of it (other than his own experience). Ross Jr wrote voluminously from the age of 7 to the age of 33; surely somewhere in that mass of manuscripts, there would be some indication. Ernest hints that other situations and personality characteristics back up his claim, and maybe they do -- but all of them have other, equally possible, explanations as well.

>146 ivyd: I think I'll pass on the peculiar book.

>147 thornton37814: Wise decision, Lori! I'm actually not sure why I gave it even 2*, except that I was so astounded by the bitterness and hatred and lack of cohesion, that I just raced through it. Fortunately, with all the photos, it only took a couple of hours to read!

I have greatly enjoyed reading your more recent thoughts regarding the Maisie Dobbs series as you have continued, one of my favorites, if not my favorite mystery series. She goes way beyond the murder/mystery, but touches on many issues. I recently reviewed book 6, Among the Mad, which is posted to my thread. The amazing thing is that they get better as they go along, which is rare. I read 6 and 7 out of order because I could not get 6 from my library for a while and it did throw me off a bit, you are right that reading in order is recommended. Jacqueline Winspear brings social and personal issues into these mysteries in a way that no other mystery author that I have read does....can't say enough good about the author and series. So glad you have enjoyed them so far.

29. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 3 1/2*
Category: History That Never Was

I finally finished it. By the end it had become something of a marathon and I was tired. I thought the book was interesting, but I wasn't thrilled with it: too long, too detailed (and those usually aren't objections that I make); not particularly well-characterized; an ending that wasn't totally satisfying. On the other hand, Ms Clarke writes well, and her world-building is excellent. I am not surprized that many fantasy and sci fi fans love this book, but I will probably not chuse to read another of her books any time soon.

>149 mks27: Thanks, Michelle! I think that Maisie Dobbs and Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series are my current favorite mystery series. I love Jacqueline Winspear's depth of character and the interesting little known (at least to me) aspects of the aftermath of WW I. I just started Among the Mad last night, and will check out your review when I'm done.

#151 I have not read Inspector Gamache, might give it a try. Enjoy Maisie! The first thing I read after S & N was a Maisie Dobbs book, just what I needed after slugging through all that. Enjoy.

#150: I could never get into that one but really liked her The Ladies of Grace Adieu, which is a collection of short stories. They're not quite so stylized. She gets into the footnotes a little, but it's not overwhelming.

>152 mks27: Interesting that Maisie was your choice, too, Michelle! As you mentioned in your review, the last couple of hundred pages moved a lot more quickly, but I sort of bribed myself to finish by planning to read the next Maisie Dobbs when I was done.

I think you might enjoy Louise Penny. They're very different than Winspear's books, but they also have more depth than many mysteries and a wonderful cast of characters. I really liked the first couple of them, but they too just keep getting better. I think she has a new one coming out this fall -- can't wait to see if she can keep it up! (And it's another series that's probably best read in order, especially the last 2.)

>153 carlym: Thanks for the recommendation, Carly! I may try that one at some point, but probably not for a while since I'm trying to work down on the tbr stacks. I didn't dislike Jonathan Strange, but it took a long time to read, and it's just not a favorite book for me.

Congratulations on finishing Jonathan Strange. I finally managed to get through it last year - on audiobook - after multiple attempts to read the book over multiple years. While there were some good sections, I didn't like the book and was bored most of the time while reading/listening.

Thanks, Violet! It is something of an accomplishment. I think it might have taken me years also, except that the book was loaned to me by a fantasy fan who loved it, I'd had it for several months already, and was feeling guilty about not reading and returning it.

I'm actually surprised that it's rated so highly, but maybe because mostly people who really liked it managed to finish and rate it? In my opinion, the weakness of the book is the characterization; Stephen Black and Childermass were the only ones that had any depth (or that I liked) -- no matter how beautifully a fictional world is created, the impetus to read about it is compromised when you just don't care what happens to the characters.

