Jayde's (Jess) Reads for 2011

I can't believe a new year is upon us already! I am #221 on the intro thread.

Goals for this year:

1. Dwindle down the TBR pile (I'll post a cross-off list)

2. Buy less books - Use the library more

3. Attempt to keep up with the threads in this group! Post more - lurk less....continuing from last year.




In non-book news:

The TBR pile: (books that I own, that are waiting to be read)

Albright, Madeleine -Madam Secretary: A Memoir
Barry, Dave - Peter and the Shadow Thieves
Barry, Dave - Peter and the Secret of Rundoon
Bradley, Alan - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Bradley, Marion Z. - The Mists of Avalon
Bradley, Mickey - Haunted Baseball
Bridge, Andrew - Hope's Boy
Browne, Sylvia - The Two Marys
Carville, James - Had Enough?
Cheung, Theresa - The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays
Chima, Cinda Williams - The Warrior Heir
Clare, Cassandra - The Mortal Instruments Trilogy
Clark, Mary Higgins - Where are You Now?
Colfer, Eoin - Eternity Code
Colfer, Eoin - Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception
Creighton, Margaret - The Colors of Courage
Davis, Burke - The Civil War: Strange and Fascinating Facts
Davis, Michael - Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street
Diamond, Jared - Guns, Germs, and Steel
Dole, Frederick Howard - Sketches of the History of Windham, Maine 1734-1935
Drake, John - Flint and Silver: A Prequel to Treasure Island
Einstein, Albert - Ideas and Opinions
Eisenchiml, Otto - The Civil War: The American Iliad as Told by Those Who Lived It
Fasman, Jon - The Geographer's Library
Folsom, Allan - The Machiavelli Covenant
Frankfurt, Harry G. - On Bullshit
Franklin, Ariana - Mistress of the Art of Death
Funke, Cornelia - Inkdeath
Giovanni, Nikki - Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Grossman, Lev - The Magicians
Hardie, Titania - The Rose Labyrinth
Harris, Joel Chandler - The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus
Hodgson, Godfrey - A Great and Godly Adventure: The Pilgrims and the Myth of the First Thanksgiving
Horwitz, Tony - Confederates in the Attic
Jones, Diana Wynne - A Sudden Wild Magic
Kass, Pnina Moed - Real Time
King, Stephen - Nightmares and Dreamscapes
King, Stephen - Duma Key
King Stephen - The Dark Tower books 2-4
Kurson, Robert - Shadow Divers
Maass, Peter - Love Thy Neighbor: A Story of War
Maier, Hermann - Hermann Maier: The Race of My Life
McCaig, Donald - Rhett Butler's People
Murphy, Lynda - A Book Addict's Treasury
Orwell, George - Burmese Days
Peck, Richard - A Year Down Yonder
Phillips, Christi - The Rosetti Letter
Pollard, Alfred W. - King Arthur & the Knights of His Court
Preston, Douglas - The Book of the Dead
Preston, Douglas - The Wheel of Darkness
Ragen, Naomi - The Ghost of Hannah Mendes
Rand, Ayn - For the New Intellectual
Roach, Mary - Bonk
Rollins, James - The Judas Strand
Schmatz, Pat - Circle the Truth
Schwartz, Barry - The Paradox of Choice: Why Less is More
Setterfield, Diane - The Thirteenth Tale
Shakespeare, William - Henry V
Snickett, Lemoney - The Complete Wreck (books 1-13)
Stewart, David O. - The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution
Tammet, Daniel - Born on a Blue Day
Tannen, Deborah - The Argument of Culture
Tolkien, JRR - The Tokien Reader
Tolkien, JRR - The Silmarillion
Tolkien, JRR - Unfinished Tales
Tolstoy, Leo - Anna Karenina
Wroblewski, David - The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

January
1. Bonk - Mary Roach
2. Fun Home - Alison Bechdel
3. The Secret - Rhonda Byrne
4. Anne Frank - Sid Jacobson
5. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley
6. Fractured Fables - Inkdeath - Cornelia Funke
7. Inkdeath - Cornelia Funke

February
8. The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
9. City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
10. City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare
11. Expiration Date - Sherril Jaffe
12. The Violin of Auschwitz - Maria Angels Anglada
13. First Family - Joseph J. Ellis
14. The 60 Minute Money Workout - Ellie Kay
15. City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
16. A Book Addict's Treasury - Linda Murphy

March
17. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
18. Still Life - Louise Penny
19. The School of Night - Louis Bayard
20. There's a Baby in the House
21. Child Proofing Your Dog
22. Wesley the Owl - Stacy O'Brien

April
23. House Rules - Jodi Picoult
24. The Magician's Elephant - Kate DiCamillo
25. Haunted Baseball - Mickey Bradley
26. Born on a Blue Day - Daniel Tammet
27. Hope's Boy - Andrew Bridge
28. A Fatal Grace - Louise Penny
29. The Cruellest Month - Louise Penny
30. The Ghost of Hannah Mendes - Naomi Ragen
31. The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz

May
32. Fables: Legend in Exile
33. Peter and the Shadow Thieves - Dave Barry
34. Peter and the Secret of Rundoon - Dave Barry
35. Where are You Now? - Mary Higgins Clark

June
36. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley
37. Fables: Animal Farm
38. All Things Wise and Wonderful - James Herriot
39. The Authorative Calvin and Hobbes - Bill Watterman

July
40. The Lord God Made Them All - James Herriot
41. The Magicians - Lev Grossman
42. A Year Down Yonder - Richard Peck
43. A Sudden Wild Magic - Diana Wynne Jones
44. The Warrior Heir - Cinda Willams Chima
45. Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister KateBook
46: Your Pregnancy Week by Week - Lesley Regan
47: Your Pregnancy Every Woman's Guide - Glade B. Curtis
48: The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding

August
50. The Happiest Baby on the Block - Harvey Karp
51. Real Time - Pnina Moed Kass
52. Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

September
53. After 9/11 - Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon

October
54. Winter Rose - Patricia McKillip

November
55. You Better Not Cry-Stories for Christmas - Augusten Burroughs

Lined up for January:
The Mists of Avalon
Bonk
...and whatever else strikes the fancy.

Wow - your TBR pile list is that short?

Welcome back!

>5 thornton37814: lol Not sure, but I think those are books Jess actually owns that are sitting around her house, waiting to be read. I have an even smaller TBR pile. My TBR list, on the other hand, is pretty much endless.

Hi, Jess! Found your thread & starring it.

Yes...the TBR pile are books sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. My wishlist of books TBR is MUCH longer!!

Thanks for stopping by!

>8 jayde1599: I suspect I have several hundred books TBR. We have this "Million Dollar Book Sale" once or twice a year that benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs. A local company that deals in overstocks brings in books from its warehouse. When I first began to go, it was $30/box. (These are fairly large boxes, but they must close entirely.) They are now $40/box. I found less for myself this last time because I had a lot of the ones I wanted so I filled the box with books for our library. I knew what we had and what we didn't since I catalog the books. I also knew which ones were likely to be used. However, it's a great deal because I'm generally able to get about $800 worth of books for the box price. It does, however, have a tendency to make my TBR pile grow by leaps and bounds.

Glad to see you back, Jess!

> 9:Thornton - 2 years ago my library had a sale and on the last day, you could fill up a shopping bag (I had a reusable one) with however many books you could fit into it - for $1. I love book sales like that! A lot of the books in the TBR pile are still from that library sale :)

>10 alcottacre:: Nice to see you too, Stasia

Happy New Year, Jess! I'm looking forward to sharing your reading for another year. I think I have too many books in my TBR pile to list on here--but it's a good idea to have a cross off list--I might have to give it a try.

>12 ronincats:: Crossing them off gives me a little feeling of accomplishment in trying to read the books on my shelves.

Vacation is over! :( Back to work today and already it is promising to be a busy week. I hope I can find time to catch up on the threads already and maybe read a book!

Just stopping by to say Hi and Happy New Year!

