Casting On... Nittnut's 75 in 2011

Favorites of 2010 - in no particular order

Fiction
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
The Willoughby's by Lois Lowry
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Anthem by Ayn Rand
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
The Aeneid - Virgil
The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Graphic (my first)
Maus by Art Spiegleman

Non-Fiction
Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs by Wallace Stegner
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
The Real Thomas Jefferson by Andrew M. Allison
5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen
Personal History by Katherine Graham
Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson

There are more, I am sure, but this is a pretty good list. I find that a large part of my memorable fiction is YA, especially Newbery Award winners.

I made my thread - I will work on it more tomorrow!

Glad to see you back, Jenn! (at least I think you are back, rather a blank slate at the moment here)

LOL - feeling like a blank slate. I am putting away the last of the Christmas decorations and vacuuming and other really fun activities. When I take a break from that - I am trying to finish Come Sunday for my last 2010 TIOLI.

Found you!

Jenn, I've been lurking on your 2010 thread but going to try and post more in 2011. Happy New Year!

Hi Joanne!

Hi Heather - happy you're delurking!

Welcome back!

Ta da! Found you ...and of course starred you, Jenn.

Hi Jenn. I see you have two books by Pam Munoz Ryan on your favorites list. She's a new author to me but my husband got me her new book The Dreamer for Christmas that I'm looking forward to reading.

Happy New Year!

Hey Caroline! Did you bring some ice cream sundaes with you?

Hi Pat! Pam Munoz Ryan was a new author for me this year. A friend recommended Esperanza Rising, and I loved it. I will definitely be reading more by her this year. I will look forward to hearing what you think of The Dreamer.

OK - I've been to the January TIOLI page, and here's my list so far:

Challenge 1: Sense and Sensibility group read
Challenge 4: The Epic of Gilgamesh haven't read this in years, will read with 12 yr old.
Challenge 5: Charlotte Temple
Challenge 7: Caramelo
Challenge 10: John Adams
Challenge 13: Come From the Four Winds

That, along with the pile I checked out at the library, ought to keep me busy.

Hi Jenn! Love your thread title! Happy New Year!

#13 I noticed that too--very catchy!

Hi Jenn -- found and starred you. Stay warm!

starred!

Hi everybody!

Yes Anne - it's terribly cold. You stay warm too! We covered our fireplace last night due to freezing air sneaking in the vent. -5, and the kids were sad we chose to not do the fireworks downtown...

I hope this is the single best reading year of them all (so far!) for you, dear and wonderful Jenn. It's been a great treat to get to know you a bit this past year, and I can only hope we'll keep the smiles and laughs coming in 2011!

Hi Richard - and ditto! Thanks for stopping by.

Jenn, I'm glad I've found your new thread. I've enjoyed especially your comments on thoughts and ethics in your previous thread. Civil and yet thought-provoking. Very Nice!

> 12

Jenn, I never thought that my book, at the time having had only two other people on LT owning it might turn out to be a shared read!

If you're interested, I finished Under the Banner of Heaven and posted my thoughts here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/105302#2409055

Hi, Jenn! I wish I were reading Caramello with you. Maybe if I plow right through my other Orange, I'll be able to follow you at least.
(Great lists for both past and present. Isn't a new beginning great!?!)

Jenn

Happy New Year. It is great to see you back here where you belong. I look forward to learning what you are reading and adding your recommendations to the tbr pile.

Madeline - apparently I'm on a roll with impulse book buying as a result of postings on the TIOLI thread. My copy of the book shipped today, and I hope to have it next week. It will be fun to compare notes.

Thanks Carly - I'll go have a look.

Hurry, Peggy, hurry! Of course you can fit in Caramelo!

Wow Caroline! Thanks.

Hi Linda! Same with you - I always find good, heart warming reads in your thread.

I just finished with Under the Banner of Heaven as well; you can see my thoughts here. I'm a bit nervous to admit that I ended up liking the book despite its flaws.

You should be nervous Zoe. I will take that very personally and be very upset - Ha ha ha.

I am off to see what you thought of it!

ETA: Anyone who wants to read a truly intelligent and well done review go to message 27 and follow to Zoe's thread. I am very impressed.

> 26

My copy of Come From the Four Winds is one I hope to read slowly. I really want to savor its contents.

*waves* I'm here I'm here! Hi Jenn!

Fairly warned Madeline - while I don't plan on speeding through it - I promise - no spoilers!

Hi Tamara! Welcome!

Book #1
Come Sunday

How funny is it that I read this mostly on Sunday? Anyway, this is an ER book that I received back in July and then promptly lost. It was lost in my book case. See what happens when you actually shelve books? They get lost!

Come Sunday is the story of couple who is already struggling, and completely fall apart after the accidental death of their daughter. The story is told from the point of view of Abbe, the mother. The death of her daughter brings to the surface issues remaining from her painful childhood. While it was fairly difficult to wade through her grief, pain, loss and past, the book had moments of beauty. It was well written, and I thought, believable. Difficult for me was the mid-section of the book. I think it moved a little too slowly. While realizing that you can't put a time limit on grieving, etc. I lost patience with Abbe on occasion. Some of her behavior was extremely selfish and short-sighted, and made her unlikable for much of the book. In the end, though, she grew, healed and was able to forgive and ask forgiveness.

edited for clarity...

Sounds good, Jenn. Off to the obese wish list it goes .. I wonder if my obese wish list is going to have a cardiac arrest this year if I keep adding books at the same rate I did last year.

Hey Caroline! Welcome home.

I like the obese wish list - mine would probably make the Biggest Loser. Except that is actually weight I don't really want to lose. As my husband says, the first step is admitting you have a problem...

Problem? There's no problem here.

Jenn, you'll get a kick out of this. I helped my rabbi with a used Judaica book sale today...and I bought The Book of Mormon! I'm not sure when or how much of it I'll read, though. I was just curious... after our religion discussions on some of our threads.

> 31

I doubt our books have spoilers. I already know that those who were part of the Youth Aliya reached Palestine/Israel. :)

>31 nittnut: See what happens when you actually shelve books? They get lost!

Too funny, Jenn! Maybe that's why my kids prefer them in stacks around their room!

#31: See what happens when you actually shelve books? They get lost!

I guess that is as good an excuse as any for not having bookshelves at my house!

That's great Madeline - I will be interested to hear what you think, if and when you do read any.
For historical reference, it starts in 600 BCE. Biblically that would correspond with the time that King Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) conquers Jerusalem.

Just stopping by to say Hi - and that I'm so jealous of the beautiful view of the mountains that you see every day! Drool...
;)

#31 See what happens when you actually shelve books? They get lost!

Exactly! Especially when I keep putting books in front of other books on already on the bookshelves ... well, what else can I do for want of space? On the other hand, whenever I do decide to look behind some of the books, I'm pleasantly surprised to find something that I've wanted to read, but didn't know where I'd put it. On the downside though, I've also discovered books that I'd already read because I had bought another copy, not realizing that one was already languishing behind another stack of books.

Right. No Bilioholism here.

Hi Jenn. Welcome in the New Year.

I was reading up a bit of your last year's thread and the faith-work discussion there. Was quite interesting.

Hi Paul, thanks for stopping by. We did have a great discussion going for a bit last year. You can always count on this group for good discussions.

Book #2
Dangerous to Know

The latest in a mystery series about a Victorian era woman who solves mysteries. While I liked it better than the overdramatic previous installment, it was just OK. The setting is France, there is a murder, an insane asylum and a ghost. There were a lot of oddly behaved characters. Other than the mystery, the main conflict was mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relations and of course, what women should be "allowed" to do.

#42: I think I will skip that series. I already have enough good series going on without reading a rather lackluster one.

Hi Stasia,

I liked the first 3 books in the series pretty well. The last two (?) have been exactly - lackluster.

I started Some Sing, Some Cry yesterday and am really struggling. Somebody give me hope!