Just catching up here, Ivy. I am adding Blue Willow to the BlackHole. I admit, I have never heard of that one before.

>154 ivyd:she has a new one coming out this fall

August 30 - A Trick of the Light!!!!!!

>157 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia! Being an Honor Book rather than a Newbery Medal winner, Blue Willow doesn't seem to have gotten the recognition that I think it deserves. It probably also suffers from being most appropriate for early grade school age, but maybe more difficult to read than newer "beginning reader" books. In addition, I believe it was out of print for a long time: I wasn't able to find it (even at the library) when my older daughter (now 32) was the right age for it, but there was a new paperback edition by the time my younger daughter (now 28) was about 10. I hope you get a chance to read it at some point; I think you would like it.

>158 mamzel: That's great! I may have to get that one in hardback...

#159: I checked and my local library does have Blue Willow, so I am going to try and pick it up next week when I am over there.

>160 alcottacre: I hope you like it, Stasia!

30. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #6), 4*

Another excellent episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs, although the topics of this book, leaning toward the scientific and psychiatric, were not as much to my taste as some of the previous topics.

This series has become one of my favorites.

I really need to get back to Maisie!

>163 alcottacre: I'm addicted, Stasia! I've already started the next one and I'm feeling sad that I'll soon be caught up on them.

31. The Tavern of Folly by Mary Dickerson Donahey

When I joined LT – 4 years ago come Thursday – my personal reading project was collecting and reading all the books of 5 early 20th Century women authors of children's books. At the time, I'd been able to find and acquire most of the books, but a few of them were quite rare, hard to find and very expensive. The one book that I couldn't find even a single copy of was The Tavern of Folly by Mary Dickerson Donahey, published in 1930. In fact, even searching library collections listed online, I only found 1 college library that had a copy of the book. I was thinking of trying to arrange a loan of that book through my own college library, when I recently found a copy for sale – too expensive of course, but I had to have it.

The Tavern of Folly seems to me an unfortunate title for a children's book, although it soon becomes apparent that "tavern" is used in the sense of an inn or hotel. The book is about 2 young women in straitened circumstances who inherit a hotel from a grandfather they never knew. They impulsively travel to the hotel, located in a small town (unspecified location, but I'd guess in Michigan), with grand dreams of running the business -- only to find that it is abandoned and said to be haunted. The story proceeds along predictable lines, but the mysteries and secrets and subplots are adroitly developed and revealed. I thought the book was delightful and would happily have continued reading about Arlys and Carol.

Mary Dickerson Donahey's real genius is in her characterizations: every single character, both major and minor, is unique and real. Her early books were fantasy/fairy tale books for younger children, but she nevertheless captured the essence of children in her characters. Beginning in 1919, she began writing for older children, dropping the fantasy elements; the best and most successful of these later books is probably Marty Lu (1925). The Tavern of Folly and the book which followed it, The Spanish McQuades, are a further departure in that the main characters are young adults; Carol and Arlys are 20 and 22.

I had the impression that The Tavern of Folly was hurriedly written – and that may well have been the case. I have a letter dated 1945 in which Mrs Donahey states that her bank failed in the Depression and that she hasn't since used banks. Three of her 17 books (1905-1950) were published in quick succession 1930-1932, when she was in her 50s; she may well have needed the money. In any case, although this book is perhaps her least successful, I enjoyed reading it.

And an interesting correlation: I was further impressed with Jacqueline Winspear's ability to re-create the world of the 1930s after reading Mrs Donahey's contemporary account of vibrant independent young women.

What a great project, and I enjoyed reading about The Tavern of Folly. I was bemused by the idea of after bank failures someone would choose never to use banks again. Would that were even possible today.

Thanks, Karen! It has been an interesting project; maybe someday I'll write up what I've learned about these fascinating women who significantly contributed to the genre of children's fiction. There's not much cohesive information about them, even on the internet, and there's also a surprising amount of autobiographical information that can be culled from their books.