Hi Jess!
Good luck with the 2011 goals! I like the idea of a cross-off list... hmmm

Book 1: Bonk - Mary Roach



What an interesting book! Mary Roach looks at the history of the scientifical study of sex, or as researchers like to call it: sexual physiology. Beginning with animal studies and moving on to humans, she dug up some interesting studies and experiments. Parts of the book made me a little squeamish - not because really content - but that people actually said OKAY to some of the studies! Picture no inhibitions in lab rooms or MRI machines...

This was my first Roach book and I look forward to picking up her others. Definitely recommended.

I have read a couple of Roach's books, Jess, Packing for Mars and Stiff. They were both very good. I hope you give them a try some time.

Bonk sounds really interesting - onto the wishlist it goes!

My next book is The Mists of Avalon, but I need something shorter to read along with it because it is just so long! It is at least entertaining though.

Hi Jess!

I like your Goals for the year....

#1 Dwindle down the TBR pile I need to do that *sigh*

#2 Buy less books - Use the library more I do that already :)

#3 Post more - lurk less I am doing now :)

I have not read Bonk yet but I have read Stiff and enjoyed that...Mary Roach I think is a hoot :)

So, you are reading Mists next? I truly loved that book but some here on LT didn't see what all the great fuss was about back in the 80's?.... That's why LT is such a great place we can all agree to disagree. :)

congrats on your first :)

kara

Book 2: Fun Home - Alison Bechdel



Read: January 7-8, 2011
Pages: 232
Date: 2006
Source: Library

Synopsis: A graphic novel depicting the funny and unusual childhood of the author. Many families have secrets but the Bechdel family has a few. Alison's father is a teacher and funeral home director who likes to restore their old house in his spare time. Her mother is an actress who spends most of her time rehearsing for plays and playing the piano. Alison and her 2 brothers are recruited into helping their father with work around the house. Her parents distance in child rearing affects Alison who yearns for closeness. She becomes close to her father through literature and coming out as a lesbian.

Pros: This is a fantastic book that is raw, witty, and entertaining. The graphics are well done.

Cons: That it ended.
Highly recommended

>20 curlysue:: Hi Kara
Yes I am reading Mists of Avalon right now, coupled with a few graphic novels to break it up a little bit. So far (I am only on page 250) I am enjoying it. It is a little dense with information, but the character development and plot are interesting enough that I want to keep going.

I am so far behind in my hand written book journal that I am going back to my old review format, so I can remember more specifics when I enter them into my book. I apologize if the reviews are boring.

#21: I already have that one in the BlackHole. Glad to see you enjoyed it, Jess.

SNOW DAY today!! I can get some reading done!

I hope you got a lot read, Jess!

passing through :)

Book 3: The Secret - Rhonda Byrne



Read: January 15-16, 2011
Pages:
Date:
Source: Library

Synopsis: A "self-help" book on thinking positively.

Pros: It is a quick read.

Cons: This is a book that I have always wanted to check out and never wanted to buy. I am a believer of positive thinking, but I knew I would have some issues with this book. I don't even know where to begin. I don't agree with a lot of what they say, especially that people have bad things happen to them because they are dwelling on bad things. For example, the book mentioned events in history where masses of people died, and I just don't agree with that. I do agree that people who think positively are generally more happy, healthy, and "lucky." And that it is difficult for a lot of people to get stuck in their negative thoughts. I also did not really like how this book was written with quotations from Secret "experts." They appeared to be talking down to the reader.

I really need some positive thinking in the next few weeks. So, I am glad I finally got to read a copy and I am really glad I did not have to buy it!

Not recommended. But still think positively!

The DH took me into the comic book store and bought me two graphic novels:
After 9/11: America's War on Terror (2001- ) by Sid Jacobson
Fractured Fables - various artists

I don't think this counts on my attempt to not buy any books.... It does add to my TBR pile though :/

I am still plugging away at Mists...around page 550. I feel it is getting a little redundant, but I still enjoy it.

OOps - I forgot to say "Hi Stasia & Kara!" Thanks for stopping by!

I haven't read Bonk yet but it is on the neverending wishlist. I loved Stiff and enjoyed Spook. Roach has a great way of looking at things!

I'm a fan of positive thinking. I think that negativity bogs you down and swallows you up. I also believe that positive people have the same 'luck' as negative people, they just handle it differently. I know a lot of positive people who have every right to complain and moan but don't and I know plenty of negative people who think that the sky will fall but everything is fine. Oh well the world is made up of all kinds!

just checking in :) hope you are well

>30 curlysue:: Hi Kara...doing well - enjoying the snow here in Maine

Yay!!! I finally finished The Mists of Avalon!! I had a personal snow-day read-a-thon yesterday. I read the last 300 pages or so. I'll post a review soon.

Right now I need to clean and bake some oatmeal cookies for some friends that are staying over tonight.

can't wait for your thoughts on Mists :)

Drive by "Hi!"

I've been wanting to peek into The Secret as well! I am extremely skeptical and am just floored at how many seemingly intelligent people got sucked into this book a few years ago. I too think that positive thinking is better, but the "Secret" method seemed to blame the victim and I found that vile. Now I'm curious what they said about 9/11!

#31: I had a personal snow-day read-a-thon yesterday.

I want one of those!

>27 jayde1599: & 34: I think the concept behind The Secret is extremely dangerous, bordering on racism. I'm all for positive thinking, but the way she phrases it, does that mean all the people who are dying of starvation & disease in the third world are in that situation because they have 'negative thoughts'? Or that the Holocaust happened because the Jews were having 'negative thoughts'? A woman walking down the street, minding her own business gets raped and her life is destroyed because she was having 'negative thoughts'? Byrne's thinking disgusts me, and I think Corrina used the right word: it's vile.

>34 callen610: & 36: This was one of the big themes that I disagreed with in the book. I understood the concept of "the laws of attraction' - that people may attract what they are dwelling on. For example: "I don't want to be late..." and you end up being late. Personally, I focus on not spilling food on my outfit and 90% of the time - it feels like I end up spilling something. The quote I was referring to when I mentioned 9/11 is here:

"Often when people first hear this part of the Secret they recall events in history where masses of lives were lost, and they find it incomprehensible that so many people could have attracted themselves to the event. By the law of attraction, they had to be on the same frequency of the event. It doesn't necessarily mean they thought of that exact event, but the frequency of their thoughts matched the frequency of the event. If people believe they can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they have no control over outside circumstances, those thoughts of fear, separation, ad powerlessness, if persistent, can attract them to bring in the wrong place at the wrong time." - page 28

>34 callen610: I made a mistake in my review - they didn't mention something specific about the event. I had been reading reviews about this book and that is where I read about the 9/11 example. I was so fired up that I was mixing up what I read. I will fix that in my review!

Wow...."frequency"?? I'd love for the author to try to explain that one.... What are you reading now, Jess?

Hi Jess,
awwwww... nice! Didn't know you were expecting! Just saw that.
When are you due? First one? Feeling good?

Better you than me! LOL
I think I'm even done with grandkids now. Don't want to think about great-grandkids for a VERY long time! Maybe another 15 years or so... oh dear. That doesn't sound so very long anymore! :( Scary!

I have to say that law of attraction for masses on same frequency sounds a bit far-fetched to me. Not a book for me. But I have a book my daughter gave me to read Growing the Positive Mind by Larkin. She wants me to read and let her know if it's any good. Maybe I'll pick it up soon. No LT ratings or reviews on it yet.

Jess welcome back from your LT hiatus!

yes I was pleasantly impressed with Yolen in how she integrated a classic fairy tale with the holocaust :)

what is your next read?

I disappeared from LT for a bit when real life became super busy the last few weeks...but hopefully I can spend more time here.

>39 -Cee-:: Hi Claudia! I am feeling fine - I didn't really have any morning sickness. I am due July 26 & it is the first! We are getting excited! - it didn't seem real at first :)

I have a few reviews to post - I finally caught up with my book journal that I hand write, I hadn't written since September!

Right now I am reading The Graveyard Book & Weird Encounters: True Tales of Haunted Places and I have 2 ER books to read: The 60-Minute Money Workout and Expiration Date. I'm looking forward to the latter book more.