...we might get more snow this weekend?

...Bronco season is mercifully over?

...there are hundreds of other books whispering your name?

...you could make some pancakes?

Right Anne. That won't help me finish the book, I don't think.

However,

More snow would be nice, especially big fluffy tall piles of it (I can't believe I said that)

Bronco season was nothing if not painful

There are other books, lots of them, hooray!

Mmm, pancakes!

#45: Maybe put it aside for a bit and come back to it? If you still do not like it upon your return, give it up as a bad job and read something else.

I'm getting to a better place with Some Sing, Some Cry now. It definitely took about 125 pages though. Sigh.

The reviews I read of it mention readers struggling, and then being glad they stuck with it. Good luck! Hope it picks up for you.

Me too, Jenn!

Book #3
Some Sing, Some Cry

Beginning with the end of the Civil War, it is a multi generational saga of an African American family, and a good piece of American history as well. The intermingling of American musical history gave the story added depth. As is to be expected of a book of this scope, there is a huge number of characters. I was surprised how easily I kept track of them all. The dominant force in the story is the women. All the women are strong, determined and passionate. I was occasionally frustrated with the earlier generations - these incredible, smart, strong women constantly falling for the wrong man - the men continually a disappointment. Finally, Cinnamon (5th generation) breaks the cycle and picks a consistently stable man. She is also the first woman in the line since the story begins who is not raped and left to deal with the results the best she could.
I absolutely loved the way the authors dealt with the history of racism from Reconstruction through the present. I thought they were very down to earth and balanced in their treatment of an extremely sensitive subject. Having just read a book - Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black and White on the subject - I was really pleased to see many references in the story of black politicians and leaders from Civil War times to the present. I especially liked the line used in the section on the Civil Rights movement "I hear tell that during Reconstruction colored folks voted fine as a summer day. Had plenty of colored representatives - congressmen, even senators."

I did have a hard time getting into the book I struggled for the first 150-200 pages, but after that, it was hard to put down. The language was beautiful, the story was interesting, but I kept hitting speed bumps. After reading Shange's "Note on the Composition" I think I understand why. Each sister wrote sections of the book, trading off. While the transitions were not distinct, I think it was enough of a style change to throw me off a bit. That along with the fact that both writers are playwrights, required a different style of reading. The book really is more sensory, it is probably fabulous when read aloud. Once I started to see pictures of the characters and hear them talking (sadly, about when they left the South and went North), it got easier.

You made it! Nice review.

What Anne said!

Thanks Anne & Stasia!

Book #4
The Red Queen

A lovely little novel full of intrigue. I couldn't stand Margaret Beaufort though, and since we spend the entire story in her nutty little head, I didn't thoroughly enjoy myself. I did like Gregory's portrayal of Lord Stanley though, and it was nice to have someone laughing at Margaret now and again. This is definitely one of the most confusing periods of English history, and I thought the story was well researched and the invented parts fit well.

#55: Nope, I just cannot bring myself to read another of Gregory's books. Once was enough for me. I am glad you liked it though, Jenn!

Which one did you read Stasia? I started one a few years ago that was awful, but a friend gave me The White Queen, which I liked, so I read The Red Queen.

Book #5
Ape House

I ended up really liking this book, but I don't know if I would have liked it as well had I not read some of your reviews. I was at least prepared that it was not really a scientific book, so my expectations were not too high. I don't really have much to say about it - an easy read, some good information about language capabilities in great apes and maybe some agenda regarding vegetarianism and cruelty to animals.

I enjoyed your thoughts on Ape House, Jenn. As much as I loved her first book, so far nothing I've read about Ape House is making me interested in reading it. Interesting that you needed to lower your expectations to finally enjoy it, though. With that it mind, I may try it anyway...someday.

OK - I have reached the end of my December 30 impulsively acquired pile of library books. Time to get serious.

This year my main goal is to read more non-fiction, especially US History.

This month I am going to join the Jane Austen read along, continue with John Adams and at least one more non-fiction.
I have also joined a group reading The Federalist Papers which I have meant to read for several years.

That should keep me busy...

#57: The Other Boleyn Girl. I prefer my historical fiction to be more history and less fiction :)

I'm a big fan of impulsively acquired library books.

Hi Deedledee (lol, that's what my mom says when she's feeling silly)

I am a regular collector of books at the library that I probably don't have time to read. It is good to have a library.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who collects library books. I don't know what the librarians think as I walk out every few days with a bag full of books! I guess as long as I continue to return the books, they're ok with me. :)

My kids are teasing me, because Friday I broke my own usually-very-strictly-enforced rule which is: you can only check out as much as YOU can carry. They're probably going to get a lot of mileage out of this one, especially since they had to help me with the overflow.

Hey, libraries should be grateful for people like us! We help improve their circulation numbers! lol

Some Sing, Some Cry sounds good..

Hi Jenn

I jusst saw that you read 'The red queen' and was intrigued but then realized that you didn't read 'my' The red queen. In Drabble's book are also a lot of intriguing and sad stories - but about a Korean princess. The story is told by the princess' ghost, with a lot of hindsight and a lot of (rhetorical) questions asked. I haven't finished it yet. Were you aware of the same titles?

We just have to watch the due dates of our books. Often we have over 50 books checked out between the 5 of us.

Hi Paul - I did see the Drabble book - are you liking it?

ETA - SNOW DAY! Particularly satisfying due to the fact that I had am carpool...

Book #6
The Lost Hero

Just after I committed to some serious reading yesterday, my son talked me into reading one of his books. This is a take-off from the Percy Jackson series, introducing a new group of demi-gods and new conflict. The Roman incarnation of the Greek gods is introduced along with increased involvement by Hera/Juno. I think Riordan does a good job of telling a great fiction story blended with mythology and history. I enjoyed it very much. It was the perfect addition to a snowy Sunday afternoon.

>>66 alcottacre:.
Speaking as a public librarian - we ARE grateful for folks like you!

>52 nittnut:: Congrats on sticking with a hard-to-read book long enough to reap the rewards. I think too many people give up too soon on some books...and I probably don't give up soon enough on others. ;-) Nice review, Jenn. I'll keep plugging along until it reaches that unputdownable stage if I decide to read the book.

>58 nittnut:: Hmmmm...reconsidering Ape House.

Your houseful of library books makes me nostalgic for the days when the three kids and I would come home laden with books. I am so trying to read more of my own books that I don't even have a look around when I go to the library anymore. A quick 'in and out' to pick up what I've reserved. Safer that way!

Jenn, I liked Tasha Alexander's first 2 books too but A Fatal Waltz bored me so I didn't bother with her next or her latest.

Hi Caroline - the fourth one was annoying. High drama and honeymoon combined for a very unbelievable story. This last one was kind of interesting. Lots of crazy people.

hmm... so maybe I skip the 4th and just go to the 5th?

Yep. You'd really only miss the honeymoon sex and the discussion of the sex and the implication that there will be more sex...with an attempt to set up a mystery in a harem in the middle of all that. Snore. Not to imply that sex is boring, but I think other people's is. And I'll just stop there...

I have the Lost Hero on my list for this year. I love the way that Rick Riordan brings mythology to the notice of the younger generations. I know I enjoy it.

Found you and starred you. I read a Gregory book last year The Other Queen and it was alright, quite interesting and I think very well researched, but that is my only taste of her writing so far.

#77 - I agree, and I liked The Lost Hero well enough to be annoyed that the sequel doesn't come out until fall.

#78 - Hi Leonie! Good to hear. I have looked at that one, but haven't read it yet. I've been lurking on your thread, but haven't said hello. I will do that...

edited for spelling

#79: I think my local library has The Lost Hero. I will have to see if I can get my hands on it soon. Thanks for the recommendation, Jenn.

I hope you like it Stasia!

Now I am going to be a crowd follower and post the list of books published the week I was born...

Fiction 1 THE WINDS OF WAR Herman Wouk
Fiction 2 WHEELS Alex Hailey
Fiction 3 THE DAY OF THE JACKAL Frederick Forsyth
Fiction 4 THE EXORCIST William Peter Blatty
Fiction 5 RABBIT REDUX John Updike
Fiction 6 MESSAGE FROM MALAGA Helen MacInnes
Fiction 7 THE BETSY Harold Robbins
Fiction 8 OUR GANG Philip Roth
Fiction 9 NEMESIS Agatha Christie
Fiction 10 BEAR ISLAND Alistair MacLean
Non-Fiction 1 ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN Joseph P. Lash
Non-Fiction 2 TRACY AND HEPBURN Garson Kanin
Non-Fiction 3 BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE Dee Brown
Non-Fiction 4 THE DEFENSE NEVER RESTS F. Lee Bailey
Non-Fiction 5 JENNIE VOLUME TWO, Ralph G. Martin
Non-Fiction 6 HONOR THY FATHER Gay Talese
Non-Fiction 7 BRIAN PICCOLO: A SHORT SEASON Jeannie Morris
Non-Fiction 8 THE GAME OF THE FOXES Ladislas Farago
Non-Fiction 9 THE LAST WHOLE EARTH CATALOG Portola Institute info
Non-Fiction 10 WUNNERFUL WUNNERFUL!, Lawrence Welk with Bernice McGeehan

Not a bad week, if I do say so myself.

Book #7
Pegasus

I am generally a fan of Robin McKinley although I like her fairly tales the best.

A group of humans travel through a mountain pass to a new land inhabited by Pegasi and other mythical creatures. They enter into a treaty with the Pegasi to protect them from the dangerous creatures who threaten to destroy them. Part of the treaty is that the human royalty will be bound to Pegasi. Conflict is established early as communication is difficult between the humans and the Pegasi. Now the young princess and her Pegasus are found to be able to talk to each other. This is unusual and results in further conflict. I really hope a sequel is planned as the book ends abruptly with all conflict unresolved.

#81 The Last Whole Earth Catalog--that's a blast from the past! I have a feeling I'm about 20 years older than you though because I remember these books from when they were new.

Book #8
A Rule Against Murder

It's official - a crush on Ralph Cosham's voice.

I am enjoying this series, but I admit to being a little concerned about Three Pines. How many murders can happen in one little town? I was kind of relieved that this particular murder was not set in Three Pines. I thought they could use a break.
This installment showed an even more introspective Gamache, who, due to a dysfunctional family reunion and murder is prompted to deal with his feelings about his father.

I have started Sense and Sensibility for the Austenathon - thread here - http://www.librarything.com/topic/104775

It's official - a crush on Ralph Cosham's voice

Me too! Me too! *happy sigh* :)

#84: I've been reading some of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, and they also take place in a small town. At least the author has the guts to admit that an unreasonable number of murders are taking place there--some of the villagers comment to Agatha that they never had murders before she arrived, and now they have lots!

LOL - Do they think Agatha brought them along?

Haha... ditto what Jenn said.

Oh I wish I had heard about the Austenathon before I left on my trip. I'd have loved to have joined in on this one. Oh well, I'll just have to participate vicariously through you, Jenn. I keep changing my mind on the order of Austen books that I like. For me P&P always takes pride of place at the top, but after that, it sort of varies, with Emma, Persuasion and S&S jostling for 2nd place depending on where my head is at when I'm contemplating this. Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey always pull up the rear.

Just one more reason to have that ereader Caroline!

I am loving Sense and Sensibility. I remember thinking it was a bit slow last time I read it, but I am finding it so enjoyable this time around. Maybe I slowed down...
Elinor really gets some zingers in doesn't she?

Book #9
Sense and Sensibility

I think it has been about 10 years since I last read Sense and Sensibility. I really enjoyed this re-read. The conflict is set up early with the issue of entailment and the untimely death of the father, leaving everything to his eldest son - from his first marriage. The principal characters are developed early. We know exactly what to expect from John and Fanny, from Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne. Elinor is a little less transparent, both as a more complex character and as the principal narrator.
Elinor's love interest is introduced very early. Edward seems nice enough, though Marianne does not find him passionate enough for her taste. I liked Edward less than before. I found him a bit aimless, willing to be influenced by others more than he ought to be. The fact that Elinor still loves him and marries him in the end makes for a happy ending, but I still don't like him.
Marianne has two love interests. She has Colonel Brandon who is much older and well established, and she has Willoughby, the romantic knight errant of her dreams. Willoughby is completely charming, but since I knew where we were headed, it was hard to like him or trust anything he said. I still believe, as I did before, that his love for Marianne was shallow and much less than his love for himself. Colonel Brandon is one of my favorite characters in this book. He is quiet, kind and generous. I think he is misunderstood by nearly every other character in the story. Even if his finally winning Marianne seems a bit like winning a prize for patience, I can believe they will be happy. Perhaps it is a bit too perfect how everything works out in the end, but who doesn't like a happy ending?
I love Elinor. Her comments are proper, but also barbed. She is actually funny. In some ways, totally wasted on Edward. There is one point in the book, though, when Edward gets a bit saucy with Marianne, letting the reader know he knows exactly what she thinks of him. While this felt a bit out of character for him, maybe it's just a part of his character that is suppressed and will develop.
Lucy is the perfect female counterpart to Willoughby. She is selfish and clever and gets exactly what she wants. While I don't like her, I absolutely love her as a character. She adds depth and spice to the story.
We are meant to compare and contrast the behavior of two sisters of different temperaments while they are in similar circumstances - in love with all their hopes destroyed. Elinor reacts with stoicism, wishing to spare her family any sense of the pain she suffers. Marianne is the complete drama queen. In the end, they both learn something from each other. Elinor learns to share her feelings a little, and Marianne learns to be a bit more calm. Marianne does over correct a little though, in planning a course of serious study and deciding to give herself to Colonel Brandon. Marrying Brandon is probably a wise choice for her, because she is likely to spend her life at one extreme or the other.
Many of the themes and ideas in Sense and Sensibility are better developed in later books, but from the very beginning, Jane Austen's ability to describe human nature and relationships and to develop characters with real depth, is very clear.

Quotes:

"Conversation, however, was not wanted, for Sir John was very chatty, and Lady Middleton had taken the wise precaution of bringing with her their eldest child, a fine little boy about six years old, by which means there was one subject always to be recurred to by the ladies in case of extremity..."

"Strange if it would!" cried Marianne. "What have wealth or grandeur to do with happiness?"
"Grandeur has but little," said Elinor, "but wealth has much to do with it."

Unaccountable, however, as the circumstances of his release might appear to the whole family, it was certain that Edward was free; and to what purpose that freedom would be employed was easily predetermined by all; for after experiencing the blessings of one imprudent engagement, contracted without his mother's consent, as he had already done for more than four years, nothing less could be expected of him in the failure of that, than the immediate contraction of another."

Wow, that was a stunning review and you've made me want to reread it again. It would seem I missed a whole lot of the subtle plot points first time around.

Hi Kiwi!
I missed a lot the first time around too - this time was a much more enjoyable read. Funny how that is. Is it the mood I was in, or that I'm 10 years older...

That's a great review! I agree with you about Edward. It's hard to understand why Elinor loves him with such passion.

It's been a long while since I read S&S. I always get more out of a second reading...or third. I don't believe I've read any book more than 3 times.

I'm going to try and fit my favorite Austen in next month. Pride and Prejudice deserves to be read more than once imo. It will be fun to read it with a group, especially if there are some who've never read it before.

Hope you're staying warm these days, Jenn. Our little bit of snow is melting today.

Hi Donna,

We're staying pretty warm. Not much snow around here. We had a nasty little storm on Wednesday that wasn't fun for driving around.

My husband has the stomach flu and was up all night, my 12 year old woke up and threw up this am. Should be a fun day. Wonder who'll drop next.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I think it might be better, though, to have everyone sick all at once rather than one after the other. Maybe not. No fun no matter how you look at it. Courage, Jenn!

Jenn
I'm way behind and checking a few threads this afternoon.

I'm adding Some Sing, Some Cry to my 2011 reading list.

Great Revew!!!!

Hi Anne - I'd rather do it all at once, personally - as long as I don't get it. My husband is a bit of a drama queen when he's sick. Lots of moaning and groaning. I finally told him about noon that he'd had his 12 hours of suffering out loud and it was time to suffer in silence. I feel kind of mean, but seriously. Having spent two pregnancies extremely nauseous 100% of the time, and having to just go about my business anyway, I guess I'm just not that sympathetic...

Hi Linda! Happy to add a book to your list. It took me a little while to get into it, but I really liked it.

>99 nittnut: Oh, what is it with husbands anyway...such whiners when they're sick... ;0)

Hope everyone starts feeling better soon and that you don't catch it (because for moms, life goes on, sick or not).

Glad to see you enjoyed Sense and Sensibility, Jenn. I am liking it too, although I will not be finished for a while yet.

I hope the flu abates at your house quickly!

I keep thinking that I am going to reread Austen.. but it is just
not happening. Too many books yet unread. Reading about others reading her make me want to do it anyway! lol

>99 nittnut: Having spent two pregnancies extremely nauseous 100% of the time
I think if men had to have the children, humans would have been extinct a long time ago!

Hope your household recovers soon...hang in there...

>103 mamzel: So very, very true.

*drive-by hug* to Jenn

Hi everyone - Thanks! I think we've turned the corner. One can only hope. Now it's just the laundry, LOL.

Book #10
The Brutal Telling

MAJOR SPOILER

I am very, very unhappy. I held my breath to the end. I just knew Gamache would find the real killer and it wouldn't be Olivier. My heart is broken. Sigh.

I remember doing the very same thing, waiting for the plot twist that, sadly, never came.

I suggest you just forget all about it, jump right in and read the next one. Bury Your Dead gets us out of Three Pines (for the most part) and into lovely Quebec City. :)

I think you'll love it.

Hi! Just catching up on threads. You've done some great reading!

#107 I feel your pain! I wasn't very happy with that ending, either.

>107 nittnut: I learned how cruel Woman is afresh when Lousy Louise Penny eviscerated me with that one. Felt as though I'd been whacked on one side and beat on the other.

If we buy the weapons there, we could sneak into Canada and do away with the perfidious harpy. You in?

Sure Richard, as long as there's no Gamache to ferret out the guilty parties. Is there a self-defense angle for us in there anywhere? Emotional pain? Something?

Do they have weapons in Canada?

ETA: Why are all my little blue words in French?

>>>111 nittnut: - I'm your witness...we all went French there for a few minutes. I don't speak french, but my favorite discovery is that the term they used for leaving a group was "quitter" Seems a bit harsh - but maybe it sounds better with a French accent

Phew! I thought I'd gone out of my mind for a minute. I went to post my message and realized that I was French. Not that I speak French, but it was my best guess...

Simply stopping by to say hello!

#107: I think that the heartbreak happened for all of us when we read that book, Jenn. Go find Bury Your Dead ASAP.

Yes, Jen, you NEED to read the next book ASAP! I think that will help...

"Emotional derangement due to actions on the victim's part."

I don't know...maybe we can use flensing knives? Whaling's big up there isn't it? *flees outraged Canadian revenge squads*

Richard, you're scaring me a little bit.

>118 nittnut: LOL

Book #11
The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch

My son read this book in about 2 hours and then went to the computer and requested the rest of the series from the library. I thought I had better see what was so completely engrossing about it.
A young boy is apprenticed to a man who is something like a wizard, but not exactly. His job is to keep dark things (witches, boggarts, etc.) from troubling the county where he lives. He tells his apprentice that he uses more common sense than magic to do his job. His is a lonely life as the local residents are suspicious and nervous around him. Naturally, the new apprentice quickly has the opportunity to be tested right away. It was fairly predictable, but with some unique twists that kept me interested.

I love this series. I've done the first 4 on audio, and there's a whole different element in them in that medium. They are simply spoooky - and listening at night while driving down a deserted road is not to be taken lightly.

With the exception of the fact he's dealing with witches and the like, the series is actually very "wholesome". There is no language, there is a potential love interest, but not even a peck on the cheek is described. But it is violent. Some of the "dark things" are out to kill, but not a lot of time is spent describing deaths. Ooops, the Stone Chucker dropped a rock on someone, moving on... So if violence is a concern, you may want to pre-read them, but I really don't think that is necessary, and I DO think they are a GREAT set of books for boys.

I agree Patrick - the descriptions of the witch in the one I read made me think of boogers and other things that were gross and maybe funny to the targeted audience rather than overly violent. Even when the butcher is possessed by the witch, he/she doesn't kill the brother. I think this will be an entertaining new series for my son to read. Don't know that I'll let him "listen" before bed though.

Hi There

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

Thanks.

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

Book #12
John Adams

This is such a huge book to review, I'm not sure where to start. I thought the research was good, with the exception of some of the Thomas Jefferson bits. I am not a fan of the Jefferson as self satisfied, aristocratic, spendthrift slave owner. I won't get into the economics of inheritance, etc. here, just had to say that that particular interpretation of Jefferson irks me.
I was impressed by both John and Abigail's willingness to sacrifice everything for their country. I had no idea that they spent so much time separated throughout the war and after. I had no idea Adams spent so much of the war in Europe. I really liked the excerpts from their letters and I plan to read My Dearest Friend sometime this year. Abigail was unique in her level of education combined with political understanding and her ability to advise her husband.
A few things that I found interesting: political intrigue was alive and well from the beginning and the media was just as irresponsible and partisan as the politicians. I was impressed by Adams and Jefferson, that they were able to reconcile later in life and enjoy a rich renewal of friendship through their correspondence.
I feel like I know a lot more about this hero of American Independence. I think his value was extremely understated throughout my years of formal education.

Quotes:

Abigail in 1777, while John is with the Congress in Philadelphia: "Posterity who are to reap the blessings will scarcely be able to conceive the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors."

"to be honest and grateful to our allies, but to think for ourselves."

arguing with Rousseau in the margins of a book: "There is no doubt that people are in the long run what the government make out of them...," Adams read in Rousseau. "The government ought to be what the people make it," he wrote in response.

To a granddaughter late in his life: "You are not singular in your suspicions that you know but little...the longer I live, the more I read, the more patiently I think, and the more anxiously I inquire, the less I seem to know...Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. This is enough... So questions and so answers your affectionate grandfather."

"Griefs upon griefs! Disappointments upon disappointments. What then? This is a gay merry world notwithstanding."

Great review, Jenn! I think John and Abigail are both fascinating.

I agree with Anne!

Hi Jenn. I'm a big fan of John Adams after watching 2/3 of the DVD miniseries. We got sidetracked with the holidays and I just realized that we have another segment to watch. That will be perfect for today. We got another 3 inches of snow overnight so I think I'll put off my errands once again.

I love the quote to his granddaughter. Those words from Micah are truly words to guide our lives.

Great review! I listened to the abridged version a couple of years ago when I had a long commute (the abridged one was still 13 hours!) but I would like to read the book eventually. The John-Abigail relationship is very interesting and seems so different than the other founding fathers' marriages.

Thanks Anne! and Stasia!

Donna - I really enjoyed the mini series, but now that I've read the book - there are few things a little off in the mini series. Not terribly serious, but there you are. For example: Adams went to Europe twice, taking John Quincy the first trip and both John Quincy and Charles the second trip. When Abigail joined him, she brought their daughter and they sent Charles home to be tutored for Harvard. John Quincy remained for a time and studied for Harvard with his father.

Hi Carly! It was definitely worth the read. A month is a long time for me to be reading a book, especially when I'm reading it every day. I am fascinated by the John-Abigail relationship. I got My Dearest Friend to read later just for that reason.

Great review of John Adams, Jenn. I loved the quotes too. I bought this at a library sale last year after Lucy and Becky raved about it with the intention of reading it this year. Hopefully, I can get to it this Spring.

Dear One!

I hope your birthday tomorrow is as special as you are!

>129 nittnut:: Thanks Jenn, for pointing out those discrepancies. I was seriously bothered by the fact that in the DVD adaptation the children (except for JQ) were left behind. It seemed so cold to me. I hope to read the book someday but feel the need to muddle through McCullough's Truman behemoth first.

Have a Super Birthday tomorrow!!! My wish for you is a gentle chinook wind to blow the winter doldrums away. And, when it's done the job for you, would you please send it to the east to help melt our snow before we get dumped on again next week? Thanks. {{Birthday Hugs}}

Thank you Linda! I love the cute little surprise box.

Hi Donna, thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm not sure a chinook is in my week - we have 1-3 more inches today, and more snow Monday and Tuesday. However, we are in no position to complain. This is really our first storm of any significance and we're just grateful to be in the positives for temperature. We have had nothing like the weather you have all had east of here.

I will look forward to hearing what you thought of Truman. I am trying to work my way through biographies of presidents. I've managed the first three in the last year or so. At that rate, it'll be awhile before I get to Truman.

Is it your birthday tomorrow? Hope it's a good one! You got 1-3 inches? We have at least 12 inches and counting -- it's still coming down hard. I'm glad to have the snow, but not very glad when I have to drive in it.

Hi Anne, Thanks! 12 inches since when? It hasn't really snowed here much today. Crazy! We're supposed to have more snow this afternoon, but not that much.

12 inches since about noon yesterday. It looks like it has finally stopped, so there will be some shoveling in our future.

Hey, Happy Birthday !!

Happy early birthday!!!! (in case I get busy tomorrow...)

May it be filled with many books...

Have a happy birthday!

Hi Jenn. Just stopping by to wish you a very Happy Birthday tomorrow and a good first day to home school!

Happy birthday for tomorrow? Or has today arrived yet? Anyway, have a great day and treat yourself.

Thanks everyone! Some friends are taking me to lunch and my 6 yr old daughter has been not-so-secretly making posters all day with lots of hearts on them. Should be fun.

Anne - I bet we got about half that. We've shoveled twice :) Got to keep that 12 yr old busy.

I know I will forget about your birthday tomorrow, so I am wishing you an early one! I hope you have a terrific day!

Since it's tomorrow on LT time:

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Jenn,
Happy birthday to you!

Hope it's a good one, Jenn, have fun!

Happy birthday, Jenn!!! I hope it has been a good one.

Thank you everyone! I have had a great day. I had lunch with friends, then my husband and daughter made me a cake and my little guy built me something with his legos. Then I went out again for frozen yogurt and came home in a blizzard.

We are now in a blizzard and I'm going to bed and covering my head.

Sorry to hear about the blizzard, Jenn, but I am glad you had a great birthday!

LOL - It's OK with me. Maybe it'll even be warm enough tomorrow to build a snowman, if we're quick. I don't mind a big storm if I don't have to go anywhere. We'll see if there's school.

#147 Yogurtland?

Nope. A new one in HR. You know how we try not to ever have to leave here...
It's called Peachwave and it's near the Target across the street from Tattered Cover. I had coconut and pineapple. It was good.

Birthday Blizzard? That is NOT what I ordered for you. The Chinook will be arriving a bit late it seems. Maybe this week end?

It sounds like your family and friends made this a good birthday for you despite the weather.

I know, Donna! What is going on?
I think we are expecting a little Chinook this weekend. I've only lived in Denver for about 7 years, but in my experience, a Denver Chinook just means heavy wet snow on weekends during spring soccer...

Book #13
Come From the Four Winds

This is an amazing collection of personal accounts from "graduates" of the Youth 'Aliya program. The author interviewed people who had come to Israel under different circumstances. They came from all over, from Germany, Africa, Iran. They had different challenges and needs, and the Youth 'Aliya leaders made extraordinary efforts to meet all of their needs. There were several things that really stood out to me. On the kibbutzim the children lived in children's houses. The children's houses were always located nearest the bomb shelters. Most adults had a job that contributed to the welfare of the children. The entire community invested everything in raising the next generation. Compulsory military service was accepted by most as perfectly natural. Children with severe problems had a place to go, and were given assistance as long as they were willing to accept it. Several of the stories were of young adults who had managed to overcome extreme difficulty and become contributing members of society.

I liked the final statement in the book:
The State of Israel was brought into being by the struggle of a generation that fashioned its ideals from the ageless hopes and dreams of an old-new nation. Youth 'Aliya has been privileged to take its part in this struggle. Youth 'Aliya not only hleped thousands of young people rebuild their own lives but it gave to the Jewish State a generation of young people who truly "care." Surely, this is the best promise for the fulfillment of man's eternal dream of a better tomorrow.

This will be on my list of memorable reads for this year.

#154: I wish I could get my hands on that one!

oh Dear! Sorry to miss your birthday... I will wish you a Happy Year! instead :)

Hi Stasia, look for a PM.

Hey Kathleen! I plan to have a birthday month, so you're not late. Thanks :)

Book #14
Mr. Darcy's Obsession

The first in a lovely pile of birthday-gift books. It was given to me by a dear friend who also loves to read - maybe slightly more frivolously than I do.

Argh! I do not like rewrites of Pride and Prejudice. I think if this book had not been about Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, I would have liked it. Since it was about them, I just feel annoyed. Elizabeth was way out of character, in my opinion. Apparently this author has written more than one of these alternate ending/alternate middle/alternate beginning type stories. If you like them, there are lots.

It's interesting to read your opinion here. I'm planning to read a Mr Darcy viewpoint later this month but on the whole I agree with you about P&P rewrites. Still can't believe I tackled the zombie one earlier this month - worst rewrite ever!

I think it is because P&P and Persuasion are my two favourite Austens and I can't bear to have them messed with. I wonder if I would feel the same if it was a rewrite of S&S..

#158: I cannot stand the recent spate of Austen rewrites and wish author's would leave well enough alone! I tried one once and vowed never to read another.

#159/160 - It was my birthday fate this year to receive two P&P rewrites - by the same author. I am amused that my friends, who know I love Austen, would assume that I would love an Austen re-write. The thing I forgot to write in the review of Mr. Darcy's Obsession was that the phrase "her fine eyes" was used gratuitously and nearly drove me nuts. With that, I will treat you to a review of the 2nd.

Book #15
The Last Man in the World

If you ever wondered what life would have been like for Elizabeth Bennett had she accepted Mr. Darcy's first proposal, this might be the book for you. Of course, you would also have to be fascinated by quarrels and misunderstandings and make-up sex. Elizabeth occasionally resembled Jane Austen's version of herself, but Mr. Darcy, while trying very hard to be a modern, sensitive type, still wasn't as good as Jane's Mr. Darcy. I liked it better than Mr. Darcy's Obsession, but that's not saying much.

Bottom line: You can't improve upon Jane Austen, so why try?

#161: You can't improve upon Jane Austen, so why try?

I wish all the authors at present who are trying to do so would stop!

glitter-graphics.com

Book #16
The Possessed: Adventures With Russian Books and the People Who Read Them

This is a collection of essays on the perils of studying Russian literature. At times, I was definitely in over my head even though I have read some Tolstoy, Chekov and Dostoevsky. I most enjoyed her story of her summer in Samarkand and the characters she studied with and lived with. I liked the book and I'm glad I read it. It didn't change my feeling that, while worthy, Russian novels are not to be undertaken lightly.

Hmm, having just read the one Tolstoy, I feel I need to do more Russian reading before I tackle that one.

#164: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. I hope my local library gets a copy in soon!

Book #17
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I listened to the audio, read by Maya Angelou. Her narrating style was a bit stiff for me, but her story is amazing. She had a challenging childhood, being shuttled back and forth between parents and grandparents. I was happy to see her finally settled with her mother by high school. Her telling of her rape at the hands of her mother's boyfriend was so matter of fact. It was incredibly painful to hear. Her decision to stop speaking completely was heart breaking. It was appalling that she had no help at all in dealing with such a traumatic event. I know that it was partly due to the era, but still just awful to think of her blaming herself and having nobody to tell her differently.
Her approach to sexuality as a teenager was interesting, also very matter of fact in the telling. She has one less than satisfactory experience, then becomes pregnant. She keeps the pregnancy a secret until about a month before her due date. The story ends rather abruptly, just after the birth of her son. I was surprised at the hopeful and upbeat quality of the story, in spite of the often difficult subject matter. Well worth the reading (listening).

>164 nittnut:: My copy is waiting at the library for me. It's going to have to wait until Tuesday as they are closed Sunday and Monday, and I'm off for a 14-hour day trip to Kansas City tomorrow.

>167 nittnut:: I have the Caged Bird shelved somewhere around here. What a funny sentence that I didn't intend to make! I keep hoping the Missouri Readers will choose that one of these times. I think it would be helpful to discuss that kind of childhood.

Thank you, Jenn, for your enthusiastic recommendation of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon late last year. What a beautiful book - inside and out. I bought it for Sadie's 9th birthday but now I'm holding onto it until Christmas for her. I ended up getting five Boxcar Children books instead as she has shown an interest in them. I went a little crazy in Borders and I'm set for several upcoming gift events for my two oldest granddaughters.

Donna, I am so glad you liked Where the Mountain Meets the Moon! I really enjoyed it. I am sure Sadie will love it.

#167: I read that one about 10 years or so ago. It is a powerful book. I am glad to see that you appreciated it, Jenn. I am not sure I could do that one in audio form myself.

Book #18
The Red Necklace - YA

The Red Necklace is a fantasy story set in the midst of the French Revolution. I picked it up to see if it would be appropriate for my 12 year old. I didn't really like it. The writing wasn't bad, but it was choppy. Some of the characters shine, and others, who should, do not. It was just OK.

Book #19
The Postmistress

I received this lovely book for my birthday. It is about World War II, but set away from the action of the war. The characters in the book are the people who are not in the war, but deeply effected by it.
Frankie Bard, a female reporter who is in London covering the war, gets nearest the action. She travels to Europe in hopes of getting the story of what is happening to the displaced Jewish people. During what became my favorite part of the book, she rides refugee trains and records the stories or even just the names of the people traveling, trying to escape the Nazis. She daringly transmits some of her recordings on the air, risking arrest to get the message out.
Emma Fitch is the doctor's young wife, new to the small New England town. She is quickly left on her own when her husband leaves for London to work in a hospital. She and her husband write to each other daily, then his letters stop coming.
Iris James is the postmaster in a small New England town. She is committed to keeping order and following rules. She is running the post office and falling in love. She is seen as the recipient of news, good and bad to the people of the town, because all the mail passes through her hands.
This is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and doing the right thing - or at least trying to.

Glad to see you liked The Postmistress, Jenn! It was one of my memorable reads last year.

The Postmistress looks wonderful. I probably WLd it after Stasia's review last year. Great review, Jenn!

Book #20
Dragonsdawn

The chronological first in the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery. It tells the story of the colonization of Pern and the origins of the dragon riders. This is a re-read for me. My 12 year old is reading Dragonsinger and wanted to know the beginning of the story. I had to tell him no...not yet. I do not consider it YA, unlike the trilogy beginning with Dragonsinger.
I have always enjoyed this series - one of the few science fiction series I have liked.

So glad you liked The Postmistress, Jenn. I'm waiting for my turn with a library copy. I think I saw on another thread that you're reading The Colony. I read it a couple of years ago and loved it.

I really enjoyed The Postmistress too. I was irked at myself that I got it on my Kindle, because after reading it I realized I would have liked a hardcopy.

Book #21
A Song Flung Up To Heaven

I listened to the audio of this as well, and liked Angelou's narration much better. Either I am getting used to her style, or she was much more engaged with this segment of her story.
This part of her autobiography begins with her return to the US from Africa. She has returned to work with Malcolm X. Shortly after she arrives home, he is assassinated. She is devastated, and on top of that, has to find a different way to support herself. Full of entertaining personal stories and absolutely littered with names of well known African American civil rights leaders, actors, writers, etc. this was not only interesting but really fun listening.
One thing I have noted about her autobiography is the food. Food is really a big part of her life and the life of her family. If you like the sound of some of the things she talks about cooking, check out her cookbook/memoir, The Welcome Table. It is fabulous, and so are the recipes. Especially the caramel cake...

I have a copy of The Postmistress. I'll try to find it somewhere in the stacks and hope to read it soon.

Just for fun - a list of books I got for my birthday and/or bought for myself with birthday $$:

Mr. Darcy's Obsession
The Last Man in the World
just getting the mediocre out of the way...now on to the good stuff
The Postmistress
Unbroken
Cleopatra: A Life
The Name of This Book is Secret (OK maybe for my son, but I know I'll like it too)
The Martha Washington Cookbook
Persuasion - a new copy because my old one is getting pretty worn
The Peloponnesian War
Flags of Our Fathers
August 1914 - I know, getting a little crazy here - and then I bought myself a DVD of You've Got Mail because I was really, really in the mood for it the other night and I only had VHS. Why do I still have a VHS copy? Dunno.
Anyway, that's my b-day haul and I'm loving it!

Nice haul, Jenn!! I'm about half way through Unbroken and loving it and am looking forward to reading The Postmistress soon.

We have a box of VHS tapes in a basement closet, mostly Disney stuff. Too bad they take up so much space. Thank goodness books don't become obselete!

That looks like a great selection!

Nice! Happy belated birthday!

I found a stash of VHS tapes the other day--they're all movies featuring fictional U.S. presidents, and I watched them for my senior thesis. They're useless, but I can't quite bring myself to get rid of them.

Hi Joanne, I am really excited to start Unbroken, but I have to finish The Colony first. One non-fiction at a time is best for me.

Hi Zoe!

Hi Carly, Fictional US Presidents? What was your thesis on?

Umm, fictional U.S. presidents in the movies :) I watched over 50 movies from the 1930s through about 2000 and looked at the different characteristics and ideology of the fictional presidents. Not the most scholarly choice, but who reads undergraduate theses anyway? And it was fun.

Great haul, Jenn! I love buying books, even vicariously. :)

Fictional US Presidents in the movies. I like it. That does sound fun.

I used to love watching The West Wing on TV ... ok, it's not the movies, but i thought John Bartlett was the best president and I wished we had him in the White House.

Jenn,
I read some of the P&P sequels last year and I have a few for this year - I agree that some have the main characters very altered but there are some that do try to be very true to Miss Jane's characterizations.

What a great list! have fun with it :)

Book #22
The Unknown Ajax

Just taking a little break from all the non-fiction. An easy read. I may read another one too - since I have kids home sick. 2 with colds, 1 with stomach flu. I am sure you can imagine where we're headed... we've been so lucky this winter. Guess we ran out.

I hope you enjoyed The Unknown Ajax--it is one of my favorite Heyers!

Will I like this one, Jenn?

No. But you might like this one:

Book #23
The Corinthian

Told you I'd read another one.
Combine a girl running away to avoid marriage to her cousin and a man, who is considering a marriage of convenience, with the theft of a diamond necklace and a murder and if it's written by Georgette Heyer, it will be loads of fun.

#190: Yuck! I hope y'all recover soon.

Great birthday haul Jenn!

I also have many VHS tapes in the basement and in various cabinets throughout the house. I cannot throw them away....We have a VHS player somewhere around here also...

Congratulations on reading 23 books thus far this year.

Have a fun-filled birthday, Jenn.

I'll give The Corinthian a shot.... it sounds fun.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, have a great day!!

Thanks everyone! Love the duck Caro.
I'm going to have to wrap up the birthday festivities soon - it not being the month of my birth come Tuesday. It's been a good one. I have to celebrate the last of the 30's with gusto.

Book #24
Dark Road to Darjeeling

I liked this fourth book in the series so much better than the third.
Lady Julia and Brisbane are finishing up their honeymoon and are sidetracked to India by Lady Julia's sister Portia and brother Plum. Naturally they go in order to solve a mystery involving Portia's friend and the death of her husband. There were many twists and turns and all the characters were possible suspects. It was also fun, if occasionally annoying, to eavesdrop on Lady Julia and Brisbane as they work out the compromises of marriage. My only complaint - completely unnecessary death in the last chapters. Completely. Growl.

Book #25
A Gift of Dragons

I found the audio at the library this week and I was in the mood.

This is a series of short stories set on Pern. They were written over nearly a decade. Each story deals with an aspect of life on Pern, dragons, message runners, etc. It was entertaining and fun. One story in particular I had never heard before. I am a big fan of McCaffery's Pern books, and this one did not disappoint.

When did that fourth book sneak out? I can't believe I missed that. Thanks for the heads up, I'll be off to the library to get that Deanna Raybourn asap.

Book #26
The Colony: the Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai

On the surface, this book is about some people, who happened to contract Hansen's disease (leprosy) and how they were taken forcibly from their families and exiled. The deeper story is our human response to physical illness. Leprosy, prior to the 1950's was a terrible, disfiguring and painful disease. Although it is not highly contagious in most forms, the fear surrounding it is both literally and figuratively Biblical. It is both fascinating and disturbing to read about the level of fear and disgust that continues regarding this disease even today when the disease is curable. The chapter that deals with WWII and Japanese internment was interesting. The compassion that the exiles had for the Japanese was very clear in quotes and histories of the time.

I was inspired by the good and brave men and women who gave their lives, including risking contracting Hansen's disease, to serving and helping the exiles of Molokai. I was inspired by the exiles themselves, by their ability to create a new life and by their courage in truly terrible circumstances. I cheered for the few who were brave enough to stand up for what was right, even to the point of losing their jobs. The book is well researched with exhaustive notes and the narrative never lags.

"The more we suffer, the more strength we have. The more suffering, the closer we are to one another. Life is that way. If you haven't suffered, then you don't know what joy is. The others may know something about joy, but those who have gone through hell and high water, I think they feel the joy deeper." resident of Kalaupapa, Molokai

>203 nittnut: Definitely putting that one on my wishlist. What a sad, fear-driven, awful situation. I've always been fascinated by Hawaiian history -- my father's family is from Hawaii (his great grandfather established the first quarantine station there to protect native Hawaiians from communicable European diseases) -- and Molokai stories/leprosy stories are so compelling. Have you read The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama? I also have Moloka'i ready to go on audio.

Wonderful review!

I'm so glad that you liked The Colony, Jenn. I thought it was totally engrossing. Such a sad period in Hawiian history. For a historical fiction look, you might want to try Molokai by Alan Brennert. It too was wonderful. I've always wanted to take the mule trip down to Kalaupapa and plan to the next time we go to Hawaii (no one under 16 can visit so we couldn't until now).

>204 AMQS: Wow - interesting Anne. Do you know what year that was?

Joanne, I'm not sure exactly, but I think was somewhere between 1900-1910. He fought with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, and then Roosevelt appointed him surgeon general in the Philippines. After that he went to Hawaii.

>206 AMQS: Anne - What a fascinating relative!

I've wishlisted The Colony...thanks for the review. :)

The Colony is already on my obese wish list, otherwise it would have flown there after reading your excellent review, Jenn.

Glad to see you enjoyed Dark Road to Darjeeling. I thought this much better than the 3rd too. And I was surprised by the deaths at the end. Didn't see that coming.

Book #27
Black Horses for the King YA

A great little historical novel about the early years of King Arthur, imagining how he acquired horses large enough to carry his Companions. Absolutely of the quality fans of McCaffery have come to expect.

Book #28
I Shall Not Hate ER

A very personal and inspiring tale of perseverance, love, loss and forgiveness. Dr. Abuelaish, who was born and raised in Gaza, tells the story of his childhood and how he came to believe that education and forgiveness were the way out of the poverty and despair prevalent in his community. He reiterates that there is no difference that cannot be overcome by Israeli's and Palestinian's simply getting to know each other one on one and having respect for each other as human beings. It may seem simplistic, but I believe it is absolutely true. It made me think more about elected officials and leaders of countries and political parties. How they seem to have lost sight of the people they are supposed to lead. How pride and power have corrupted most to the point that they are incapable of making decisions that will be for the good of their people, and in fact are very often making decisions to the great detriment of their people. A very thought provoking book and well worth the reading.

I've been indulging in a re-read of some of Anne McCaffrey's Pern series.

Book #29
The Chronicles of Pern:First Fall

Book #30
Dragonflight

Book #31
How To Knit A Love Song

I really don't have much to say about this one. It's like pulp romance with a little stalking thrown in, for people who knit, I guess. Because knitter's lives are clearly not exciting enough.
Not impressed.

The Colony looks really interesting--I'm putting it on my wishlist!

Hi Jenn!

Hi Carly! I hope you like it.

Hi Tamara!

Book #31
Graceling

I received this book from SantaThing. I had never heard of it. It is the author's first novel, set in a world where certain people are born with special gifts, or "Graces". In most parts of this world they are viewed with fear and suspicion, and are tools of their King. Graceling is about a girl graced with amazing fighting abilities who is a kind of assassin or enforcer for her uncle the king. Ultimately, the book is about what we do with the gifts we are given. That we can choose how to use them. I really enjoyed the story. The characters were believable and there was never a dull moment.

Moloka'i abd The Colony sounds good...

Book #32
Witch and Wizard

This book was OK. Recommended by my 12 yr. old. Mostly the switching voices about every two pages just drove me nuts. I'm going to read the next one, we'll see if I get used to it. Probably not.

Book #33
Dragonsong

We've been listening to this in the car. It's a long time favorite for me, and was very enjoyable listening.
More tales from the planet of Pern. Dragonsong is the first in a series about a girl named Menolly. She is musically gifted but growing up in a place where girls are discouraged from pursuing music as a career. Also gifted with humility and resourcefulness, she endures some hardships but eventually gains her heart's desire.

Book #34
Unbroken

I love track and field and I love American history, so I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. Taking the good with the bad, Hillenbrand tells of a wild kid who found a purpose in running. Louis Zamperini made the Olympic team and had the most potential of any runner of his time. His running career was interrupted by WWII. He became a POW in Japan and suffered horrible cruelty and deprivation. He survives, but comes home to struggle with the trauma of what he had survived. Well written, interesting and hard to put down.

Book #35
Fire

A companion book to Graceling. I liked it. I like the author's style and I like the world she has created.

Book #36
Witch and Wizard: The Gift

Very much the same as the first one. An interesting idea, although not new. Young people saving the world from evil dictator. Still don't like switching character voices every third page.

>>216 nittnut:
I read Witch & Wizard and thought it was terrible. I didn't even bother to pick up the sequel. The plot was full of holes & it just seem like Patterson put much effort into it.

Book #37
Dragonsinger

Book #38
Dragondrums

I got well and truly sucked in to this series. I read these books often in my adolescent years. It's been a long time. I am still finding them very enjoyable. It's been a perfect time for a re-read of some old friends. My kids have had influenza this week. So, between taking temperatures, doling out meds and cooking chicken noodle soup, I caught a few chapters of an old favorite.

I love Dragonsong and Dragonsinger, Dragondrums not quite so much...so sorry your kids have the flu! Hope your kids recover quickly and you adults don't get it.

Hi Jenn! Just wanted to drop by your thread to say Hi instead of having a conversation through Zoe's thread..hehe :)

I read several Pern books ... years ago.. and liked them. It has been a while though. Now wouldn't TEY make good films.. ?

Hi Jenn, delurking to tell you how much I enjoy your short book assessments. I tend to ramble when I write about books. It's so hard for me to limit myself to a few well-chosen words. You really nailed Unbroken - it was almost impossible for me to put it down. It was one of those books that kept me reading too late at night.

Hi Roni! Thanks - so far so good. The kids are perking up just in time for spring break.

Hi Valerie - nice to have you here.

Hi Kathleen - I agree. The Pern series would make great films. Shall we write a screenplay?

Hi Donna! How are you? I need to go visit your thread. With sick kids, etc. I haven't been getting around the threads much.

Jenn, I wanted to check in and see how everyone is feeling. Are the kids any better? How are you holding up?

Everyone is perking up nicely, Anne, thanks for asking. I am pretty tired though. I want to have a small vacation. Trying to convince my husband that it would be a good idea to take the kids out of town for a few days...and leave me home. :)

Not sure exactly where you are - you're not near that huge fire are you?

Glad to hear that things are looking up in the health front. Best of luck with your vacation dream... :)

Glad to know everyone's starting to feel better. Good luck with your vacation plans... I wouldn't mind that myself!

We're near the fire, but not that near. It's pretty smoky here. My husband went by the fire yesterday on his bike. he wind is whipping right now -- that's not going to help. Scary.

I loved the Pern series in my teens too, and re-read nearly all of them a few years back. They may not be the most literary of reads, but I love the setting and the stories.

Book #39
The Heretic Queen

A very easy to read fictional account of Nefertiti and Ramesses - how they came to the throne - minus the story of Moses and the Israelite Exodus.

Book #40
Suite Francais

Set in France, this book is in two parts. Part one - Storm in June - depicts the panicked evacuation of Paris and the surrounding area as France surrenders and the Germans occupy. Part two - Dolce - depicts life in a small rural town during the German occupation. Part one is tense and rushed and there are bombs and planes and people dying. Part two is calm, quiet, but with a sense that life could go on just as it is forever. I thought that the endless calm of occupation was just as gut wrenching as the tension and fear of the first part. Most of the characters are unrelated, or only vaguely intersect. While this makes the flow of the story choppy, as a device it enhances the sense of uncertainty and the randomness of events. I thought this book was more of a study of human nature; how beliefs translate into action or inaction and how humans respond to stress, than a story of actual people or of the War specifically.

More great reviews, Jenn. I have Suite Francaise on my shelf. I think the story of the author, and the discovery of the book is so compelling. I hope to get to it soon.

I loved Suite Francais, too. I also read Fire in the Blood but didn't find it quite as engrossing. 40 books already - wow!

Hi Anne! I hope you like it. I think Dolce, the second part, was my favorite. The characters were more developed and so interesting.

Hey Joanne! How are you?

Hi, Jenn! Just catching up --- I'm glad you've been reading Heyer! Wish I had been..... I have Suite Francaise languishing on the shelf unread. *sigh* Meanwhile, I'm trying to imagine somebody stalking a knitter hissing "SSssssockssss! I want sssssocksssss."

I thought the appendix (or postscript, can't remember) was heartbreaking in Suite Francais.

>234 nittnut: - I'm well - just trying not to get blown away today!

Has your family all recovered?

Hi Peggy. Um, are you reading mysteries, or do I strike you as the stalking hissing type? Or have you been reading LOTR and Gollum has traded his ring obsession for socksssesss?

Hi Tarnglewood - I just took a peek at your profile page. We share some interesting books!
Dolce, the second part of Suite Francaise reminded me of Bel Canto. As the villagers get to know the soldiers, they see them as people rather than conquerors. They develop relationships and forget their respective positions. It was painful and sad when they remembered and had to readjust.

Hi Joanne! So windy! In fact, it would have been a lovely day if not for the wind. We're all well here. Thankfully. Trust us to catch the tail end of the flu season.

Book #41
The Bookseller of Kabul

The author lived with a family in Kabul for a period of time and was able to put together a very detailed picture of their lives. As always, with these stories about life in a traditional Muslim home, the situation of the women is intolerable to me. I don't seem to be equipped to deal with that basic cultural difference. I also wanted to smack the boys in the family. Honestly, respect for parents, including your mother is not just a Western concept. Just can't get my head around that.
One of the most fascinating aspects was the difficulty the young women had in giving up the burka and being able to go out of the home without it. They had grown up under the Taliban and the fear of doing something wrong was so deeply ingrained that freedom was terrifying.
The book was easy to read and interesting.

That sounds like a very fascinating read.

Agreed.... that does sound like a good one..

(Jenn, I was referring to your comment about For the Love of Knitting, "It's like pulp romance with a little stalking thrown in." I can't get my mind around that one!)

OH, see, I already forgot about that awful book. Knitters with stalkers. Good grief. Knitters are more cozy-like in my experience. Not high on stalker lists, I don't think. Besides, the risk of it. We carry pointed sticks for heavens sake.

A quick review of this month's reads - because I was curious how many I got off my shelf:

Non-Fiction

The Colony: the Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai - borrowed
The Bookseller of Kabul - off my shelf
Unbroken - off my shelf

Fiction

The Heretic Queen - off my shelf
Suite Francaise - library
Dragonsong - mine
Dragonsinger - mine
Dragondrums - mine
Dragonflight - mine
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall - library
Witch and Wizard - borrowed from my son
The Gift by James Patterson
The Skies of Pern - library
Graceling - off my shelf
Fire - library
How to Knit a Love Song well off my shelf

So, five books moved off my TBR shelves. Not bad. I think I may have overdosed on YA fantasy though.

Hey, Jenn! Just waving as I try and catch up a little bit. I am not reading everyone's complete threads though, just starting from here on out :)

Looks like a good reading month for you while I've completely slacked off last two months. And a little bit horrified that I've only read two books off my shelf since January:( Oh well, I need to save books for retirement, right?

Definitely some good ones there..
It makes me wonder if I still have my Anne McCaffrey
books tucked somewhere>

Hi Stasia! It's so good to see you around the threads! I hope we don't overwhelm you with our joy.

Hey Tanglewood. I had a fun month, lots of YA fantasy, maybe too much, but it was fun. Retirement, or some people are stocking up for the WWBF (world wide book famine). Either way.

Hi Kathleen! It was fun to get reacquainted with Pern this month. It's been a long time. I was hoping to get my 12 year old to read some, but he wasn't that interested. Maybe later.

I think I'd go a bit stir crazy wihtout a regular injection of YA fiction every now and then.

I used to really enjoy Anne McCaffrey ... I wonder why I haven't thought to read her recently.

So what's on the craft front these days, Jenn?

Yep Leonie, I agree. I really do love good YA fiction. Love the book art photo on your thread, by the way.

Hi Caroline! On the craft front. Well, I'm knitting legwarmers for my daughter and finishing a sweater for my FIL.
I had a spectacular failure involving shrinky dinks last weekend.
I am thinking seriously about making a framed magnetic chalkboard in my daughter's room. Something like this: http://goodbyecityhellosuburbs.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-magnetic-chalkborad.htm...
I won't even get started on the sewing stuff. However, I have a good friend who is helping me with lighting and staging and making better photos for my Etsy shop. I can't wait to get those done. We're having so much fun.
Glad you asked??

Sorry to hear that your son wasn't interested in Pern.. I bet if he read one he would be hooked. What they need is to have someone make a game of Pern!
That would hook in the young'uns :)

#252: There are actually a couple of games based on Pern. If you go to www.boardgamegeek.com and search for 'Pern' you can take a look at them.

New thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/113346