It's hard for me to imagine the effect of bank failure. My father used to tell us about his parents explaining to him, when he was about 7 or 8 years old, that his savings had been lost. The Donaheys (her husband was Teenie Weenie artist/cartoonist William Donahey) should have been quite well-off by 1930, but then if they lost it all in their 50s...

Statistics being what they are (some people are liars, some people are damned liars, and some people are statisticians) it is very difficult to compare the Great Depression which followed the stock market collapse in 1929 with the current Great Recession. I wish I knew how much worse the earlier was, or was not. I do know the resulting "don't throw that away, you might need it" values have been very long lived.

edited because I can't spell

Ivy, I love your story of tracking down The Tavern of Folly and I am so happy for you that you found it. I have heard so many good things about Maisie Dobbs here on LT that picked up a copy this weekend.

I love the project, Ivy! I wish you the best of luck with it.

32. The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #7), 4*

I loved this episode in Maisie's life. I'm not sure if it's my favorite of the series, but it's certainly one of them. I'm really eager to see where she goes next, but don't yet have #8. As has been mentioned by others, this series just gets better and better.

>168 maggie1944: Thanks for the laughs, Karen! (I've never been able to spell -- the only thing that saves me is that I can often see when a word looks wrong -- but then I have no idea what's right and have to look it up.)

Re the Great Depression: I've wondered the same thing. I suspect that the government programs that began during the 1930s are keeping it from appearing as bad as it now is. Back then, if you didn't pay your mortgage, you lost your house; and if you lost your job, it was up to you to find some way to support your family -- now the government steps in, at least for some people and up to a point. We don't have people coming to the back door asking if they can chop wood in return for a meal, but we do have people with signs on the freeway ramps and far too much homelessness and hopelessness.

>169 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy!

I hope you enjoy Maisie as much as I have! I liked the first book, and it's important to read it first to get the background, but they do just keep getting better.

>170 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! Unfortunately (?), the time I might be spending writing about my ladies is now being spent reading threads and posting on LT. And anyway, I'm really a reader, not a writer, and I've enjoyed reading the books, even if I never get to the writing part...

172: I think one of the things which make these times especially hard is that none of us have wood that needs to be chopped; and if someone came to my door and said they were willing to work for a dinner I could not help them, I really don't have unskilled work needs and I'd be nervous too because I wouldn't know them because I'm not in a small town any more. I did have a guy stop by and offer to fix a very small crease in one of my car's fenders. He was willing to do it for nearly no money and I just knew he really needed the money, but I just could not get myself to say yes, and trust that he wouldn't wreck the car's fender.

sigh

I think there really are fewer people unemployed this time compared to that time, not that the unemployed numbers are all that wonderful, but I just think not as bad as that previous disaster.

#173: I'm really a reader, not a writer, and I've enjoyed reading the books, even if I never get to the writing part

Good for you!

>175 alcottacre: Like many people who read a lot, I've always had stories and book ideas in my head. For a very long time, I thought I wanted to -- or maybe should -- write, but I never got very far. I finally realized that what I really loved was reading -- exploring the worlds that other people have wanted to write about. I think it's an important distinction.

I always have a lot of mystery book ideas in my head and am always surprised that no one else thought of them.

Then, when someone else does it, I am pleasantly surprised, as in my most recent mystery.

>174 maggie1944: According to my father, they didn't need the help either, but allowed the men to work an hour or so chopping wood, raking leaves, shovelling snow, a small attempt to save what pride might be left in them. Always something outside, and the meals were given to them outside; they ate sitting on the back steps. Sometimes they turned them away if they looked too rough, and sometimes they didn't have enough to share, but they did what they could.

I agree with your nervousness. It's a different world today.

If the statistics can be believed, we're not even close to reaching the 30-40% unemployment of the 1930s -- and those figures were mostly based on a sole breadwinner for a family, while today's statistics include families with 2 income earners.