Last year I read off my TBR pile by the most popular books here on LT. If I do that again this year the next 10 (that aren't part of a series) are:

Anna Karenina
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Duma Key
Calvin and Hobbes
Mistress of the Art of Death
All Things Wise and Wonderful
The Dangerous Book for Boys
The Lord God Made Them All
The Book of the Dead
On Bullshit

Some of these are quite lengthy, so I may try to spread them out this year. We'll see how it goes.

Book 4: Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography - Sid Jacobson



Year: 2010
Pages: 152
Date read: 1/23-1/24/11
Source: Library

Synposis: A graphic novel beginning with Anne's parents and the births of Anne and her sister. It continues with life in the Annex and capture. The illustrations are based on photographs and are well drawn and the book has a nice flow.

Thoughts: After reading the Diary of Anne Frank last year, and have enjoyed Sid Jacobson's other books, I thought I would give this a try. I enjoyed it and thought it added to the Anne Frank memory.
Recommended

Book 5: The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley



Year: 1982
Pages: 876
Dates: 1/1-1/22/11
Source: TBR pile since June 2010 - Nonesuch books

Synopsis: Mists is the epic tale of the women behind King Arthur's court. The book follows Morgaine, Igraine, Morgause, Viviane, and Gwenhyfar as they follow their destinies and struggle with free will. The book mostly centers on Morgain, who becomes a priestess of Avalon. She participates in the Beltane Fire ritual of the King Stag and becomes pregnant with Arthur's child. The knowledge that the baby is Arthur's destroys her relationship with Viviane and Avalon as she is distraught that Viviane could set her up in order to control Camelot.

She and Gwenhyfar are portrayed as opposites. Gwenhfar becomes a religious zealot, while Morgaine wants to preserve the old ways of Avalon. They both share a love of Lancelet which causes more friction between the two.

Morgaine considers herself a victim of fate as she watches Arthur and Camelot turn to Christianity. Morgaine does what she thinks she can to save Avalong, but she fights fate too late. Avalon and Arthur disappear into the mists.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, even though it felt a little dragged out. I liked that the focus was on the women and found that interesting - along with the fate vs. free will theme.

What are people's thoughts on the follow up books to Mists? Has anyone read them?

Book 6: Fractured Fables - Various authors



Year: 2010
Pages: 160
Dates: 1/24-1/25/11
Source: Casablanca Comics -2011

Synopsis: The book consists of various fables and fairy tales that are brought to comic form and told with a twist.

Pros: A good family book - there is nothing really scary or too mature for younger readers.

Cons: I thought it was going to be for older readers. Some of the stories were better than others

I can't really make a recommendation here.

Where did my book review go?

I can see it when I edit it, but it disappears when I hit submit!

I'll try it again....

Book 7: Inkdeath - Cornelia Funke



Year: 2008
Pages: 683
Dates: 1/25-2/2/11
Source: BJ's - TBR pile since August 2010

Synopsis: Inkdeath is the third installment in the Inkworld trilogy. Mo, Meggie, Resa are still living in the Inkworld. Mo finds himself living the robber's life as the Bluejay in the Black Prince's gang. Fenoglio stopped writing and Orpheus has picked up the story and added his own embellishments. He wants Mo to help bring Dustfinger back from the dead, as does Farid. The evil Adderhead is immortal, but his body is failing him. Ombra is in the hands of Milksop - the Adderhead's brother-in-law. Mo, Meggie and friends need to stop the story from spinning out of control.

Pros: There is a lot of action and adventure in this book. The book seemed to appeal to a more mature audience. Funke sure knows how to write good villians!

Cons: I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Inkheart and I couldn't even remember reading Inkspell! I had to go back & look in the journal - 2007. I feel like Meggie was not as strong as a character as she was in the first two books. It just wasn't really for me.

I have Inkheart in my TBR pile. Actually it's on my bookshelf at work. Thanks for reminding me it's there, I will have to start that one soon.

Book 8: The Graveyard Book



Year: 2008
Pages: 312
Dates: 2/3-2/5/11
Source: Library - wishlist since 11/2009

Synopsis: Nobody Owens lives in a graveyard protected by the inhabitants and his guardian, Silas. Bod's family was murdered by a man named Jack, who is still looking for the toddler who escaped him. Bod is able to move freely among the graveyard and has many adventures there as he grows up.However, he is alive and all of his friends are dead. That is, until a girl named Scarlett comes back. If Bod leaves the graveyard though, he is in danger from Jack.

Pros: I loved this book! The characters are endearing and the plot suspenseful. I am glad that I finally got a chance to pick this up, after reading about it from many members here in the 2009 challenge.

Cons: none

Recommended!

So here is a weird story... I cuddled with my dog this morning while finishing The Graveyard Book. When that was finished, I picked up Weird Encounters: True Tales of Haunted Places and began to read that. I got through half a page and my dog tries to jump in my lap, ears all erect, looking scared. She kept looking out into the other room. I tried to move her back to her spot on the couch, but she kept pawing at the book. I didn't hear anything, but she did. So, I moved out to the kitchen table, and she followed me, hiding under the table and between my legs. I was home alone and the cat was also out there and her ears are up and she is looking around. By then, I was a little freaked out...so I abandoned the book for today.

I used to love ghost stories when I was younger - that was my main reading material. I find myself becoming more chicken as I get older :(

Now I need to find something else to read for tonight....

LOL Can't argue with animals! Best to follow their lead most of the time.

I have The Graveyard Book and want to get to it more than ever now. Maybe I will squeeze it into Fantasy February. :)

I loved The Graveyard Book too, Jess! I am glad to see the book has found another fan.

Awwww, poor girly. Hope you found something else to read! It's amazing how they can sense things.

When my mum was a child, one of their dogs was friends with one of the cats. One day, he stood whining and howling at the kitchen door, and when he was let out, he ran to try and go to the road.

Once there, he wouldn't go out of the gate though. He just prowled the garden, very agitated. Later on in the day, they found that the cat had been hit by a cat and killed. He wouldn't walk down the road for ages afterwards though.

Oh my. How very sad. :(

My first cat ever was hit by a car and killed. Ever since, I have had only an indoor cat. I know Wooly would love to go out and play, hunt, etc. I hate to limit her natural instincts... but... it's way too dangerous out there! Where we live now there are too many wild animals that would love a cat for lunch. Not gonna happen on my watch.

Aww, the poor dog must have been heartbroken. My cat is an inside cat for that reason too. In the summer, I will take her in the yard with a leash because she loves eating grass. Luckily, she has no desire to go out in the 5' of snow we have here!

Claudia, definitely try to squeeze The Graveyard Book in for Fantasy February - it will probably be one of my memorable reads for the year.

Stasia, I think I put it on my wishlist when you read it awhile back... :)

Yeah, I think the dog was pretty upset. Don't know how much was grief and how much was seeing 'ghosts' though!

#55: Ah, a recommendation that someone enjoyed. Always good to know :)

Jess glad you liked Mists!...the only follow up to it that I have read is Priestess of Avalon. I read it awhile back but I do remember that it was a good read, just not as in depth as Mists

I really liked The Graveyard Book too :) it is on audio and Gaiman is the reader....listening to him read it is fantastic!

I second listening to Gaiman read The Graveyard Book he has a fantastic voice. It was offered on his website last year, I think. I will go check and see if it's still available.

Here's a link

http://www.mousecircus.com/videotour.aspx

I'm not sure if it will work, I'm at work and I don't want to try it here. :)

If I'm nervous and alone, I swear my cat freaks out just to scare me. Malicious little furball.

LOL, that's cat for you. I can see him laughing into his paw in the next room, plotting what he will do next!

Yup it works Carrie! funny, that's the site I used to listen to The Graveyard Book :)

I will have to try to listen to The Graveyard Book - so many people have said they enjoyed the audio!
Thanks for the link Carrie

I had a little bit of a book slump this week - the 2 ER books I need to read and review are just not really doing anything for me right now. So, I started City of Ashes.

Here's my review for City of Bones


Year: 2008
Pages: 485
Dates: 2/5/11-2/8/11
Source: Borders - 50% off 1/2011

Synopsis: An interesting fantasy novel that follows Clary Fray as she discovers Jace Wayland, a Shadow hunter. They are the fantasy world's secret police - keeping demons, vampires, and werewolves, and other creatures in line. Clary's mother disappears and she is drawn into a world that she knew nothing about, but is intricately tied.

Pros: I thought that this book would be similar to other teenage vampire series and thankfully it is not. Clary is actually a strong female protagonist, if not a bit annoying. I liked the variety of characters set in an urban setting. The plot moved quickly and was never dull.

Cons: The characters are somewhat stereotypical teenage fantasy characters. Their dialogue and interactions could be somewhat cheesy - but overall it was tolerable. I wish more time was spent on the actions and confrontations, as the plot was decent enough.

Looking forward to books 2 and 3.

#64: I read that entire series, Jess, and thought the first book was the weakest. I hope you enjoy books 2 and 3 more.

Book #10: City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare



Date: 2009
Pages:453
Read: 2/13/11-2/20/11
Source: Borders box set

Synopsis: The second book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy takes place shortly after where the first book left off. Clary is trying to deal with Jace being her brother and feelings for Simon. Valentine stole the second of the mortal instruments. They are still after Valentine, who is wrecking more havoc.

Pros: The suspense and action are great in this book. Valentine is truly a villain that is easy to hate.

Cons: Parts of the book are quite predictable and there is a great deal of teenage angst and tantrums.

Book 11: Expiration Date - Sherril Jaffe



Date: 2011
Pages: 200
Read: 2/12-2/26/11
Source: Early Reviewer

Synopsis: Flora has a dream in which she is told that she will die on her 60th birthday - this is her expiration date.

Pros: I like the idea for this book. By the end of the book, I enjoyed Muriel's character.

Cons: I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I could not get into it. It read like many ideas thrown together, but not cohesively. The timeline jumped around and was difficult to follow at times. The relationship between Flora and her mother Muriel was not fully formed and their relationship felt like it was supposed to be important. I did not form any attachment to Flora - and she is supposed to be the main character. It may have been better if it was turned into a book of short stories tied around Flora.

Overall: Great premise for a book - but not executed properly. I guess it was not the book for me.

Book 12: The Violin of Auschwitz - Maria Angels Anglada



Date: 2010 translation
Pages: 109
Read: 2/21/11
Source: Library

Synopsis: The story begins at a 1991 concert in Krakow, where a musician asks a female violinist where she obtained her violin. She said it was a family heirloom and then left the violin's story with the musician. Her uncle Daniel made the violin while imprisoned in Auschwitz, in order to save his life.

Pros: I enjoyed this short novel for its simple, yet compelling story. Daniel's story felt real as he struggled to survive in the concentration camp. I felt that the emotional content of the book was its driving force.

Cons: I don't know if the translation affected the story at all - but scenes in the concentration camp felt a little disconnected.

Overall: A quick and enjoyable read that focuses on hope and strength.

#67: I do not think that it is a book for me.

#68: I already have that one in the BlackHole.

Thanks for the reviews, Jess!

I think #68 is on my wish list already, but I'll make sure. It sounds like one I'd enjoy.

Jess - congratulations!! Do you know (or want to know?) if you are having a boy or a girl? I have a two girls - nearly 4 and 2 now.

The Graveyard Book was my favorite read of last year. It really stays with you. I heard Gaiman read some of American Gods on a podcast I was listening to about the Uses of Enchantment and of course it sucked me right in.

>69 alcottacre:: Stasia, avoid Expiration Date if you can. I really wish it had been better.

>70 thornton37814:: I hope you get a chance to read The Violins of Auschwitz - it's a quick, yet memorable story.

>71 callen610:: Callen, we did find out it is going to be a boy! I came from a family of 3 girls, and my mom was one of 5 girls. So having a boy will be a new experience. My husband is an only child, so nothing to compare there... We are excited though!
The Graveyard Book will probably go on my memorable reads list for the year.

Right now, I am trying to catch up on reading threads and books! I have The First Family, Madame Bovary, and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing out from the library. I am almost finished with First Family. I have also started City of Glass...good thing I am on vacation!

edited to try to fix touchtones...no such luck

I finished two books today: First Family - by Joseph J. Ellis and an ER book, The 60 Minute Money Workout - by Ellie Kay. I will post reviews soon. The Adams book was surprisingly good.

The Violin of Auschwitz sounds pretty interesting - I think I'll add it to the wishlist. Thanks for the review!

Book 13. First Family - Joseph J. Ellis



Date: 2010
Pages: 509
Read: 2/22-2/24/11
Source: library

Synopsis: John and Abigail Adams, in a way, knew that they were making history. They preserved much of their personal correspondence and journals for future generations. Luckily for history, they spent much of their marriage apart. Abigail stayed at their home in Quincy raising family and keeping the household, while John traveled for diplomatic purposes. When he became vice president, her health prevented her from joining him. She did finally join him at her side for his presidency.

Pros: The book was enjoyable and appeared to be thoroughly researched. Ellis included quotations from the letters and journals. He really tried to capture what the Adams' were feeling and their thoughts about the developing nation.

Cons: I thought he portrayed Abigail a bit weaker thought she was, especially regarding the couple's time apart. I visited the Adams National Historic Site last year, and my impression was that she was a lot stronger.

Overall good book - recommended

Thanks for the list. I found some of them at our local library - my #1 source of books, and others I put on my list for the rare occasions I buy books. Thanks again !

just passing through and catching up!

looks like you have been doing some really good reading!

The Violin of Auschwitz looks really good so I am adding this one :)

Book 14: The 60 Minute Money Workout - Ellie Kay



Date: 2010
Pages: 211
Read: 2/1-2/24/11
Source: Early Reviewer

Synopsis: Kay, who has made a living giving financial advice tries to simplify the process of money planning to 60 minute sessions with ones significant other.

Pros: I liked that she gave websites and passwords to items on her website

Cons: The book did not contain any outstanding financial information, for those who have had any budgeting experience.

Book 15: City of Glass - Cassandra Clare



Synopsis: The final installment in the Mortal Instruments trilogy finds Clary wanting to go to the city of Glass to save her mother. Things do not go smoothly and conflict arises. The friends meet mysterious Sebastian, who wants to help. The Shadowhunters and Downworlders must come together to try to defeat Valentine.

Pros: It was a nice ending to an enjoyable fantasy series. All of the loose ends were tied up and the plot moved along quickly. The whole trilogy felt well planned and arced out nicely.

Cons: Some of the dialog and interactions were a little cheesy, but not horrendous

Recommended

Book 16 A Book Addict's Treasury - Julie Rug & Lynda Murphy



Date: 2006
Pages: 236
Read: 2/26-2/27/11
Source: 2009 Santa Thing

Synopsis: An anthology of book related quotations and anecdotes, especially made for any bibliophile. Many of the quotes will make a book lover smile and relate.

Pros: A very enjoyable read. One of my favorite lines came right out of the introduction: "Pregnancy is the very best time to read, offering as it does an incontrovertible excuse for immobility." I guess I can relate to that line right now :)

Cons: none

Recommended

I finally caught up on my reviews for the books I read last week! I am kind of hitting a slump reading Madame Bovary. I started off really enjoying it, but now I am getting a little bored....

Also, following the John and Abigail Adams book, I have a few more books on the Revolutionary War in my TBR pile that I think I want to read.

A Book Addict's Treasury sounds like a winner!

ETA to add Added to my list!

It was a tough reading week last week with going back to work... My brain could only handle Calvin and Hobbes. Hopefully things turn around this week!

>82 tymfos:: I hope you enjoy it!

I love Calvin and Hobbes!

C & H rock!!!

I just can't keep up with LT this year :( So it looks like I will be here sporadically. Real life has just gotten a lot busier: the school year is winding down - so I have a lot of paperwork/meetings to prepare for, I just got accepted into a grad school program, baby coming in July, my sister is moving in later this year.....But luckily I still had some time to read. Here are the books I finished/couldn't finish lately:

Book 17: Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert - Lydia Davis translation



Date: 2010 translation
Pages: 342
Read: 2/25/11-3/10/11
Source: library

Synopsis: Emma Bovary is married to Charles and does not particularly enjoy her life. She is one of the original Desperate Housewives. She loses herself in novels, has affairs, and tries to get out of her marriage.