>177 lindapanzo: I (unsuccessfully) tried NaNoWriMo a couple of years ago. It was fun -- for a month -- but I think I enjoyed it because I really felt no pressure to complete the book. Maybe someday I'll get back to it. Or maybe not. Usually, I'd rather read than write.

Off to check out your most recent book, Linda!

Many times, when I go visit my sister (about 90 minutes away) in a very well-off suburb, I see a many who stations himself at a busy intersection with a sign that says: Unemployed carpenter: I will do odd jobs for food/cash--I don't want handouts, I want work.

I always feel so sorry for that man. First, to be in that position and second, to be sort of throwing himself on the mercy of the people in that upscale area. Presumably, he lives there, or at least close by.

My sister says that people she knows have hired the guy for odd jobs. He does good work but, Ivy, you're right. Not a lot needs doing.

ETA: We've got a better social safety net but it is still inconceivable to me that states can be cutting unemployment benefits to give even more tax breaks to the well to do.

Another head scratcher is how can they be cutting Education, training for the new technology jobs in the 21st Century and education to assist in competing with India, China, Europe and others in the position to have people who really, really want to succeed. It is a very complex world and just stating that the citizens of the USA are hard workers, inventive, innovative, etc. etc. will not win the race. It is not what we say, it is what we do.

#176: I can relate to that. I went through the same thing.

I must thank you for suggesting Louise Penny to me. You were 100% right, I do like her writing very much. I started Still Life and it had me right from the start. Her characters are full and real and there is so much more that solving the murder, social issues, interpersonal issues. I am greatly enjoying it and am looking forward to the whole series!!!

I put her up there with Jacqueline Winspear; I hope this series keeps getting better as Maisie Dobbs does, but it is so good already.

There is no question that the series keeps getting better. I think her latest two installments are her best yet. In fact, I'm not sure how she can top Bury Your Dead.

>183 mks27: & 184

I'm so glad you enjoyed Still Life, Michelle! And, as Lori says, they do keep getting better.

I don't see how she can top Bury Your Dead either, Lori. I gave it 5*, which I almost never do with a mystery. But even if the new one (August or September?) is only as good as the earlier books, I will enjoy it!

>180 lindapanzo: & 181

I find the homelessness and hunger, and a willing worker not being able to find a job, unacceptable.

But I don't know what the answer is; I like to think that helping in small ways is doing some good, but the problem is really too big for that. I wish someone had some good answers -- particularly someone who is in a position to do something about it. Spending is out of control, yet this is a terrible time to start cutting social services and education and programs that will cause additional job loss.

33. The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley, 3*
Category: British Mystery

When Faith Morgan -- former police detective recently turned Church of England priest -- visits a small parish church, the current vicar drops dead during the communion service. Her previous training leads her to immediately suspect foul play, and when the police are called in, the detective in charge turns out to be Faith's former colleague and live-in boyfriend.

A lot -- perhaps too much -- was introduced in this first book in a new mystery series: Faith's change of career and the case which caused it; the relationship with Detective Ben Shorter; Faith's family and background; the church structure, church officials and parishioners of the church (to which Faith has been asked to become vicar); and the mystery of this book with its victims and suspects. I found the book rather uneven, both in the writing and in development of plot and character. I liked the basic scenario, but thought Faith was often shallow and immature in her thoughts and actions; knowlege about elements of church structure and activities was obvious (Martha Ockley is a pseudonym of Rebecca Jenkins, daughter of an Anglican Bishop, with whom she has worked), but I didn't think that many situations or characters were fully developed; the mystery was okay, but only that, and at times I had the impression that she was following a "How to Write a Mystery" guide.

I wouldn't mind reading another book in this series and seeing where she takes the characters. But I'm not eagerly awaiting the next episode, either.