Pros: This translation was enjoyable and easy to read. It appeared to try to stay genuine to the original novel.

Cons: It can be tedious reading about someone's unhappiness. I really do not know what was "lost in translation."

Book 18: Still Life - Louise Penny



Date: 2005
Pages: 312
Read: 3/12/11-3/13/11
Source: library

I am not going to do a review because this is quite the popular book on this thread. I really enjoyed this book and I am not a big mystery reader. I can't wait to find the second book in the series. It was just the book I needed after a crazy week at work.

Book 19: The School of Night - Louis Bayard



Date: 2011
Pages: 338
Read: 3/13/11-3/17/11
Source: Early Reviewer

**Title touchstones not working... but the author one is

Synopsis: Elizabethan scholar, Henry Cavendish has been hired to find a letter that his close friend Alonzo Wax seems to have stolen. The only problem is that Alonzo recently died. The letter is from the Elizabethan scholars who were part of the School of Night - a secret group of academics.

Pros: Engaging and intriguing historical mystery. I had never heard of Thomas Harriot, who was a scientist and astronomer, before I read the book. My luck with ER books has not been stellar lately, but I think this book finally broke that streak!

Cons: Some parts were predictable, but that did not bother me.
Recommended!

Book 20: There's a Baby in the House! - Mike Wombacher



Date: 2001
Pages:124
Read: 3/27/11
Source: Mom

Synopsis: I am just getting ideas on how to prepare my dog for the newest addition to the family. Her biggest thing is jumping when she is excited, so we really need to work on that now! The book had some good ideas and some steps to train your dog with positive reinforcement.

Unfinished: Freedom - Jonathan Franzen
I got about 250 pages into this book and although I like it, the story is just not holding my interest at this time. Maybe I will borrow it again from the library, but I just have too many books on my TBR and a lot going on right now to try to plug away at a book.

Book 21: Child-Proofing Your Dog - Brian Kilcommons

Date: 1994
Pages: 88
Read: 3/30/11
Source: Mom

Synopsis: Another book my mother gave me to get Denali ready for Sprout. Eh, it was okay. The information seemed outdated. I preferred the other book better.

Book 22: Wesley the Owl - Stacey O'Brien



Date: 2008
Pages: 235
Read: 3/28/11-3/30/11
Source: TBR pile, June 2010 - Borders $3.99

Synopsis: Wesley the Owl is a delightful book about an orphan owl who was injured and could not return to the wild. Stacy, a biologist at Cal Tech adopted him and a 19 year friendship evolved.

Pros: The book is well written for its genre. The love, adoration, and loyalty is felt between Stacy and Wesley. It's a book that is difficult to put down.

Cons: All great animal stories have a bittersweet ending.

Recommended

Loved Wesley the Owl! Another instance of the connection that is possible between humans and animals.

"All great animal stories have a bittersweet ending."
Very true - but it's also the reality of our relationships w/animals. They just don't live long enough. :(

>92 -Cee-:: They do not live long enough.

Book 23: House Rules - Jodi Picoult



Date: 2010
Pages: 1025 (the library only had the large print version)
Read: 4/1/11
Source: library

Synopsis: I really dislike Picoult's books, but they are like an addiction - I can't stay away! The storyline behind this one is interesting: Jacob, a teenager with Asperger's syndrome is obsessed with forensics. This seemed like just another fascination, until he is charged with the murder of his social skills teacher.

Pros: Creative plot idea.

Cons: Horrible portrayal of a person with AS. Picoult gave Jacob every autism/Asperger's stereotype that has been mentioned in the media, except for a numbers fascination. To make up for this, she did at least mentioned Rain Man. Maybe there is a child out there like Jacob, but that was one part of the book that didn't sit well with me.

Book 24: The Magician's Elephant - Kate DiCamillo



Date: 2009
Pages: 201
Read: 4/1-4/2/11
Source: library

A charming story about a boy who goes to a fortune teller with the question of finding his sister. Her answer is to follow the elephant. This is a story about hope and love.

Book 25: Haunted Baseball - Mickey Bradley



Date: 2007
Pages: 275
Read: 4/1-4/2/11
Source: TBR pile - Cooperstown, October 2009

I got this book in Cooperstown when we visited the Hall of Fame on our mini-moon. I was most interested in the folklore about Fenway Park and the Red Sox, but overall most of the chapters were entertaining. I didn't care for the chapters that pertained to ghosts the players saw off the fields or at their homes. The chapters on team curses were good ones too.

Book 26: Born on a Blue Day - Daniel Tammet



Date: 2006
Pages: 226
Read: 4/2-4/3/11
Source: TBR pile - Borders 2009

I was a little hesitant to start this book, but I really enjoyed it. Daniel was not diagnosed with Aspergers until he was in his twenties. He is a mathematical savant, memorizing Pi to thousands of places, and doing sums and equations in his head. He describes how he visualizes numbers and words in textures and colors. Recommended

I will go back and add reviews to the last three books when I have more time. Right now, real life is calling. But, at least April is off to a good reading start!

Sorry I have been out of the loop for so long, Jess. Hopefully I can keep up with you from here on out!

Don't worry about keeping up Stasia. I am still trying to keep up with threads I last saw in February! I am finding it difficult this year to keep up with the threads and my own thread!

#99: LOL!

I added some thoughts about the books I previously posted. And here is one more:

Book 27: Hope's Boy - Andrew Bridge



Date: 2008
Pages: 306 ARC
Read: 4/4/11-4/6/11
Source: TBR pile - April 2009, Library book sale

This is a memoir about a boy who spent almost 12 years in the foster care system of the 70's and 80's. He was one of the lucky kids who stayed at the same placement the whole time. Although, the placement wasn't the best and it couldn't replace the mother he lost, Andy seemed to make it. He went on to college and became a lawyer for children in the foster care system.

#101: I already have that one in the BlackHole. I am glad to see you liked it, Jess!

just catching up with you!

*waves* Hi Jess! You are reading up a storm! ;-)

I liked Haunted Baseball too, -- though I enjoyed some of the off-the-field stories as much as the on-the-field ones . . . especially some of the creepy hotels they stayed in their travels.

Born on a Blue Day is one I really, really want to read this month for my "April is Autism (Spectrum) Awareness" thread!

Book 28: A Fatal Grace - Louise Penny



Date: 2007
Pages: 314
Read: 4/7-4/9/11
Source: Library

Book 29: The Cruellest Month - Louise Penny



Date: 2008
Pages:
Read: 4/10-4/13/11
Source: Library

I will post reviews at some point when I can think clearer...
I just got word my grandmother is not doing well, she is in her final stages. This kind of came on quick after she started treatment for cancer... I had hoped that she would be here to meet Sprout in July. So we had planned on visiting DH's family this weekend, but will be making a stop at the hospital too. :(

On a brighter note, I hit a bookstore sale this morning and picked up:

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
The Rosetti Letter
The Rose Labyrinth
The Thirteenth Tale
The Magicians
and a few kids books for my nephew's birthday.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope that she is able to be free from pain.

Some good books from the sale!!

so sorry to hear that jess

my thoughts are with you and your family

Jess,
I understand your wanting grandmother to be there for your baby's arrival. Sorry she is not well. Hope she gets comfort from your visit and her final days are easy as possible.

Looks like you went crazy at the bookstore! Nice haul.

Jess, I'm very sorry to hear about your grandmother.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. Our visit went well yesterday - she was kind of lucid and was able to recognize me. However, when I got home my mom called and said things were not looking good again. I guess it is going to be up and down for awhile.

Not too much reading done this weekend...I am in the middle of The Ghost of Hannah Mendes by Naomi Ragen

Book 30: The Ghost of Hannah Mendes - Naomi Ragen


Date: 1998
Pages: 384
Read: 3/14-3/19/11
Source: TBR pile - Library book sale 2009

Synopsis: Catherine da Costa is a wealthy matron, who comes to realize her family tree will be broken with her two granddaughters, who have no interest in the family heritage. Catherine sets out to teach her granddaughters of their past as the ghost of Hannah Mendes keeps her going. Intertwined with Catherine's story is that of Hannah - a wealthy Jewish woman during the Inquisition, who took over her husband's pepper trade when he died.