I liked it a little better than you did. I think she has potential, which is why I plan to read the next installment. I do think the writing is better than average for the Christian fiction genre, even though it is flawed.

#187: Skipping the bulk of the review as I have that one as an ER book too.

>188 thornton37814: Reading over my review, I think it comes across a bit harsher than I intended. I think you're right about the potential, Lori, and now that she has everything set up, the next one may be better. I suppose it will be a while before it's released, but I think I'll just watch for your review and then decide whether I'll read it!

>189 alcottacre: I'll be interested in your thoughts about this book, Stasia, when you get to it.

Happy Birthday!

Thank you!

Happy Birthday from me too, Ivy!

Happy birthday!

Thanks, Stasia! Thanks, Carrie! I had a nice day.

34. A Murderous Procession by Ariana Franklin (Mistress of the Art of Death #4), 4*

I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I'm sad that there will be no more.

#196: I believe that there is the possibility of a 5th book, Ivy, although I could be mistaken. Perhaps someone else in the group knows for sure?

>197 alcottacre: I hope you're right, Stasia! Cheli also mentioned this possibility. I tried to find something on the internet, but didn't. My searching skills aren't that good, so that doesn't mean much.

Such a cliffhanger at the end! I've got my own ideas, though, even if there isn't another one.

I'm just back from a glorious 3 days at the coast with my family. The house we rented was lovely, spacious, and -- best of all -- had a panoramic view of the ocean. It was stormy when we arrived, and from our living room, we were able to watch huge waves roll in. I can spend hours just sitting and watching the ocean. But on Saturday we had sunshine and blue sky, and then a bonfire on the beach to roast marshmallows for s'mores. Lots of great family time, wonderful food that my younger daughter spent 2 days preparing, and some very fresh crab and clams.

I posted a couple of pictures (taken by my older daughter) on my profile, and will add some taken by my younger daughter if I can get them from her. (I don't take pictures.)

35. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 5*

I couldn't put it down. Or rather, I kept having to stop but couldn't wait to get back to it and finished the last 180 pages in one sitting (except to make a sandwich, which I ate while reading it) after we got back from our mini-vacation. I can't quite put my finger on what made it so fascinating, but it is. "The Lottery" meets TV's Survivor set in an apocalyptic world, not my usual favorite topics or genre; not a great work of literature, though adequately well-written. But I loved it!

36. A Safe Place for Women: How to Survive Domestic Abuse and Create a Successful Future, by Kelly White, 4*

Kelly White is not the stereotypical battered wife. She's educated, self-sufficient, middle-class, with a non-abusive background. But she was the victim of domestic violence, as are countless other women who do not fit the profile of those at high risk. Because of her education and ability to support herself -- and an indomitable spirit -- she was able to get herself out of the abusive situation and has spent 25 years working to help other abused women, most of it as executive director of Austin's SafePlace.

Ms White reviews and integrates an amazing amount of research about abuse, identifies the difficulties and trends, and proposes directions and solutions for this very real problem. General statements and conclusions are reinforced by liberal examples from her own life, her experiences (and mistakes) working in women's shelters, and the stories of many other women with whom she has had personal contact. The result is a very readable, well-organized book which is fascinating as well as appalling.

Back in the mid-1970s, my job was working with rape and sexual abuse victims, trying to increase awareness, reporting, and successful prosecution by providing different procedures and attitudes and the involvement of women. The term "battered women" was just making its appearance back then and I was very peripherally involved with a local (brand new) shelter, because of the obvious overlap with sexual abuse. I requested this ER book hoping to see how far we have come in the last 30+ years. But despite our greater understanding of the problem and significant advances, we haven't come far enough. There's still a lot to be done.

This is a book which should be read by everyone involved with social services, and those who work with women or children -- teachers, coaches, care providers, doctors and nurses, counsellors and psychologists, lawyers. The greater awareness which can be gained from this book may very well result in much needed assistance for abused women, children and even men. My only real objection to the book is the subtitle: this is not really a book for women who need help getting out of an abusive situation; it is, rather, a book for those who wish to help them get out.

That's a great review. You got a thumbs up from me.

Ivy, mmm... those crabs look delicious! Glad you enjoyed The Hunger Games a great favorite of mine. These small breaks are great aren't they? Hubby and I are hoping to get away for 3 or 4 days next week.

I loved The Hunger Games too, Ivy. Glad to see you enjoyed it.

Thanks for your thoughts about The Hunger Games. I might be moving it up on my list. Your weekend getaway sounds like heaven....so glad you had such a nice time!

>202 Dejah_Thoris: Thanks very much, Dejah! I think it's an important book.

>203 DeltaQueen50: The crabs were indeed delicious, Judy, and we had just enough left to scramble with eggs the next morning! I hope your getaway is as lovely as ours was!

>204 alcottacre: I'm looking forward to the next 2 books, Stasia, though I understand they aren't quite as good, as soon as I can get my hands on them.

>205 mks27: I definitely recommend The Hunger Games, Michelle, even for people (like me) who don't think they will find the subject matter appealing. Our weekend was wonderful -- everyone wished that we could have stayed at least a couple of days longer, but co-ordinating 3 days with so many busy people was all that we could manage.

Interesting. Hmmm. I thought and thought about reading The Hunger Games but decided that it wasn't for me. Maybe I should reconsider?

>207 lindapanzo: Maybe, Linda. I know you don't read much YA or sci fi/apocalyptic fiction, and it's both. But in my opinion, it's right at the top of both those genres, and somehow transcends them as well. I didn't expect to like it so much, but was curious about all the high ratings. I didn't get the other 2 books in the trilogy, expecting I think that my reaction would be similar to that of Twilight -- interesting to see what all the fuss is about, but not wanting to continue the series. If you decide to try it, I'll be really interested in your thoughts about it!

Oh, Ivy, I'm so glad I'm not alone. I finally broke down and read Twilight just to see what all the hoopla was about and just didn't care for it. I thought maybe it was the writing style, so I watched the movie, nada...didn't happen. At least that's one series I won't be continuing.

I do have Hunger Games on my list to look at. It's available for Nook but I think I'm going to try to get it from the library.

I have not read the Hunger Games series, but I found the Twilight series to have very little depth....in the plot or the characters. With that said, I will admit to reading them all just to be knowledgeable, to know what my teenager was reading, and to find out what happened in the end which was strange indeed. From what I have heard of Hunger Games, there is a lot of depth.

Great review of A Safe Place for Women. An acquaintance of mine recently dropped charges and went back to her highly abusive spouse, resisting all efforts by friends to help her out of the situation. So sad.

>207 lindapanzo: Linda, the more I think about it, the more I think that maybe you should try The Hunger Games. If it doesn't grab you in the first 30 or so pages, then you'll know it's not a book for you.

>209 cyderry: Not alone at all, Cheli! I thought she did a pretty good job of tapping into the insecurities and longings of teenage girls, so I can see why they enjoy it, but the story just didn't appeal to me. I hope you enjoy The Hunger Games even half as much as I did!

>210 mks27: Michelle, I probably would do the same thing if my daughters were teenagers (I didn't feel it was my responsibility for my teenage niece, who was one of those standing in line for the next book, but I think her mother did read them). When my daughters were teenagers, it was the Flowers in the Attic books that I felt obligated to read.

>211 tymfos: Thank you, Terri! Unfortunately, that woman's decision is far too frequent. Kelly White does a good job of explaining why it happens, and the psychological/emotional abuse and control that is also present. That's why I find the book so valuable: it's easy for those on the outside to say, "Get out now!", and not so easy to understand why someone wouldn't. We can only hope that she will get out before it gets worse, and that her friends will continue to stand by her.

I started a Part 2 thread at

http://www.librarything.com/topic/118948