Pros: I really liked how this book started out. Having the dual time lines and interacting stories was interesting. The story flowed well until the dinner in London and then the book just crashed for me. Catherine was a great character, as was Gracia Mendes.

Cons: I did not like Catherine's granddaughters Suzanne and Francesca. I felt like they were whiny and not strong characters. I felt like their parts of the story dragged on and that they did not do anything to aid the plot. I felt like there could have been more action surrounding the search for the manuscript. The girls would start to look and then get caught up in romance and then poof - a piece of manuscript was found elsewhere.

I'm so sorry you're going through the up and downs of a fading grandparent. I've been through the same over the past three years: there have been at least three times that we have been told, or have suspected, that my grandmother had decided it was her time and would not wake again. Each time she has rallied round, but I know that one day, not so long away, she won't. It is the unknowing that is the worst.

But I hope she stays pain free, and can go with her loved ones around her, knowing she is cared for. So often, that is all we can give.

Thanks Jenny for your kind words.

That is the hope from all of us too... I just talked to my mom, it looks like things are not improving. So the plan is now to just keep her comfortable and pain free. They will begin morphine drips and hope to move her to a hospice nursing home soon.

I find this interesting/comforting - my mom and aunts have said that in the last few days she has been having conversations with my grandfather who passed away 7 years ago. One of these conversations involved hurrying my grandfather along to get dressed for my cousin's wedding. The wedding is this June. It makes me hope that she will soon be happy and "with us" again.

So my grandmother passed away last Wednesday. It came faster than anyone thought, but I am happy that she is now pain-free. The last few days were tough. I forgot how emotionally draining a wake and funeral can be...

Book 31: The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz



Date: 2004
Pages: 265
Read: 4/19-4/23/11
Source: TBR pile - Santa Thing 2009

Wishing peace for your grandmother, you and the family...

Jess

I was with my beloved grandmother during her months/weeks/final days of transition. She was in a coma, awoke and was talking to relatives and friends who had passed on. It gave me comfort and hope.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I send gentle hugs to you!

Thank you Claudia and Linda for your kind words. I was close to my grandmother growing up...I even lived with her when I graduated college. Unfortunately, I moved a few hours away so I didn't get a chance to spend much time with her in recent years. I was glad that I got a chance to visit with her a few days before she passed. She was able to recognize me and hold my hand. It makes me a little sad that one of the last things she wanted was to meet my baby, who isn't due until July. I hope that she can "be there" in her own way...

Jess.

I believe she will be there in her own way.

You know it! :)

Hugs for you and your family.

Thanks for all of the kind words! It really means a lot to be able to come on here and feel the support from my LT friends, especially where I haven't been around much this year.

So I think my free reading time is about to seriously decline. I just started my grad course and I already have 5 assignments due this week. When I finish the program I will have a degree in special education - with a concentration in inclusion. Most of my reading is now going to be sped related...

Or baby related...just started the third trimester!

Just thought I would stop by and visit your thread. Sorry to hear about your grandmother.

Good luck with your classes and all your assignments! Special education is always in high demand (even when schools are making cuts).

She will definitely be there with you, when you wish it.

I lost my dad when I was nine, and my grandfather when I was nineteen, and both were devastating. But over the years, they've popped by when I need them the most. It sounds weird, but it's truly not.

The night after my grandfather died, I 'saw' him, my great-uncle Roy (who died aged 20 in WWII) and my dad in a garden together, each doing their own thing. I had never even seen a photo of Uncle Roy but I knew it was him, and when I talked to my grandmother and described him, she confirmed it exactly.

I don't profess to be psychic, in contact with the dead, or would ever go to someone to find out about dead relatives, but there are certainly things in the world that cannot be explained, and I can't bring myself to be that much of a cynic.

> 127: Thank you for sharing your story. I agree with not being cynical. There are way too many things that happen in the world that can not be explained.

Book 32: Fables Legends in Exile



Date: 2002
Pages: 127
Read: 5/7-5/8/11
Source: Casablanca Comics - May 2011

My DH loves to complain about my book collection, but whenever I accompany him to the comic book store, he has no complaints about me buying a graphic novel. Go figure. It takes up the same amount of space and costs just as much as a regular book....

Anyway, I have heard great things about the Fables series, so I thought I would give it a go. I really enjoyed this first book - where legends of the fairy tale realm live next to mundane New Yorkers. I can't wait to read the following books in the series.

Jess, I was traveling for two weeks and fell way behind on the threads. Sorry to hear of your loss, but glad the end was not drawn out and painful. Good luck with your new graduate program. I have lots of professional experience with special ed, so if you have questions, just let me know.

Jenny, your story is an amazing one. I also know that my grandmother contacted me three times shortly after her passing. The way in which the incidents occurred left me without a doubt it was her.

For example, about a month after she died, one of my very good friends knew I was sad and asked me to join her and her husband for a night out. I went and was glad for the company, but was still in the throes of intense grief. Driving home, late at night, I thought of gram and her favorite hymn. I turned the radio on and a station that I never listened to before was playing "How Great Thou Art" at the exact minute I thought of Gram's love of this hymn.

Co-incidence? I don't think so.

Jess, I hope these stories bring comfort to you. All the best with your studies. Hugs!

Jess, I am sorry to be so behind on threads that I am just now learning about your grandmother. I can just echo everyone else's sentiments. ((Hugs))

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jess. Wishing you comfort and peace.

Roni, Stasia, and Terri - thank you for the kind words.

Linda, thank you for sharing your story. My aunt had similar occurrences after her partner passed away. I enjoy hearing your stories. Right now, I have been having dreams about my grandmother....I don't know if it is the pregnancy or what...

>130 ronincats:: Roni, I may ask a few questions down the road. Do you have any experience in inclusion? It is still a fairly new program style for me after spending 6 years in a residential day treatment program.

Simply stopping by to see how you are feeling today.

Feel free to ask anytime! We flirted with inclusion but never fully implemented it district-wide. It benefits a certain proportion of special ed students greatly; however, the rest of the special ed students do not get the intensity and specificity of instruction they need to progress under that program.

Hi Jess,
For awhile after my father died I had many dreams of him coming back to be with me. It was comforting in a way. He died suddenly and I needed to hang on - I was only 15 yo. Anyway, the dreams slowly and gently went away. Now are rare.
I don't think it's your pregnancy... more like your love for your grandmother and the emptiness you feel - surfacing from your unconscious. And maybe she is giving you a little more time... a little more love.
{{hugs}}

Hi Linda - thanks for stopping by. Emotionally, I feel great today. Physically, I am a little uncomfortable. I am starting to finally get bigger and my body doesn't quite know how to handle it yet :)

Hi Roni - I totally agree with that. Right now, I am trying to include limited verbal/non-verbal students into the reg-ed as much as possible. I see the social skills benefits, but academically, they need more of an ABA style program. It's trying to find that balance and work with regular ed teachers who feel that they can't stray too far from the curriculum. Luckily, my principal & most of the teachers are very supportive of me and my students.

Hi Claudia - thanks for the hugs and sharing your experience. My mom just shared with me that she and my aunts are having some of the flower petals from my grandmother's service made into beaded bracelets. I thought it was a neat memory keepsake.
One of my aunts had my grandfather's flowers made into a rosary.

I have been having some technical difficulties trying to access LT the past few days, but it looks like I am good to go today.

Book 33: Peter and the Shadow Thieves - Dave Barry



Date: 2006
Pages: 556
Read: 5/10-5/15
Source: TBR Pile

Book 34: Peter and the Secret of Rundoon - Dave Barry


Date: 2007
Pages: 482
Read: 5/19-5/22/11
Source: TBR Pile - Big Lots $3.00

These two books compile the Peter Pan Starcatchers trilogy by Barry and Pearson. They are both packed with adventure involving pirates, natives, Shadow Thieves, and starstuff. The books are aimed at the juvenile Disney crowd and can definitely seem a little young at times. Overall, they are decent reads though. The synopsis of the trilogy is how Peter met Captain Hook and friends before he came to live at Never Land.

Glad to see that the technical difficulties are resolved and you are back with us, Jess!

Yikes they changed the thread format!! I think I like it, but it will take some time to get used to.

Yeah, I am still adapting too, Jess. Since I have been here 5 years and it has not changed much in that time frame, I think this might take a bit :)

Book 35: Where Are You Now - Mary Higgins Clark



Date: 2008
Pages: 338
Read: 5/23-5/26/11
Source: TBR pile - mom

Quick suspenseful mystery

TBR pile - mom

Now you are stealing your mom's TBR pile? Yours is not big enough?! lol

Book 36: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley



Date: 2009
Pages: 373
Read: 5/30-6/10/11
Source: Borders $5.99

Not much of a review - but I liked this mystery, especially protagonist, Flavia.

Book 37: Fables: Animal Farm - Bill Willngham



Date: 2003
Pages: 112
Read: 6/16-6/17/11
Source: Casablanca Comics

I am liking this graphic novel series. This one picked up where the first one left off.

stopping by to wave hi.

i really like Flavia in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie also. And that reminds me that I need to pick up book 3 in the series A Red Herring without Mustard.

The Fables graphic novel series looks interesting. I think I might check it out.

Hi Linda!

>148 chinquapin:: If you do get a chance to read the Fables series, do so - it's a great series so far.

Book # 38:All Things Wise and Wonderful - James Herriot



Date:
Pages:
Read: 6/13-6/18/11
Source: Andy's mom

Another book about the country vet. This time Herriot balances tales from RAF duty, having a baby and his veterinary practice.

It's a sad day. In addition to our new baby, my sister and her 3-year old are moving in as well. In order to make space, we had to dismantle our library. We sold my comfy reading couch because we had no where to put it, and now bookcases are all over the house instead of neat and tidy in one room. Here are a few pics of my (old) library:







It will be an interesting transition, but a good one. Here is a partial picture of the baby's room:


We went with a woodland theme because we like outside and camping. And, I can tie in one of my favorite childrens books The Mitten by Jan Brett

I like the outdoorsy theme for the child's room!

Love the baby's room, and I see a space for a bookcase over in the corner! Sorry about the loss of the bookroom, but know you are glad to be helping your sister.

Hi Jess,
What a cutie nursery! You must be getting so excited.

Too bad about losing your library room... looked so neat and comfy!
Oh well... the next one will look good too. Someday. :}

Hi thanks for the room compliments. We had fun working on it. Hopefully the little guy likes it. We want to add a few more things, so it is almost done. I can't believe we only have about 3 more weeks left! Time is flying by!

Book 39: The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes - Bill Watterman



Date:
Pages:
Read: 6/20-6/30/11
Source: Andy

Rounding out June's reads were some "light" reading. Calvin and Hobbes is always a good time.

I love the photos of both your previous library (sigh) and your wonderful room for the baby (smiles).

Thinking of you and sending hugs and all good wishes for smooth transitions.

Calvin and Hobbes has always been my favorite comic strip. I love how Calvin's imagination has given him such a fun companion. I was very upset when Watterman retired the strip.

Book 40: The Lord God Made Them All - James Herriot



Date:
Pages:
Read: 6/25-7/2/11
Source: Andy's mom - in TBR since 2009

This is the fourth book, but only the third that I have read. I think I liked this one the least because it jumped around so much. It is still easy to follow and Herriot's story telling is still enjoyable.

Book 41: The Magicians - Lev Grossman



Date: 2009
Pages: 402
Read: 7/2-7/7/11
Source: Borders 2011

I am not sure what to make of this book. If I look at it as a parody of the fantasy genre, then I think it is brilliant. It is raw, dark, and edgy. If I look at it as the "Harry Potter meets Narnia for adults," I didn't care for it. The plot and character developments are weak. The story really aims at portraying how disenchanted Quentin and his friends are with the magical community and how they spend their lives looking for something better. I could have used more excitement though.

Love the pictures of the baby's room, Jess! Thanks for sharing them.

My 3 year Thing-aversery was Wednesday. I think I need to buy a new book!

No, no, you need to buy THREE of them! It's traditional. Congrats on your Thingaversary!

No, she gets to buy 4 books! Do not forget about the 'one to grow on' book!

Happy Belated Thingaversary, Jess!

I like your thinking Roni & Stasia! Actually, I am trying to talk the DH into buying me an e-reader (for the hospital of course). He suggested I read all of the books in my TBR pile first! I will have to work on this a little more.

Today was a crazy day! I took Denali to the dog park and as I was running (or waddling being very pregnant) to prevent her from trampling a little Jack Russel, I stepped on a rusty piece of wire. It went right through my sandal and punctured the bottom of my heel. Luckily the JR owner was very kind and helped me pull it out and hobble to my car. The DH & I spent the rest of the day going to doctor's appointments. One to get an updated tetanus shot and another for a scheduled ultrasound. Luckily everything looked good on the ultrasound. They are still predicting a 7 lb. baby.

Now I have a throbbing foot, a sore arm (from the shot), and a baby that looks like he is very comfortable where he is - in my ribs. Needless to say, I didn't get much reading done today. At least it is supposed to be less humid tomorrow!

Ooh, so sorry about your foot! Hope it heals quickly!

Book 42 A Year Down Yonder - Richard Peck



Date: 2000
Pages: 130
Read: July 10, 2011
Source: TBR pile 2010 (Saco library sale)

I really enjoyed this book about Mary Alice's stay with her Grandma Dowdel for a year during the Depression. Grandma is very resourceful and makes quite the stir with the neighbors.

What Roni said, Jess!

#167: I liked that one too.

My hubby keeps after me about buying new books (or going to the library) when I have TBR books piling up.

So....another advantage of an e-reader: I LOVE my Kindle as it is not obvious what I add on there. (hehehe)
No need to justify a new purchase... And many good books are $0 or very cheap.

I say any new Mom deserves a gift. Get a Kindle (or Nook)! ;-)

I am looking at the Nook, but I don't think I am opposed to the Kindle either. I have been looking at reviews, and they seem pretty comparable. I may go look at them today ;)

Book 43: A Sudden Wild Magic - Diana Wynne Jones



Date: 1992
Pages: 412
Read: 7/9-7/15/11
Source: TBR pile 2009, Library Sale

Thoughts: This was not my favorite book this year. Earth is being protected by a group of magicians in the Ring. Something has gone wrong and our climate is over reacting, so the Ring sends a raiding party into Arth, another world in the Pentarchy. There were more sci-fi elements to this book than fantasy, which may have affective my view. There were also different sub-plots within the larger plot that I didn't quite care for.

I hope your next read is a better one for you, Jess!

Book 44: The Warrior Heir - Cinda Williams Chima



Date: 2006
Pages: 426
Read: 7/14-7/15/11
Source: TBR pile -2009

I really enjoyed this book! Jack is a wizard who was born without his stone. As an experiment he was implanted with a warrior stone instead. He was raised without knowledge of who he is by his mother, who has no magical abilities. His aunt, an enchantress guides him on his way as his powers begin to develop.

The book is definitely aimed at more of a younger YA audience, but it was still entertaining enough for me to want to look into the rest of the series.

Have a good time at HP, Jess!

Monsieur and I have tickets for tomorrow at the iMax theater. Can't wait! Dinner after at a new sushi restaurant in town.

Jess

I'm thinking of you and hoping your foot heals quickly. Please remind me the date of your expected delivery of your baby.

Stasia & Mamzel: HP was a good time. I think it wrapped the movie series up nicely. DH was a little disappointed, he wanted more. He said he liked the book better - well isn't that mostly always the case? I won't get into detail about his complaints so as not to spoil it for anyone, but maybe we can have a discussion later.

Hi Linda - My foot is doing better, I am still keeping a bandage on it to try to keep it clean. I had to get the TDAP shot, which my OB said I would have received after the birth anyways in order to vaccinate against whooping cough as well as tetanus. The shot caused my arm muscle to hurt more than my foot! I can't imagine how you do the cortisone shots! My due date is July 26th. DH is hoping I go early, but I don't know if that is going to happen.

Fun News - I got a Kindle! I am having fun learning how to use it!

Congrats on the Kindle, Jess! Have a good time with it!

Yay, Kindles! Enjoy!

Book 45: Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - Nikki Giovanni



Date: 1996
Pages: 184
Read: July 15-16, 2011
Source: TBR pile 2009 - library sale

Thoughts: This book is a reflection of the Harlem Rennaisance through poetry. The poems reflect the energy and rawness of the time frame. The book is considered YA, but I would recommend it for older YA readers, as some of the themes in the poems were graphic. Overall, an excellent book.

I just got back from the Clam Festival and picked up 5 books at the library sale:

The Forest House - Marion Zimmer Bradley
Anil's Ghost - Michael Ondaatje
Silverhair - Stephen Baxter
Winter Rose - Patricia MicKillip
Heartlight - MZ Bradley

It was $1.00 for a bag of books - you could fill it with as much as you wanted. DH saw my bag was not full and asked "Is that all you are getting? Are you sure you don't want to look more?" This from the guy who says I have too many books!

Actually, they had a great fantasy section, but I didn't see much in the way of general fiction that appealed to me. Also I tried to stick to PB because lugging hardcovers around the festival in 90+ heat didn't seem to appealing either.

#181: Nice haul! I really enjoyed Winter Rose when I read it, so I hope you do too. LOL @ your hubby's comment.

I guess all of the walking at the Clam Festival triggered labor! Owen David was born a week early on July 19th. He was 6 lb. 3 oz. and 19 inches. We are all doing well - just really tired.

He is beautiful, Jess! Congratulations!

How beautiful! Congrats

Oh my goodness, very cute! Congratulations. I love how their little legs are all hitched up. Tiring alright isn't it! Good luck with the next few days and weeks. I hope he gives you a little peace and a lot of love.

Congratulations!

Congrats! Made him an LT account yet? :)

Ah, Jess! Beautiful is the perfect word! Little Owen is so sweet... you must be very happy.
Hope you are resting as much as you can... you did a great job!
Thanks for the picture!

I was thinking of you today and now, visiting your thread makes me smile! Congratulations on a beautiful, beautiful baby!

Thanks everyone. Definitely trying to rest up. I haven't gotten much (any) reading done in a week ! I can't bieve he is already 1 week old!

Congratulations on your new baby boy! He is beautiful. I hope you are getting some rest.

Beautiful! So glad everything went smoothly!

Congratulations, Jess! What an adorable baby! Glad you are all well.

Congratulations! He's adorable. :)

Hi again, he's still looking gorgeous up there! And only 4 days younger than my little boy :-)
Can you tell me what that thing on his ankle is? A monitor of some kind?

196: Hi - yes it is a monitor. Our birthplace is a locked floor with rooming-in birth suites. - only my husband or I or a nurse were allowed to take the baby out of my room into the unit. If the ankle bracelet got loose, it would beep at the nurses station and they would come check on the baby and make sure he was still with us. He also had the numbered bracelet that matched my husband's and mine. We had to read those before we were escorted out of the hospital.

It seems a little over the top - at least I know I left with the right baby :)

Here is a more recent photo with his eyes open. This was before he decided to pull an all-nighter last night:

#197 wow that sounds like intense security, I guess it must be warranted if that sort of thing is in place. My local hospital (where I was transferred after the birth) was so relaxed anyone could have come in done god-knows-what.

EEEEEEEK on the all-nighter!
Poor you, that can really put the next day out of kilter. I hope you made it through all right and tonight goes MUCH better.

3 weeks with a newborn learning how to breastfeed and trying to find time to sleep has thwarted my reading for the summer. :( I haven't read a "fun" book or my kindle since before Owen was born!!

I was besieged with baby books this year and have refrained from adding them, but since I have read 3 of them I will post them. It makes me feel like I have done some reading! So sorry to overwhelm any thread visitors with the baby book bonanza in the next post.

Quite an understandable disruption of RL, and baby books do count!

Book 46: Your Pregnancy Week by Week - Lesley Regan



Read: January - July 2011
Source: my sister

I liked this book much better than the What to Expect book. It gave me an idea of what was happening with the baby and my body during each week of pregnancy.

Book 47: Your Pregnancy Every Woman's Guide - Glade B. Curtis



Read: January- July 2011
Source: my sister

Ehh...this book wasn't that helpful. Besides it just echoed everything in the week by week book.

Book 48: The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding



Read: July 24-July 30, 2011
Source: Borders - recommended by hospital

This was one of the books recommended by a LC at the hospital. The other was The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding but this one was less expensive at Borders. And it had illustrations that I found helpful. I think it is a useful book for first time moms.

Book 49: What to Expect the First Year



Read: Currently reading
Source: My sister

I find this better than the What to Expect While Your Expecting book. I dislike how unorganized these books are. For example it will be talking about a subject and then refer to another page in the book about the same subject. I think it would be more useful if it were divided up into subjects rather than by reader questions. Who really has the time to be thumbing through this massive book? Not parents of newborns!

Book 50: The Happiest Baby on the Block - Harvey Karp



Read: June - currently still reading
Source: Shannon

The concept of this book is intriguing. The premise is that babies enjoy being swaddled, sucking, swaying, shushing, and another "S" I can't remember. These motions and sounds mimic the feel and sound of the womb. If parents utilize the five "S's" than their baby will be happy and cry less. We definitely don't have this method down pat, but swaddling has helped us get some sleep at night! I am going to try to continue reading this book.

Oh, my, how lovely...What a beautiful baby! Thanks for posting this photo. He has lovely eyes and looks ever so healthy. Amen

Love the new picture of Owen, Jess! I do hope he is sleeping better now so that you can get some rest.

learning how to breastfeed and trying to find time to sleep
If anything will thwart your reading efforts, that lot will!
Hope things with Owen are coming along nicely for you.

Hi Megan

Things are coming along fairly well. I think we are figuring out this baby thing....but then he throws us for a loop with something new. The highlight this week is that he is beginning to smile!

Book 51/ Real Time - Pnina Moed Kass



I finally finished a non-baby book since the baby was born!

Real Time is set in Israel and follows multiple characters through narratives as their lives are thrown together through a violent terrorist attack. German born Tommi went to Israel to find the truth about his grandfather's involvement in the war. Vera moved to Israel to embrace her Jewish herritage in a kibbutz. Baruch is a Holocaust survivor who is the gardener at the kibbutz. Sameh is a Palestinian illegally working in Israel.

The pain and sadness is felt throughout the book. Parts of the story were very moving. The only thing that I did not care for was the ending. I felt that plot points were not tied that nicely and I was left hanging. Overal recommended.

Yay a finished book. Nice work.

I think we are figuring out this baby thing....but then he throws us for a loop with something new.
This will continue to happen on a weekly basis, just when you think you've got a handle on it, they go and change their ways for no rhyme or reason. I have found it is virtually impossible to second guess a baby!

I think we are figuring out this baby thing....but then he throws us for a loop with something new.

I can vouch from personal experience that this phenomena continues at least to age 15. ;-)

The whole parenting thing does have its pleasant aspects, though. Glad you're experiencing one of the early ones -- those first smiles from baby!

Owen is taking a nap so I can finally post some of the new books I acquired recently from the Borders sale. Not that I have any time to read these as my grad courses have started. I hope to get to them someday....

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Columbine
The Host
Swan Thieves
What the Dog Saw
Slumdog Millionaire
The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Fables Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers
The Book of Love (The Magdalene Line)
The Secret Speech
Wolf Hall: A Novel
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole: Guardians of Ga'hoole Books One, Two, and Three (The Owls of Ga'hoole)
You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas
Star of the Morning

The most expensive book was the graphic novel at $7.00, the rest were under $5.00. This does not help the progress I had made reading books off my shelves, especially where my reading has now considerably slowed down. This brings the total # of books bought this year to 25 (yikes!).

Here is a picture of Owen beginning to smile - this was about 2 weeks ago...I'm not up to date on my photos yet.

Oh, what a beautiful baby!

He is soooooo cute! I want to nibble his toes.

okay one more picture....yesterday he began his 7th week. He discovered the animals on the swing:

Cute, I love his squishy arms and legs in the little photo!

Oh, what a cutie! :)

That's a great haul you got from Borders. I read Columbine when it first came out, and thought it was excellent.

ETA to fix typo

Book 52: Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer