Dk_Phoenix on Fire in 2011

Okay, I give in!!! I can't wait one more day...

Expect more random reading this year, and fewer ARCs... I read far too many terrible books last year, so I'm resolving to be pickier about the books I accept to review, and I plan to spend more time in the genres I love: Fantasy, sci-fi, YA, Children's, humorous women's fiction... and then history/mythology/archaeology, animal/science/nature, and other quirky memoir-style general interest or travel books. And world issues. And humor. All right, fine, I'll read just about anything if it's a good book!

Many of my reviews will be cross-posted to my blog where I talk about books & writing: Literary Coldcuts on Toasty Buns.

I read 150 books last year, but I'm actually hoping for fewer this year... which would be an indication that I'm working on my manuscripts instead, which I tend to avoid in order to do more reading... haha... heh... er... o_O

2011 Master List of Completed Books

(* = review not yet posted)

February

16) ...
15) Heat Wave - Richard Castle*
14) How to Ditch Your Fairy - Justine Larbalestier*

January

13) Blink - Malcolm Gladwell*
12) Warbreaker - Brandon Sanderson*
11) Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins*
10) The Girl in the Gatehouse - Julie Klassen
9) Little Princes - Conor Grennan
8) The Mysterious Lady Law - Robert Appleton
7) Bollywood Weddings - Kavita Ramdya
6) The Glass Castle - Jeanette Walls
5) Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman
4) The Raising - Laura Kasischke
3) Tyger, Tyger - Kersten Hamilton
2) The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett
1) The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan

Hi welcome back...
I've been trailing you on the welcome threads today! :)

Looking forward to seeing what you are reading this year

I'll be here :). I hope you enjoy 2011's reading more than 2010's!

Woo hoo - I'm with you on less ARCS! I always struggled with wanting to finish them. Got you starred again, have a Happy New Years!

Yay I hope you have a lot of fun this year and less bad books.

I feel your pain about reading less and writing more. Checked you blog and noted that the top entry is about staying on goal for writing in the previous year. I managed to read less and write more but not for the entire year. Progress, I guess. Here's hoping that we both meet the goal better in the coming year.

Wow, your blog is beautiful! I'm hyped about my current writing effort, but I know that won't last. I'm not certain being forewarned makes any difference, but we all keep trying. :)

Welcome back!

hi Faith, I was waiting for your thread to come, glad you are here *sigh* ;-)

Hi, Faith! I found you! I'm also with you on reading fewer ARCs ~ I didn't even request an ER in December (although I'm going to continue to check out NetGalley as there is no real requirement to finish a book or review it if you do, though I always review what I have managed to finish). Going to check out your blog, too.

Good luck with your writing goals. Mine is to write at least an hour a day (starting small) and to finish at least one of the three WIPs I've got sitting around on my computer.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on what you are reading in 2011.

found and stared!

Got you starred for the new year!

Hi Faith, good to see you here at last. I hope you are able to write more and read more of what you want to read. Some of those books you read....well lets just say it's a New Year!

Glad to see you back again, Faith! I look forward to your reviews in the new year.

Hello and happy new year! Looking forward to sharing more of our incredibly similar tastes. And I admire your book blog - I have wanted to start one for years and never get round to it.

"Literary Coldcuts on Toasty Buns"...you have unsuspected reservoirs of whimsy, Faith! Glad to see you here for another go-round.

Happy New Year, Faith! I'm looking forward to sharing your reading for another year.

Hi Faith...I have your blog in my feeder now and look forward to following you here, and on the blog. Like several others here, I'm resolving to cut back on ARCs--I did get a NOOK for christmas and NET Galley works really well with it, so I'm going to keep my eyes out there.

Cheers and here's to a great READING year.

Welcome back and Happy New Year!

I found you and your starred. Happy New Year.

>2 jayde1599:: Hi Jess!!! *waves* Ah yes, it's good times cruising around on the threads at the beginning of the year... lol.

>3 _Zoe_:: Thanks Zoe, me too!

>4 RosyLibrarian:: Thanks Marie, I always feel guilty when I'm reading an ARC and don't want to finish... but this year I'm resolving to just stop reading if I don't like it. "No more bad books!" should be my motto!

>5 mellymel171328:: I hope so too, Melissa :) Thanks for stopping in!

>6 blackdogbooks:: Hi Mac! Nice to know I'm not the only one :) That does sound like progress on your end. I'll second the hope that we manage to keep writing toward our goals this time around.

>7 jadebird:: Thanks Ren! It's so true... we just keep on trying, and hopefully that makes the difference in the end! What are you working on right now?

>8 drneutron:: Thanks, Jim!

>9 FAMeulstee:: Aww, you're too sweet Anita! Hope you had a great new year :)

>10 Storeetllr:: I'm with you on the NetGalley option, Mary! I like that the reviews aren't required (heck, I like that we don't have to even finish the book) and I'm finding that there are more books in the genres I like to read available on NetGalley as ARCs... so I think I'll still have plenty of books to review, but I can be choosier and only pick ones that sound fantastic. Good luck with your writing goals this year! What kind of project are you working on at the moment? I have my own slew of WIPs sitting around that need desperate editing and/or finishing... o_O

>11 BBGirl55: & 12: Yay, glad to see you here, Bryony and Roni!!!

>13 avatiakh:: Hi Kerry! You're telling me... I think I should post a memo above my computer that says "If the book is crap, STOP READING" or something to that effect. Here's to a new year, indeed!

>14 alcottacre:: Thanks Stasia, hope you had a great new year's! I anticipate adding plenty of books from your threads to my TBR list, and hopefully I can return the favor ;) haha...

>15 beserene:: Oh, thank you Sarah! I've had the blog for about five years now, but it's only been in the past year and a half or so that I've actually posted regularly. It's not always easy, and I admire the people who can post every day. Here's to sharing great reads this year!

>16 richardderus:: The Great Richard, on my thread!!! *faints* ... *is roused by the sound of a shrieking conure in the other room* ... ahh, whimsy is my default setting, but unfortunately the academic in me tends to take over all too often. That aside, thanks for stopping in, and lovely to see you here! I hope the new year is full of great reads and fewer sparkling cat gifs on your threads ;)

>17 London_StJ:: Egads, Luxx!!! If that's not a way to make an entrance, I don't know what is...

>18 ronincats:: Thanks Roni, to you as well! Here's to increasing TBR piles at a steady pace for another year.

>19 tututhefirst:: Hi Tina! Thanks, I have your blog in my RSS as well, I tend to be a lurker there as well as here on your thread, it seems :) I also got a Nook for Christmas, and I concur about the NetGalley ARCs! It seems like a much better option, we can be choosier about the things we want to review, and can give up if the book is terrible without feeling too guilty. In theory, anyway...!

>20 souloftherose:: Thanks Heather! Hope you're having a great New Year's weekend!

>21 DragonFreak:: Hello, fellow mythological creature enthusiast! :D Thanks for stopping in, Nathan, hope you get your reading year off to a great start!

Hello Faith
Welcome back. I'm glad to see you here.

Hello, Linda!!! Hope you had a great new year, happy to see you around :)

>22 dk_phoenix: Does NetGalley keep giving you books if you don't review, though? When I first signed up I requested and reviewed a couple of books, but then I requested too many when I wanted ebooks to take to Tanzania and I ended up not reading any of them. So I haven't been requesting since then, figuring that I had ruined my chance and had to catch up on all my previously-requested books before I'd get any new ones. Is that not the case?

Hmm... I have no idea. When I joined back in May, I requested 8 books or so but didn't have an eReader yet (I got a little too enthusiastic with the "Request Me!" buttons). I only opened three of them, and then sort-of abandoned the site until last week. When I went back last week, the rest of the books were still available to me! I sent in my reviews for two of the three, declined on the third, and then requested five entirely new books from two different publishers. Three of those books were given the go-ahead, and I'm still waiting on the ones I requested from Carina Press. So... it looks like your chances aren't ruined after all :) I think they might play pretty fast and loose with the galleys over there...

Hi, Zoe ~ I don't think it's the case.

Since July 2010, I've requested 21 ARCs, received 20, and reviewed 6 of them. Four of the 20 I received will never be reviewed because I didn't finish them, 2 because they were awful & 2 because they weren't my cuppa. Two are waiting to be reviewed and 8 are left to be read.

It doesn't seem that my slow rate of review has hurt my chances of getting new ARCs (I just received 2 new ARCs yesterday which haven't yet been added to my Kindle), although one of my earlier requests was declined. No clue as to why, but it was in a genre I don't read a lot of, so I wasn't too distressed. I'm just not going to request ARCs from that publisher anymore. (I don't do well with rejection.)

If that's not a way to make an entrance, I don't know what is...

I certainly leave my mark!

Oh, that's encouraging! I'll have to try again. Not that I don't already have more than enough books to read....

>27 Storeetllr:: Ooh, nice breakdown, that's very good to know. Interesting that you had one request declined. Well, bully for them.

>29 _Zoe_:: "Not that I don't already have more than enough books to read...." I know the feeling... I even bought 15 new books last week... and yet I can't help but continue clicking the little 'request' box on NetGalley... ahhh, stop the madness!!!

You know the old saying: "One can never be too rich, too thin or have too many books to read." ;b

Oscar Wilde: 'You can never be overdressed or overeducated.'

ETA: I include the above quote on my syllabus every semester. ;)

Um, I admit, I paraphrased that quote, kind of. What the Dutchess of Windsor actually said was: "A woman can't be too rich or too thin." I rather disagree about the thin part, but I think I can understand where she was coming from on the other, and I am sure she would have said something about books, if she wasn't trying to keep her repartee short & snappy.

"I am sure she would have said something about books"

You made me snort my tea.

Also, Luxx, I might include that one my syllabus this semester... if I thought the students would bother even glancing at the syllabus in the first place... sigh *facepalm*

Great quote, though, and very true.

>35 dk_phoenix: - I spend the first day of class reading the syllabus front to back, and holding them to every single one of the details I include. I'm not very flexible when they blatantly violate one of the course policies (for example, they are required to turn in all papers to pass the course - which happens to be a department standard).

I also include, "I never know what I think until I write it down" by Didion (that may not be correct - I'm not looking at it right now, but it'll be close).

>33 Storeetllr: - I wasn't trying to call you out! I just can't miss an opportunity to share Wilde. ;)

Happy New Year Faith! Hope it's a great year for you and one that is filled with good reading.

Haha, Luxx, I didn't think for a moment you were! I was just feeling guilty for paraphrasing and then not even attributing the misquote.

And you can quote Wilde to me anytime ~ love his wit and style.

ETA a word here and there to make what I wrote make more sense.

#38: We do not worry overmuch about making sense around here, Mary :)

Oh, I agree on quoting Oscar Wilde - is there anyone else in history who can always be relied upon for a quote on EVERYTHING?!

Happy New Year Faith - I didn't even know you HAD a blog, I'm off to check it out now... :-)

Happy New Year Faith! Like your blog. Congratulations on getting your short story published. And in the Solstice issue no less. Woo! I'm intrigued by a literary mag that actually has solstice issues. Must check it out.

Hi there! I have you starred and am looking forward to seeing what you read this year!

Found you:) I look forward to seeing what you read in the coming year.

Wishing you a year of Good Books, Good Friends and Good Health.

/returns to lurk mode:)/

Hi Faith. Happy New Year.

For those of you who are reading ARCs on Net Galley....how are you entering those in LT? I'm just about finished my first two, and I entered the work and then put it into a collection called ebooks, with a tag NetGalley. I really like not having to clutter up the house with a bunch of paper galleys, and am finding the NOOK much easier to read than I thought I would.

Just found your thread! **starred** =)

>45 tututhefirst: I treat it like any other book, and just add an "ebook" tag. I may use a NetGalley tag as well; I can't remember.

I use an eBook tag only. I'm going to go back and tag the ones that are NetGalley to distinguish them from the ones I buy or get from other sources.

ETA second sentence.

>36 London_StJ:: I've been thinking I'll do that too... if I don't go through every little detail, I suspect they'll never touch it. My class is on Monday nights, and it's full of students who don't want to be there (they failed a placement exam so they're required to take the remedial English classes), and I have every expectation that more than one of them will fall asleep from the get-go. To that end, I'm literally going to buy an air horn and set it down next to me on the first day of class. And I'm not afraid to use it. *mua-hahaha*

>37 thomasandmary:: Thank you! I hope your holidays were wonderful and that the new year is getting off to a great start :D

>40 elliepotten:: Thanks Ellie! Yep, I'm a blogger too... I think I've got yours on my RSS feed; I tend to lurk there now and again!

>41 VioletBramble:: Thanks Kelly! The mag where my stories got published has gone on hiatus for a bit, unfortunately, but thankfully the editor is still around and plans to strike it back up sometime soon. I'm submitting elsewhere at the moment, but my submission rate was abysmal last year. Here's hoping I can increase that count in 2011!

>42 carlym:: Yay! Thanks for dropping by! I can't remember if I've seen your thread yet, so I'll go double check that now...

>43 calm:: Thanks very much! I'm typically a lurker in your thread as well, so cheers to lurking about in a non-creepy way! Haha.

>44 Eat_Read_Knit:: Thanks Caty! Happy to see you back for another go!

>45 tututhefirst:: I've been entering them under a 'ebooks' collection too, and I think I'm going to follow suit with the NetGalley tag. I'd like to have them distinguished from purchases / acquisitions from other sources, as Mary mentions down in message 48. Seems to be easiest to organize that way. Isn't the Nook fantastic? I'm definitely hooked already.

>46 tapestry100:: Huzzah!!! Happy New Year, David! I suspect I'll be adding plenty of reads to my TBR list from your thread this year, so maybe I can return the favor... *mua-hahahaha*

>47 _Zoe_: & 48: I've entered an 'ebook' category in collections, but I'm going to go add the NetGalley tag now before I forget!

1) Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan

If you enjoyed the Percy Jackson series by the same author, you'll definitely want to pick up this first book in his new series, based around Egyptian mythology! I held off reading this for a little while because I'd heard two things: 1) It was too much like Percy Jackson, but still fun; 2) It was better than Percy Jackson. Either way I couldn't lose, but I worried that it might cause me to lose faith in Riordan...

I needn't have worried. Riordan has done it again, created compelling young characters with both strengths and flaws that work for and against them throughout the course of the novel. The mythology flows seamlessly into the worldbuilding, and the actions/consequences of actions are logical and serve specific purposes. I think one's preference for this series or the Percy series will depend on your preference for the mythological system -- if you've studied Classics, you'll be drawn to the Classics side of things, and if you've studied the Near East, you'll be drawn to Near Eastern mythology. I've studied both, and I'm thrilled that Riordan has created such fun books for readers of all ages.

If anything, the main characters in this reminded me a bit of Amy and Dan from the 39 Clues... but that's not a bad thing either! I can't wait for the next book in this series, and in the meantime, I'll likely tuck into Riordan's newest installment in his Camp Half-Blood world, The Lost Hero, which I heard is even better than this one. Is that possible?! I wouldn't put it past him.

Rating: 4.5/5
Acquisition: Borrowed from SIL

I've read that book already and the The Lost Hero. They're both pretty good.

#50

Definitely looks like something I'd enjoy, but I'm refusing to start series unless they are finished, so that means it will be a while for me to read this one.

Just dropping by to say Happy New Year and so you know I'm here.

>50 dk_phoenix:: I definitely liked The Lost Hero better than The Red Pyramid, but I think you were spot on when you noted that it's really down to mythological preference. I teach a lot of Greco-Roman mythology and almost zero Egyptian (though I am thinking I should change that), so there you have it.

One other difference: The Lost Hero is right in the mold of Percy Jackson -- it is a continuation of that series -- including the narrative style, etc. whereas I found that the narrative changes in The Red Pyramid were a bit distracting, so that also contributed to my opinion of each.

Looking forward to hearing what you think once you have read both! I adore Riordan for his respectful updates of mythology across the board, so my preference is really a matter of "liked" vs. "loved" and not at all a negative on either. :)

Yeah and also The Lost Hero combines Roman gods too as well as Greek. But Greeks and Romans are basically the same thing.

I'm still working on the Percy Jackson series, but once those are done I'm looking forward to The Red Pyramid. I'm glad it didn't disappoint!
Oh, and happy new year by the way!

>51 DragonFreak:: Always happy to see another fan of Riordan's work!

>52 lunacat:: That makes perfect sense to me :) ...it does limit some of your reading options, but then again, it also means less heartbreak and frustration when it comes to cliffhanger endings. I don't blame you one bit!

>53 sibylline:: Hello, hello! Happy to see you around! :D Hope week one of 2011 is off to a good start!

>54 beserene:: Ah, I'm glad to know my theory isn't just a bit of crazy that popped up during my thought process! I probably should have mentioned the difference in narrative in The Red Pyramid, because now that you brought it up, I did find the switch between points of view a bit disorienting now and then. I liked the effort to make the style of the book 'different' from PJ, so maybe it just bothered me because I wasn't expecting it. Hmm. Not sure. Either way, I'm definitely looking forward to The Lost Hero. And yes, you really should teach some Egyptian mythology too (and throw in some Babylonian gems while you're at it and really mess with the students' heads)! But I'm biased that way :)

>55 DragonFreak:: I'd have to disagree with you there... the Greeks and Romans are NOT the same thing! The Romans plagiarized the Greeks when it came to certain points of mythology/religion, indeed, but all things considered I would argue they're far from the same... :)

>56 wisechild:: Happy New Year to you as well! The Percy Jackson series was one of those rare series that seemed to stay strong throughout, right up until the final page of the last book. I was very satisfied with how it ended, and I thought Riordan did an excellent job of tying everything together. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series when you get to it!

2) The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett

Took me long enough to get around to reading this one! It was either last year or in 2009 that it seemed like everyone in the 75ers group was reading it, but better late than never, I say! :)

This short volume's premise is simple: Her Majesty the Queen quite accidentally stumbles across the traveling library that visits Buckingham Palace on a weekly basis. She feels it would be poor form to leave without borrowing a book, which sends the Queen down a bit of a slippery slope: She discovers reading and a deep love of books, literature, and discussion of said books, which quickly turns into an obsession. Reading comes at the expense of her duties, and she finds her interests and horizons expanded as she enters each new world between the pages.

Bennett's writing is quick, quirky, and charming. The only real downside to the book is how short it is, but given the premise, I'm not sure how much further he could have taken it (though I would have liked to see a bit more elaboration on some of the secondary characters' reactions). It's a lovely little volume, and a great testament to the power of books (and who among us couldn't relate to her obsession, let alone the sense of annoyance with one's 'responsibilities' when we have a great book to finish?).

As for the ending, I won't spoil it for you, but it was quite brilliant. The whole thing built up perfectly to that moment, and it couldn't have ended better.

Rating: 4/5
Acquisition: Recent purchase

Wasn't The Uncommon Reader charming? I think it was 2008 when it was such a popular item--I know I was a little late to the game and still read it in 2008.

I am waiting (and waiting) for book 5 of the Percy Jackson series to come out in paperback to read the last two books of that series--I should just get it from the library and go ahead and do it! It's been so long I will need to reread the first three to get back on board.

I have added The Uncommon Reader to the wish list. You made it sound very good. I can't believe it is January 3rd and you have 2 books read already. At this rate you'll be done with 75 books around the end of March!

Oh, The Uncommon Reader is another LT machine gun bullet that hits me time and time again. Maybe I'll get around to reading it this year as well...

The Uncommon Reader is a favorite of mine! I borrowed it from Sarah when it first came out, and I think I need to go pick up a copy of my own.

Oh man, onto the wish list goes The Uncommon Reader. It looks way cute.

I agree about The Uncommon Reader, but then I'm a sucker for book about reading books! Have you read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society or The Thirteenth Tale? I read those around the same time and they had a similar feel.

>60 ronincats:: Roni, was it really 2008!? Wow! I'm so behind on this train! Haha. But it was so adorable, I'd like to re-read it next year. Maybe make it an annual reading kick-off book or something. And don't you hate when publishers take forever to put the final book out in paperback? Hyperion is really dragging their heels on that one. Might have to just go for it from the library regardless!

>61 thomasandmary:: Thanks Regina! It's really a very lovely little tome. I'll be honest, I've read two other books as well that I haven't reviewed yet, but my January reading count is always substantially higher than any other month... I think it's the holidays that do it. This first week of January is always fairly quiet for me, but it's really the calm before the storm... I'm trying to read as much as possible before chaos hits next week when work starts up again!

>62 London_StJ:: I didn't realize you hadn't read it yet, Luxx! I wonder who I originally got the recommendation from... I suspect you'll quite like it when you do get around to it :)

>63 tapestry100:: Yes, get one of your own! It's one of those quick re-read books, and I can see myself lending out my copy to family members.

>64 RosyLibrarian:: Ah-hah! Hit you with my first book bullet of the year :)

>65 callen610:: I read The Thirteenth Tale in 2009 and really enjoyed it, but I haven't read Guernsey. I wasn't entirely sure whether it would be my kind of book, but there's been so much good press about it in this group, I figure I should at least give it a chance!

Guernsey is in my pile, a gift from an LTer in exchange for something I sent. I'm hoarding it for when I need a lift.

That's a good plan! I think my sister-in-law received a copy for Christmas, so I figure I'll borrow it from her if I want to read it. I'm glad I'm not the only person who hoards reads for certain times... my hubby has a few books he keeps insisting I read so we can talk about them, but I have to say "It's not TIME yet... I'm waiting for the right moment!"... he gives me strange looks at that...

Re: The Uncommon Reader: I also wished it was longer, but at the same time, it's nice to encounter an author who stops while he's ahead.

Oh, I definitely hoard as well. I'm saving a whole bunch of Georgette Heyer's for "just the right time."

There you are! Happy New Year to you. The Red Pyramid was my first book in 2011, too. A great way to start the year!

#68 I'm like that with movies, especially ones with subtitles!

Just added The Red Pyramid to my wishlist, haven't seen it or the author before, well not in my local bookstore, but it seems I have been missing out on something good.

Added my first book (The Uncommon Reader to my LT Recommended list from the 75 challenge, no thanks to you!

*shakes her fist*

I seem to be a lonely voice in the wilderness. I was not impressed with Red Pyramid and abandoned it about halfway through. It was too.. uhm. Y for me, if you know what I mean. And this was the first book I'd read by that author.

I need a bit more character development to enjoy a book, not just action.

>69 carlym:: Exactly! I was a bit surprised that the ending was just that, the end, but upon thinking about it I realized... would I really want it to keep going? It finished just at the right moment to create that 'punch line' effect.

>70 f_ing_kangaroo:: Ahh, so we're all in good company then...

>71 AMQS:: Oh, fantastic! Hmm, I don't recall if I've found your thread yet this year... I'm going to go make sure I've starred it so I don't lose you!

>72 avatiakh:: I'm terrible for saving subtitled movies for 'the right time'. I have three right now, and two of them I need to return to zip.ca so I can cancel my subscription... but but but it's not the right TIME to watch them yet!

>73 apachecat:: I'd recommend starting with his first series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. It was his first foray into YA, and very well done. And the series is complete, so there's no waiting if you like it!

>74 Morphidae:: *mua-hahahaha!!!* You're WELCOME.

>75 majkia:: Interesting! Maybe you'd like his first series better? I think this one suffered a bit from the shifting narrator, whereas the Percy Jackson series is all written in Percy's voice. Or maybe Riordan's writing style just isn't for you. :)

I'm planning to read The Red Pyramid eventually since everyone seems to love this author, but I have to admit that I wasn't overly impressed with The Lightning Thief and didn't read the rest of that series.

The Lightning Thief was definitely the weakest of the series. I wouldn't have kept reading either, except a friend had read the first three or so and lent them to me, demanding I continue the series and that it got better. She was right!

But as usual, it's all a matter of personal taste, of course!

The first book is almost always not as good as the rest of the series. I say if it doesn't get better by the second book, then you should stop.

Ok, The Uncommon Reader and the The Red Pyramid are on the want list. Thank you!

late to the netgalley discussion - but I haven't even read any of mine yet - realized right before I left work for Christmas break that all of the emails from them had gone into spam, and so I do have a lot - but I haven't been online on my own computer yet since to be able to see about how they work...

re: the lightning thief - oddly enough I loved the first book for some reason (never am sure if its the book or I was just in the right mood for it at the time) but have been disappointed in the rest (ran out and bought the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ones because of it, and then had to force my way through 2 and 3 and I think I still have 4 yet unread but I keep thinking maybe it will get better, lol)

>75 majkia:/77/81: Riordan isn't for everyone -- pretty much all of his books are written in a fast-paced, action-oriented style, which is very cinematic. Character development does get better in the later books -- it's as if he finally had enough clout that his editors let him have the extra length -- but these are definitely books written with the millenial attention span in mind.

That said, they are one of the hottest things in YA today, partly because of the style. I can't tell you how many kids and teens I've encountered who are genuinely excited about Riordan's three myth series, and consequently excited about the myths the novels use. As a mythology instructor, it makes me all warm and fuzzy to think that Riordan is priming my future students. He can be as Y as he likes, for my taste. :)

Agreed - whether I loved the 2-4th books as a librarian in my late 20s has nothing to do with whether they're great books for those actually in the proper age range they were written for! Compared to a lot of Children's/YA I've read, I think they're fantastic, and anything that gets kids reading and actually has some content to it I think is a good thing.

Still doesn't make sense to me that I liked the first one better - given from all descriptions it should have been the other way around, but oh well. I've never pretended I was "normal" lol - and while I am totally a Character-driven person in my book and tv tastes, there's got to be an exception to every rule, right? I am a Millennial, but just barely - sometimes I fit the characteristics totally, and sometimes I don't. (Case in point I love long books... then again, I think JK Rowling blew the myth of the Millennial attention span out of the water - do Millennials have shorter attention spans on somethings? yes, but get their interest and they'll stick out the long books no problem!)

Totally agree on limiting potential books-you-won't-like. I've found myself getting pickier, and since I only have time for so many books in life, I'm moving away from ARCs because they can be so hit-and-miss (more miss than hit for me, it seems. My pickiness ruins me).

I've been meaning to read the Percy Jackson series for a while, so I'm not excited, and intimidated, that there's a second series out there too.

The Uncommon Reader really is a charming, great little book. And perfect for people who like books (there seems to be a few around these parts!)

I'm also one of those that wasn't won over by The Lightning Thief at first, and even the second one was a bit iffy for me. But I just recently read the third one which I really liked. I actually went hunting for the fourth in the library today, but all there copies were gone. As a reader I was disappointed, but as a teacher I was heartened. Kids do really seem to respond to those novels and don't seem at all intimidated by their length because of the fast-paced style. Kudos to him for getting kids reading about ancient greeks.
I should say that part of the reason why I may not have liked The Lightning Thief as much at first was because when I read it, I had also recently read Gods Behaving Badly which is the adult version - and pretty delightful to boot.

*waves hi* Found and starred you for 2011.

Liked the Uncommon Reader when I read it last year. Not everybody got to it years ago.

>85 wisechild:: Gods Behaving Badly is one I had not previously encountered. I have read Leslie What's Olympic Games, which sounds somewhat similar, as well as plenty of retold myths in more serious style, but I will have to check the Phillips out. Any others you've enjoyed in that vein?

I read The Lightning Thief and wasn't overly impressed. I wasn't going to continue the series until my 11-year-old nephew said I HAD to read the second before making any judgment. I did and liked it a lot more than the first.

>79 DragonFreak:: Solid advice in most cases, for sure! I've given up on plenty of series on book one though, but then I feel guilty about it and tend to at least give the second book a skim to see if I like it any better... ahh, reader's guilt, such an odd creature...

>80 jadebird:: You're very welcome :)

>81 YoungGeekyLibrarian:: That is unusual! But I agree with Sarah, he's not for everyone (who is?), and as you say, anything that gets kids reading is a good thing overall!

>82 beserene:: I also love that his books are re-sparking an interest in mythology. This is good news for arts departments in colleges & universities everywhere...

>84 ty1997:: Too many books, not enough time is exactly it! If I'm not 90% sure I'm going to like the ARC being offered, forget it!

>85 wisechild:/87: You know, I can't believe that I haven't read Gods Behaving Badly yet, and it's been on my shelf for over a year now! I've got to remember it's there... Sarah, I haven't read Olympic Games, but last year I won copies of Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs, which are supposed to be like the Percy Jackson series but specifically aimed at girls. They look really cute and I hope to get to them this year.

>86 Landshark5:: w00t! Glad to see you here! And also happy to know I wasn't the only one on the late train with Uncommon Reader!

>88 Morphidae:: Ahh, the wisdom of children... and even if you hadn't liked it, at least reading it gave you something to talk about with him!

Thanks for reminding me about The Uncommon Reader. I'm another one who hasn't gotten around to it yet, hopefully I will be able to fit it in soon.

3) The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls

When a memoir opens with a scene of the author's homeless mother rooting through the Dumpster, while the author sits in a taxi on her way to an upscale New York society event, you know the rest of the book is going to be one crazy ride.

Truth be told, while reading Walls' book, I kept asking myself, "how is it possible that these children survived to adulthood, and became well-adjusted, contributing members of society?!?" From memories of rooting through school trash cans for food (because the only food at home might be popcorn, week-old ham with maggots crawling around the edges, or nothing at all), to creating her own braces with a coat hanger and rubber bands, to her mother telling her that she was just 'imagining' the attempted sexual advances of her uncle, Walls weaves her narrative in such an evocative way that you literally feel like you're right there in the memory with her, living it alongside her each step of the way.

And there isn't a shred of self-pity to be found: Just a straightforward telling of the narrative, plain and simple.

The horrors the Walls children endured, and the incredible resourcefulness of Walls and her siblings is an incredible testament to the sheer will of the human spirit in dire conditions. You just can't make this kind of stuff up.

Rating: 4.5/5
Acquisition: Purchased last year

Good review; Glass Castle sounds really good. I've got a copy sitting around here somewhere and have been meaning to get to it. Now may be the time for pull it out from wherever it's gotten to.

I've got a copy sitting around here somewhere and have been meaning to get to it.

Story of my life! LOL. There's just too much to read...

But when you do get to it, I hope you like it. Or find it entertaining, despite the shocking nature of the book. It definitely made me more thankful for my own parents, that's for sure...!

Another interesting book, this one is going on my wish list.

I am dodging book bullets left and right here, Faith. I loved The Red Pyramid, ditto for The Uncommon Reader, which I have now managed to read 3 times in the past 3 years, and liked The Glass Castle so much, I bought a copy for my personal library.

Hi, Faith!! Wow...looks like you've been busy the last few days....talking at least:) I need to go back to get updated on your thread, but...have to do that after work!! have a nice day:)

I also liked The Glass Castle. I don't typically like memoirs, but this one was very good and as you said, she wasn't filled with self-pity. It also helped me put my own dysfunctional upbringing in a bit of perspective.

>94 DeltaQueen50:: Hope you like it!

>95 alcottacre:: Well, there you go! Now do me a favor and only read books I've already read for the next week or so, so I can dodge them on your thread too ;)

>96 Apolline:: Have a great day at work! Yes, it's quite chatty around here, but I don't mind one bit :)

>97 Morphidae:: Exactly. So many memoirs seem to be excuses to indulge one's ego, you know? The straightforward narrative made all the difference here.

I'm with you on the ARC's and ER's, Faith. I've been asking myself why I continue to read hohum books (although I have read some gems) when there is so many recommended books I'd like to read or from my own shelf. Perhaps, I'm just hoping for the next Life of Pi or The Kiterunner and read it before anyone else does.

Great review. And there isn't a shred of self-pity to be found: Just a straightforward telling of the narrative, plain and simple. This level of emotion can really make or break a memoir, and it sounds like Walls really got it right.

I'd thank you for the rec, but I was trying to avoid adding to my wishlist this year. I made it ... Five days?

Punk.

I'm right with you Faith on The Glass Castle. Nice work.

I also enjoyed The Glass Castle. I was furious with the mother at the end! It is amazing to me too that people can live through such trying times and come out somewhat normal!

So glad your reading this year has go off to a good start The Glass Catle I read back in 2009 and The Uncommon Reader was the fourth book I read last year and I enjoyed both.

I have The Glass Castle sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. It's not quite the kind of thing I usually like, but I bought it for a group read a few years ago that I didn't end up participating in. I should really read the book eventually now that I own it.

You have read some good books this year. I liked The Glass Castle when I read it. The Uncommon Reader has been on my wishlist since 2009 - so you are definitely not the last person here to read it!

I'd heard about The Glass Castle but now I'll have to add it to my tbr list. I loved The Uncommon Reader as well, haven't read anything else by Bennett though.

As I have read these tomes, I slither through this bullet emporium unscathed.

*hugs* Faith

I read Breaking Night: Homeless to Harvard last year as part of the ER program and they compared it heavily to The Glass Castle. Since I liked BN I feel like I need to try TGC. Nice review!

Adding The Glass Castle to my wish list :)

Nice way to start the year! It keeps growing in 2011!

Looking forward to your thoughts on Tyger Tyger.

>99 Carmenere:: Yeah, it seems there aren't enough gems among the rocks to justify reading so many ARCs, for me anyway. Too many good books already out there waiting!

>100 London_StJ:: Five whole days, you say? *mua-ha-ha-ha-ha*

>101 sibylline:: Thanks!

>102 glassreader:: Oh, I know... why would someone choose to live that way? Why?!? It just didn't make sense. I think I might pick up Half-Broke Horses about her grandmother (and mother) to sate my curiosity somehow and hopefully get a bit more insight into why her mother was the way she was.

>103 BBGirl55:: Seems a lot of us have read these ones! It's rather nice to share reads with so many people :)

>104 _Zoe_:: It's not the kind of book I'd normally pick up either, but it was on sale at Wal-Mart for just a few dollars, so I figured "why not?" It's worth the time, if you have it.

>105 jayde1599:: Good to know!

>106 avatiakh:: I haven't read anything else by Bennett either... though I saw something of his in the biography section at the bookstore the other day. Didn't pick it up, but now I wonder what he's done to warrant a memoir or bio. Hmm...

>107 richardderus:: Unscathed, you say? Well, I suppose that means I need bigger bullets...! :D

>108 RosyLibrarian:: I haven't heard of Breaking Night before! I'll add it to the listy list.

>109 Apolline:: Huzzah! More books to be read! Ahh, the glorious futility of it all... :)

>110 _Zoe_:: I'm hoping to get that one up later today!

Faith, starred your review for The Glass Castle. I found it very memorable and purchased her next book, Half Broke Horses, although I haven't read it yet.

>112 thomasandmary:: Thank you! I've been thinking about picking up her next book too, I keep taking it off the shelf at the bookstore and carrying it around with me... haha.

4) Tyger Tyger - Kersten Hamilton

I wanted to love this book... I mean really love it. I thought a book about goblins sounded unique, and might present a fascinating, new spin on things...

Turns out that goblins are just fey by a different name. Turns out the author relies very heavily on exposition (let's call it what it is: infodump) in the first section of the novel, which nearly caused me to walk away from it.

Now, it's not all bad. In fact, once the second half of the book begins -- three months after the first half -- the action and characterization pick up in a significant way, and the story pulls you in because Things Are Happening. But by this point, we've lost the ability to make a meaningful connection to the main character. It doesn't help that the tragedy at the end of part one is glossed over, with part two picking up months afterward, because that means we lose that connection with character and story that comes through a tragic event.

What is the story, anyway? The main character's (Teagan) cousin arrives for a visit, but it turns out he's a legendary figure from Irish mythology and has goblins following him around. His presence causes tragedy to strike Teagan's family, including the kidnapping of her father. So, Teagan, her brother, and her cousin have to head into Mag Mel (goblin territory, ie. fey realm) save him.

There are also little things that bothered me about the story: Why do we spend so much time with Teagan at the chimp enclosure where she works? She's going to need sign language later, yes, so it's important that we know that, but the time spent here is disproportionate to the information's role in the rest of the book. I also wasn't overly fond of Teagan's best friend Abby, who seemed to be nothing more than a character of convenience. She's never in any real danger, and all her scenes could have been filled with walk-on characters instead.

The dialogue also becomes awkward at times, and the author seemed to overuse dialogue rather than allow much real characterization (or, as I've said, emotional connection to the story) to develop. Teagan, unfortunately, was the blandest of all, and she seems overshadowed by the other characters in the second half of the book -- she's just along for the ride, while everyone else has cool powers or abilities that actually solve their problems. Remind me why she's the main character again?

All told, the story itself is decent, and the continuing action in the second half of the novel was what kept me reading. I liked Hamilton's dedication to Irish mythology and her use of the correct types of Irish fey (uh, I mean goblins) since there are notable differences between the fey of England, Ireland, Scotland, and so on. For that reason, I'd recommend the book if you like books about fey or Irish mythology, but it's not going to be a great read for someone who needs solid characterization to get into the story. That said, I did read it in one sitting (after getting through the first section), so it was entertaining enough to hold my interest all the way through!

ETA: I also really liked that the romance didn't dominate the story, and -- believe it or not -- seemed more realistic than a lot of romance in YA. In this case, it started with a significant attraction and then cooled off a bit as they got to know each other... rather well done, I thought.

On the whole, I'd say I liked it. Not loved, as I'd hoped, but liked enough to read the next one if it happened to wander across my path someday.

Rating: 3.5/5
Acquisition: NetGalley

Maybe this book will help me connect with my Irish roots. Great review in my opinion.

Random question - does William Blake's poem actually come into play at all?

>115 DragonFreak:: Thank you! Who knows, maybe it will... hah.

>116 London_StJ:: Ooh, that was my other complaint that I forgot to mention... it's in there, but there didn't seem to be any logical reason for that poem in particular. If I recall correctly, the main character's brother finds the poem scary, so it's mentioned near the beginning and then doesn't come up again until they find their father and he's reciting it... but there doesn't seem to be any kind of connection that I recall. Unless I missed it, in which case the tie-in must have been weak. I suspect it just made for an interesting title that had nothing to do with the story.

I suspect it just made for an interesting title that had nothing to do with the story. That's what I was afraid of. Oh, bah. ;)

I'm sorry you didn't like that one more!

I liked it more than I think the review let on... I came across as a little harsh, now that I read over the review, but I did enjoy it!

Some books -- you are just so aware of how it could have been better -- so hard to convey that, and that you enjoyed it anyway.....I'm with you!

Exactly!!! I'm glad someone else understands my ramblings :)

Hi, Faith! Just finding your thread now, better late than never.

I keep reading good reviews of The Glass Castle and in one way it sounds interesting to me, but I think it might drive me crazy. One of these days I may try it.

Hi Terri! So glad to see you here!

The Glass Castle is somewhat crazy-making. It's the kind of book you read with your jaw on the floor and a sense of amazement, bewilderment, and anger. But it's very good, so if you can manage the rollercoaster, it's worth reading!

Hi Faith, I have also just found your thread and see I've missed out on a few interesting topics. My 5 cents worth on Percy Jackson- the first one was good but I struggled to begin the 2nd and gave up. Having said that we have them all and I know I'll go back for a second try, I've also bought Red Pyramid for my daughter recently and have heard great things about it so should get to it this year.

Your review of The Glass Castle is great and has me very intrigued.

Yay, I'm glad you found me! Well, not every book is for everyone, so maybe the Percy Jackson series is just not your thing? Or maybe it was a bad time to read them :) The Glass Castle is so interesting, but it's not a light read... it's very emotionally draining, so keep that in mind if you do choose to read it!

5) The Raising: A Novel - Laura Kasischke

I went into this one not really knowing what to expect, though I recalled David/tapestry100 recommending it on his thread. This was my first experience with Kasischke's work, and I can say with confidence that I'll read more of her writing in the future.

This novel is set at a university campus, with a heavy focus on Greek life. This was a bit of a turnoff for me at first, because her in Canada, Greek life isn't really the 'thing' the way it is in the United States. It's difficult for me to relate to girls enduring hazing rituals as pledges, because I can't entirely understand why anyone would want to join a sorority or fraternity in the first place. The whole concept seems ludicrous to me, but that's another discussion for another time... back to the book!

We begin the novel at the scene of a car accident, from the point of view of a witness. The actual story then opens several months later, and we learn that the girl from the accident died, her boyfriend has been blamed for it (but not convicted), and he's back on campus trying to deal with her death. The problem? Other students start seeing the dead girl around campus.

The story unfolds through several avenues: Flashbacks to the year before, when the couple met, followed by present-day action. Multiple points-of-view help tell the story through different avenues, allowing the mystery to reveal itself bit by bit, and each voice is remarkably distinct. None of the flashbacks felt forced, and none of the viewpoints felt out of place (though it did take a little while for one of them to tie into the main story).

I'll be honest: The amount sexual content in the book was off-putting, but I understand that Kasischke was trying to evoke the 'college campus' feel in her story (do students really hop in and out of bed with each other THAT often?! my undergrad experience must have been really sheltered...) and to be fair, none of the sex came across as dirty or gratuitous. It was extremely well written. It's just my personal feeling that she could have done without the graphic element in several scenes.

For that matter, the writing in the entire book reads almost... peacefully, if that makes any sense. It's like we're seeing the events unfold through a dream, removed from the situation and taking it all in piece by piece. I don't know how she did it, but this didn't seem at first like the kind of book I'd want to read, and then I found myself unable to put it down. And when I did put it down, it was only for a few minutes and then I literally could not get my work done until I finished the book.

I wouldn't say I loved it, because I didn't. What I did love was Kasischke's incredible mastery of tone, atmosphere, and character. The story was interesting, and I really liked the manner in which she played the whole thing out. I've never seen that format done successfully before, but clearly this author has the experience and skill necessary to write a book full of flashbacks and keep it moving forward at a steady pace.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but I also recognize that it's not going to be for everyone. That said, here I am five days after finishing the novel, and I'm finding myself still thinking about it and the way the events unfolded.

I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Rating: 4/5
Acquisition: NetGalley

What an intriguing review! I'll be on the look out for it.

It's definitely an intriguing book, if nothing else!

#127: I added that one to the BlackHole when David recommended it. Glad to see you enjoyed it too, Faith!

Yay for book bullets! LOL.

Hello! Found you! Better late than never, I say. Anyway here are a couple of random comments to all the 131 messages I just read. I put all my ebooks into a collection that I named Kindle (even though they are not all on my Kindle). Then I tag them NetGalley or ADE for Adobe Digital Editions so I know where I got them.

I also tag all books that I have for review with the tag Review. It helps me keep my review books more organized. Of course, being really "organized", I also have a Google Docs spreadsheet that lists all the books I have for review and is sorted by publication date.

I am among the group who has only read The Lightning Thief even though I have the rest on my TBR stack. I did read The Red Pyramid and thought it was good. The Lost Hero is till on the TBR stack too.

I added your blog to my Google Reader and hope to keep up with you there too.

Glad I found you.

Hi Kathy! Thanks for coming by! You have a spreadsheet for your review books?! I bow to your organizational superiority. That's some serious dedication!

See you around here and on the blog :) Yay!

6) Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman

Halfway through this book, I was wondering why I kept reading. I didn't care about the main character, and I found a number of the secondary characters annoying. Things were dull. Why didn't I like it? Why didn't I care what happened?

But, I persisted. And persisted. And persisted. And without warning, the story grabbed me, sucked me in, and came together in an enormous, unexpected way, and I wondered -- with a bit of sadness -- why Gaiman hadn't bothered to write a sequel. Yes, I wanted more.

Here's the thing: The main character is dull and uninteresting. But that's the whole point. That's the idea behind him, and for the entire book, he just wants to go back to his dull, uninteresting life, full of rote and the mundane. So that made perfect sense, once I used my noggin and thought it through.

Second, the very interesting main characters don't appear right away... but when they do? Well, I couldn't wait for the next scenes in which they featured.

The description was also incredibly detailed without being overwhelming. I don't know how he did it, but I can't remember anything I've read recently where the words crafted such a detailed image in my mind as I read, that it was like watching a movie play along in my brain... but at the same time, the description wasn't noticeable, or overt, or included in big blocks of text. It was subtle, painting the scene with little brush strokes until I forgot I was reading at all.

And everything came together in the end. Every little thing, even the tiniest gesture or mention or object from elsewhere in the novel, all came full circle in the end.

It took me a moment of reflection once I'd finished the book to realize that, after all the complaining I'd done once I started it, viewed as a whole the book was fantastic. Is fantastic. Very well written, very well put together, and wholly satisfying in the end. The more I thought about it and talked about it with someone else, the more I realized I'd liked it.

Ahh, Mr. Gaiman. You're subtle, but you're a master of your craft.

Rating: 5/5
Acquisition: On the bookshelf, purchased last year

Faith, it's even better when you consider that Neverwhere is the novelization of a screenplay. It was originally a made for tv movie in the UK. Actually, to me, it still reads like a screenplay.

Wow that was one review I won't forget. Very interesting.

Your thoughts on Neverwhere are pretty similar to mine on American Gods. I wasn't that into it until BAM! it sucked me right in and there was no thought of stopping after that.

I'm glad you liked The Raising - A Novel, Faith. The only other Kasischke that I've read so far is The Life Before Her Eyes which is amazing. I'd highly recommend it if you enjoyed The Raising.

Good review of Neverwhere, Faith! It kind of mirrors my experience of it, except I listened to it read by Neil himself and thus was sucked in a lot earlier.

I read Neverwhere last year and I actually expected that I would not like it. Well, it ended up being one of my top ten reads for the year. You are so very right, it sneaks up on you. Good review!

Neverwhere is actually the most recent of Gaiman's that I have read. I read it right after reading Connie Willis' Blackout and All Clear duology, where a lot of the action takes place down in the Underground stations, and what I loved most was how he used the existing Station names and fit his story right into them. I did enjoy it. After reading it, for the first time I felt I had a pretty good idea as to which parts of Good Omens were his contributions.

American Gods was just okay for me, but I do love Anansi Boysbest of all.

Good review, but I'm still not quite convinced to read it. I don't think I could deal with the dull and uninteresting beginning right now.

I have a colleague at work who urges me to read Gaiman about every week. Someday I'm going to get to one of his, just to get this guy off my back. Of course, he liked Ender's Game immensely and I really didn't like it much at all.

Glad you enjoyed Neverwhere! Your review's made me go and put it on my "track down and re-read" list. I've definitely read it, but my recollection of it is foggy at best.

#143: Mac, Gaiman's work is a much richer experience than Card's, to be honest - especially the grown up stuff. Try American Gods and Anansi Boys - they are well worth your time. Neverwhere is a shorter work to use as an introduction too, though not my personal favorite. Gaiman is one of the best modern fantasists, in my opinion.

Great review of Neverwhere! I, for one, am glad that you stuck with it!

Starting here and regretting that I missed so much! Just got back online. xoxo

134: After reading American Gods last year I needed a long, long, long Gaiman break, but you've reminded me to give him another try!

Hi! I'm getting a new project started to get together great recommendations for books by themes. I've called it Books By Themes (BBT) and your suggestions are most welcome! Here's the link.

Hmm, I'll have to pick up Neverwhere -- I like Gaiman's kids stuff, but haven't ventured past that yet.

>135 VioletBramble:: Oh, the TV movie came first? I'd thought it was the other way around (not sure why I thought that), but you're right, that does make it more impressive!

>136 DragonFreak:: Thank you!

>137 Kittybee:: I just wish it had sucked me in a teensy bit earlier! I'm really glad I didn't stop reading.

>138 tapestry100:: Thanks, David, I added that one to the TBR list and I plan to look for it next time I'm at the library. I've noticed that reviews for her books seem to have a similar thread here on LT -- comments about the dreamlike quality of her writing. I think I'd like to read all her books to learn how she does that, at the very least. She has such a unique voice in her writing.

>139 Storeetllr:: Thanks! Oooh, you listened on audio?! By Neil himself?! I'd do that. I'd love to hear it read out loud. I wonder if my library has it...

>140 DeltaQueen50:: The book, she is sneaksy! One of your Top Ten reads, you say? See, there's a reason Gaiman is so well known :)

>141 ronincats:: Interesting! I'll check out the Willis books. I'd like to read more in the Underground setting, so I'll take what I can get! I haven't read Good Omens yet, but there's a copy around here. I suspect I'll be trying to figure out who wrote what as well. Interesting that you liked Anansi Boys better than American Gods, it seems that his fans are split halfway on that one!

>142 _Zoe_:: Hah! Thanks, Zoe. I wouldn't recommend you read it if you're unsure. And if I recall, you weren't a huge fan of American Gods when you read it last year. Maybe his writing style just isn't for you? Or maybe you'd like his children's stuff instead. I love the creepy factor of his books for younger readers.

>143 blackdogbooks:: Ack, I hate it when people bug me over and over to read a particular book or author. It makes me resistant to reading it, even if I want to! Maybe you could just pick up a book of Gaiman's short stories and read one to get your colleague off your back by saying you technically *have* read Gaiman? That would only be a 20-page or so investment... haha.

>144 f_ing_kangaroo:: I can see that it would make a great reread! After Mary mentioned in msg 139 that it's available on audiobook, read by Neil, I think I'd like to reread it that way...

>143 blackdogbooks:/145: The styles of the two authors are so different, I don't think that they can be compared fairly. Especially when you consider Ender's Game is sci-fi and Gaiman writes modern-style fantasy. I tend to like the fantasy stuff better (unless I'm watching on TV/film, then I prefer sci-fi). Though I do like Card's fantasy writing. But it is quite different, to be sure.

>146 AMQS:: Thank you! I'm glad I stuck with it too :)

>147 suslyn:: Welcome back, Susan!!! Don't worry about missing things, start your thread reading where you're at, and you'll be back in full LT swing in no time!

>148 RosyLibrarian:: Haha! I've heard that said about American Gods before too... it seems readers are split on whether they like it or not. I'm going to have to get to it soon so I can find out what all the hubbub is about!

>149 Smiler69:: Thanks, I'll go check it out!

>150 foggidawn:: I love Gaiman's children's books, and this was my first foray into his adult work. I think it was a good place to start.

#148 I didn't get completely put off Gaiman by American Gods but it's certainly my least favorite of his (and it makes me put off reading Anansi Boys because of it)

#152 American Gods does seem to be either everyone's favorite Gaiman, or everyone's least favorite Gaiman...

I have a Netgalley copy of The Raising - A Novel that I now need to get to ASAP.

I set Neverwhere down at about 50-75 pages and haven't picked it back up. Looks like I'll need to though.

I definitely agree about being turned off an author because everyone said I had to read their books. I put off reading Anne of Green Gables until just a couple of years ago for that very reason.

As for Gaiman, I have read some of his children's novels and enjoyed them more, but they didn't have much of a lasting impact on me.

Gaiman is one of those authors that I really want to like, but I just haven't found one of his books that have done it for me yet...
Although I did like the graphic adaption of Stardust.

I loved Neverwhere too, Faith. I am glad to see it has found another fan.

>134 dk_phoenix:: Great review, Faith! Bumping Neverwhere up my tbr pile...well need to get it first, hopefully soon!

I loved Neverwhere too, prbably due for a reread so I'm keen to track down that audiobook version. And I really enjoyed American Gods.

>53 sibylline:: If you've enjoyed other Neil Gaiman stuff I recommend you give Anansi Boys a shot, it has a more light-hearted, much less dark tone than American Gods. I liked both, but of the two Anansi Boys is my favorite.

I'm currently reading The Graveyard Book, which I'm really enjoying. Like others, I haven't yet looked into Gaiman's adult stuff. I'll add Neverwhere to the pile.

>154 nancyewhite:: The Raising: A Novel is definitely worth it. Not a light-hearted read though, so be prepared!

>155 _Zoe_:: That's fair! I suspect maybe he's just not an author for you to spend time with :) ...too many other good books out there that you'd enjoy!

>156 jayde1599:: I haven't read Stardust! Though I did love the movie. I think I've seen the graphic adaptation around here and there, it would be very interesting to read.

>157 alcottacre:: Yay! We should form a team, since people seem to be so divided around here. We could have t-shirts! *Team Gaiman*! LOL.

>158 Apolline:: Thanks! Hope you like it when you (eventually) get there!

>159 avatiakh:: That's another vote for American Gods, in that case! Hmm maybe I'll actually get to it this year after all...

>160 Kittybee:: Interesting! Gaiman's fans seem to be split on which of the two is better. I didn't know that Anasi Boys is lighter, thanks for the tip!

>161 wisechild:: I think Neverwhere is a good transition book from his children's stuff, which I love too. Hope you enjoy it once you get there!

7) Bollywood Weddings: Dating, Engagement and Marriage in Hindu America - Kavita Ramdya

This slim but jam-packed (and small print) volume is a study in cultural anthropology, namely the manner in which Hindu Americans attempt to navigate their dual-ethnic identity as displayed through one particular, ubiquitous cultural ritual: the wedding.

Ramdya studied 20 weddings of Hindu Indian Americans, paying close attention to which aspects of the pre-wedding and wedding process displayed which aspect of the couple's cultural identity. What she found was a fascinating blend of old and new, ancient and modern, that allowed the individuals to express both their Indian background and their current status as American citizens. She argues that the both/and model is a way for Hindu Americans to reinforce both their ethnic and American identities, and that success in America does not need to come at the expense of one's cultural and religious heritage.

I found the study both fascinating and informative, if a little short. I wish that Ramdya had included specific details from more of the weddings she viewed for the study, but she focuses on about 5 or 6 throughout the course of the text. I wonder if there might have been a larger version of this study done for a university or as a thesis, with this being a condensed version for the public? I'm not sure. It would also benefit from some tables or charts, showing how things stayed the same/changed across the board.

As a result of this study, I do plan to read more books about Hindu Americans and how they navigate their cultural identities in the West. I'm interacting with Indian Canadians more and more these days as I teach Bollywood classes in my area and surrounding cities, and I'm wondering what it's like to be part of an ethnic group, holding onto your rich ethnic heritage while still being a part of modern culture.

If you find that you interact with Hindu Americans in your workplace or school, this is a good place to start if you want to begin to understand the challenges faced by second-generation Hindu Americans today.

Rating: 3.5/5 (some charts would have bumped it to 4)
Acquisition: Purchased last year

ETA: Trying to get the touchstone working... but no dice... blarg

I know a couple of hindu friends, one who was married a year ago in a 3 day elaborate affair and the stories he told at work were great. They really do know how to celebrate the big stuff.

re. Neil Gaiman, I've slightly missed the boat there but I found that Neverwhere is my hands down favourite so far and the only one mentioned on this thread that I haven't read is Anansi Boys which will be fixed later this year. I found that the wonderful juxtaposition of Richard and his dull life against all of the other larger than life characters in Neverwhere made the book come alive for me. I highly recommend the graphic novel version too.

I really don't need to add anything more to Mount TBR, but I'm sorely tempted with Bollywood Weddings.

Catching up Faith - I got Neverwhere for SantaThing this year so I am hoping to read it sooner rather than later. Glad you got into it eventually!

>164 KiwiNyx:: What I wouldn't give to attend a Hindu wedding! And the saris, so beautiful!

>165 Morphidae:: It's a good one! Might want to wait another few weeks though until the paperback is released... it'll be much cheaper and the hardcover is a bit pricey.

>166 souloftherose:: Ooh what a great SantaThing gift! Hope you like it when you get around to it :)

Faith

I've added The Raising: A Novel - Laura Kasischke, to the 2011 tbr pile. I hope my local library has a copy. It sounds like a fascinating book.

Regarding sorority/fraternity life, I've worked on a college campus for 26 years. Frat/sororitiy life is a huge part of the Lehigh University culture. Despite the many attempts by the university to minimize the impact, this institution thrives.

Many students who either are rejected from, or do not want to participate in this system have a lot to say about the negativity of it all.

Linda, that's very interesting, thanks for the insight! I find that I just don't understand the appeal of frats/sororities, and it's interesting you mention that the college you work at wants to minimize the role they have. I imagine there would be a public outcry if they were ever eliminated entirely, but I honestly have never heard a good story about them. Any stories I've read in the newspaper have been based around injuries/arrests/deaths from hazing rituals or poorly thought out pranks.

8) The Mysterious Lady Law - Robert Appleton (touchstone not working)

Steam technology, murder, and a touch of romance all combine together to make this a diverting, if not mildly entertaining, novella set in Victorian England. When a young airship waitress/music hall dancer arrives home to discover her sister has been murdered, she's even more surprised when Lady Law--Britain's most notorious and successful private detective--offers to take the case for free. Against the advice of a young Constable (who seems to take more than a professional interest in our heroine), she accepts Law's offer.

Between attacks on the heroine, Law's unnaturally quick resolution to the mystery, and a budding romance, the story presents a decently entertaining steampunk read, if a bit too short for the scope of the story.

I found that character development was a bit light--a result of the story's length, no doubt--and at times I had difficulty following the action. The description of places and things were a bit muddled, which made fight scenes a bit confusing as I couldn't quite picture what was happening. I also didn't think that one scene in particular (near the end, as our heroes attempt to learn what Lady Law is really about) was necessary... a bit gratuitous and out of place. I still can't figure out what possessed the author to throw it in there.

That said, it wasn't bad and it made for a nice, light, Sunday afternoon read, and I appreciated the author's efforts to include plenty of steam technology even within the shorter framework of the story.

Rating: 3/5
Acquisition: NetGalley (title officially releases Jan.31st from Carina Press)

Interesting review, Faith, but I think I'll pass on that one.

enjoying your thread, especially the bollywood talk :)

Hi Faith

I'm sending early birthday wishes for a special day on the 30th!

Hugs and many birthday books to you!

A couple very interesting reviews!

I'm on a bit of a Bollywood kick in terms of films, but I think I'll pass on the book, if only to avoid the frustration of "why isn't there more?!" It does sound intriguing, though!

Bollywood Weddings sounds interesting, so I am adding that one to the BlackHole. I already have the Robert Appleton book there.

Just posting an early "happy birthday" wish - tomorrow's going to be busy, so I don't know how much LT time I'll have.

Hope you're birthday's a good one!

In case I'm not around on the proper day, many happy returns!

Happy early birthday!

>171 thomasandmary:: Thanks, Regina. It's fair to pass if the description doesn't grab you!

>172 suslyn:: I love the Bollywood talk too :) ...I wish there was more!

>173 Whisper1:: Thank you so much Linda! Your example of care for everyone in this group makes us better people to each other :)

>174 London_StJ:: Fair call! I do hope she does more work on the subject and maybe publishes some follow-up material. I might try and track her down in an academic journal somewhere, as I don't see why she wouldn't have published in a peer-reviewed journal as well as in book format. If I find something, I'll post it!

>175 alcottacre:: Ahh yes, the joys of NetGalley! :D

>176 bell7:: Thank you so much! I'd like to think I'll get on here tomorrow too, but I think my family has plans to steal me away for the day... haha.

>177 London_StJ:: *bows* You are most gracious, dear lady.

>178 _Zoe_:: Thank you Zoe!

9) Little Princes - Conor Grennan

I bought this last week... sat down to flip through it... and then, as they say on teh internets, "I accidentally the whole thing!!1!".

This is one of those memoir/travel/world issue books, in this case written by a young man who'd intended to spend all his savings on a trip around the world before heading back to his comfortable life... but found himself so impacted by the children at an orphanage in Nepal where he volunteered, that he ended up making that his life's work instead.

The book is fascinating, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I don't have a whole lot to say about it, but I guarantee that your heart will pound and your jaw will drop as Grennan and the other orphanage volunteers discover a child trafficking ring, try to break the trafficker's power, and do absolutely crazy things like hike across Nepal to find the parents of the children who, truth be told, are not orphans at all (not a spoiler, it's on the back of the book).

One of the most incredible sections of the book is when Grennan goes searching for seven children he'd seen inside a woman's house... the children had been hidden there forcibly by a child trafficker, and Grennan found a safe place to extract the children to. But by the time the rescuers arrived, the children were gone. Rather than give them up for lost among the millions of Nepali children, Grennan vows to find them. All of them.

This is one book you don't want to miss.

Rating: 4.5/5
Acquisition: Purchased and devoured the same day!

ETA: I'm trying to get the touchstone to routed to the correct book, but I don't think it's working...

Oh man, your review gave me goosebumps.

I'm definitely going to be looking for Little Princes. That sounds absolutely fascinating!

>182 Kittybee: Ooh, that sounds like a great one! Added to the wishlist.

Thumb....nice review. Reminded me a bit in subject matter of Greg Mortenson's books. I will be looking out for that one.

Faith, I have an e-galley from the publisher on Little princes and had pretty much decided to take a pass on it, but based on your review, i'm thinking it's back onto the TBR pile. Thanks for the enthusiastic report.

Happy Birthday for tomorrow!

Yes, Happy Birthday - enjoy your day. I have added Little Princes to my wishlist.

Came here to wish you an early Happy Birthday and got zinged with a book bullet!

Just getting around to finding other threads I'd like to follow in hopes of recommended books, and it looks like we like a lot of the same things. I've only glanced through your thread so far but should have some time to pursue it soon :) I'll be back.

Happy Birthday, hope you have a great day. And that was a stunning review of Little Princes, I would really really like to read that one.

Since you might not be around tomorrow, Faith ~ HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Have a wonderful fun day!

Good review. Another book added to the wish list. (I've got to remember to wear my kevlar vest when I visit the threads to avoid getting hit by sooo many book bullets.)

Happy b'day, one day in advance. Nice review. Not necessarily my kind of book, but one to keep in mind.

Happy Birthday!

Great review of Little Princes. I've added it to the tbr pile for 2011.

And, Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Faith ! Enjoy your day.

Happy, happy Birthday, Faith! May it be a wonderful one for you!

Have a lovely birthday, Faith!

Happy birthday, Faith":) I hope you have a good one! Adding Little Princes to my wishlist, too!

Happy Birthday, Faith! I hope it's full of all that is good- including good books!

I've just noticed you have a blog and have added it to my book- blogs bookmark folder!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday and another thumb for Little Princes. It's on my wish list now and for anyone else that's interested, I saw it at Sam's Club last night for about $17.00.

Little Princes is also available on Amazon for $13.69, but I'm really not supposed to be buying more books right now....

The author of Little Princes is speaking Tuesday night here in town......drat short notice, don't think I can go. Only learned about it last night.

Holy cow! What town do you live in? Jeannette Walls last night and now this author on Tuesday. I'm turning green with envy!

Happy Birthday hope you had a nice day. I am going to add the Little Princes to my wishlist also. Thanks for a great review.

I'd like to recommend a very good YA book on the topic of selling children in Nepal, Sold by Patricia McCormick. I will try and get a copy of Little Princes to see how they compare.

Happy Birthday, although maybe I'm a day late? If so, hope it was lovely.

Happy belated Birthday Faith!

hi Faith
Belated Happy Birthday!
Bedtime arrived yesterday before LT was up again :-(

Happy belated Birthday :)

A belated happy birthday from me too!

Deleted because my internet was lagging and posted my message 3 times:)

Hi, Faith!! Read your recent review at your blog:) Is it okey for me to make a comment here? I wont reveal anything here, as I suppose you might add it to your thread too, but (as a big Jane Austen fan) just wanted to suggest you to join us for the next reading at the Austenathon. After Sense and Sensibility (in the middle of it now) we're doing Pride and Prejudice. So, if you want, you are more than welcome:)

Oh, and liked your review! Adding it to my wishlist:) Have a wonderful day, Faith!

>181 London_StJ:: The book will do that to you as well, guaranteed!

>182 Kittybee:-184: Rachel, Zoe & Mac -- thanks, I hope you like it when you get a chance to read it. It really is amazing.

>185 tututhefirst:: Yes, reconsider! I'd seen it around a few times but hadn't given it a second glance until I was bored at CostCo and absently picked it up... very glad I did.

>186 Kel_Light:-188: Thank you!!!

>189 Kassilem:: Yay! Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully I'll find your thread for a return visit somewhere amidst the craziness of our group. :)

>190 KiwiNyx:: Thanks so much! It was a great day... much cake was consumed :D

>191 Storeetllr:: Thank you! Much fun was had -- the family went to laser tag for a sound of complete silliness. It was glorious, except for the few bad sports on the other team who seemed ticked off that we beat them...

>192 Fourpawz2:: Thanks! And you know, I didn't think those kinds of books were 'my thing' either, until I started reading them... I guess you just never know. Though not all books or kinds of books are for everyone!

>193 AMQS:-198: Thank you very, very much, Anne, Linda, Roni, Kelly, Stasia & Bente! It was unexpectedly fab. I've had a few disappointing birthdays over the past few years, and this one was just pure fun. :)

>199 Soupdragon:: Yay, another blog reader! Do you blog as well?

>200 rubarbaru:: Thank you!

>201 thomasandmary:: Thanks very much! Yes, the book seems to be at places like Sam's, CostCo, and I assume Wal-Mart, for a bit of a discount. Worth checking out!

>202 _Zoe_:: Hmm... is there anyone with a birthday coming up in your family who you could "buy a gift for" and conveniently read it yourself first? Lol.

>203 blackdogbooks:: Oh my goodness! Wow! Were you able to make it? That would have been very interesting. And Jeanette Walls over the weekend? What a lineup!

>204 thomasandmary:: No kidding! The only authors we get around here are Cassandra Clare & Holly Black... they come to Toronto a few times a year, it seems. No complaint from me, but it would be nice to see some new faces... haha. Though, I think Temple Grandin may be coming in March.

>205 bbellthom:: Thank you!

>206 mamzel:: Thanks for the recommendation! I'd heard of that once before, and it's on my wishlist. I've put a star by it so I don't forget to look for it next time I'm out at the library or bookstore!

>207 sibylline:-211: Thanks very much Lucy, Marie, Anita, Jess & Heather! It was a good day all around :)

>214 Apolline:: Hmm... okay, okay, maybe I'll read it after all... so soon, I'm not mentally prepared! LOL, just kidding. I have a copy of P&P on my Nook, so I should just suck it up and read it. If you don't see me in the group when you're all ready to read, you have permission to come in here and harass me to get over there!

10) The Girl in the Gatehouse - Julie Klassen

Last January, I reviewed Klassen’s 2010 release, The Silent Governess. I didn’t have many good things to say about it, and I wanted to slap the main character. As you might expect, I went into this one with a bit of trepidation and a sprinkle of hope.

And you know what? I liked it. The Girl in the Gatehouse wasn’t as clever or surprising as, say, Lady of Milkweed Manor, but it was a refreshing story with realistic characters and a plot that moves along at a good pace.

Apparently this novel was heavily influenced by Jane Austen’s work (the author’s note at the end explains exactly how), and as someone who’s never read Austen before, I was surprised at how much I liked this book and am now wondering if I need to get off my high horse and read some of Jane’s work. Argh! And I resisted for so long!

Ah, but back to this book. Unlike in her previous offering, I found the main character for this book to be much stronger, even though her off-screen impropriety was much more severe than Klassen’s other heroines.

There were moments when the story dragged, or when I thought a subplot was getting a bit messy, but I wonder if that might have been due to personal taste—I’ll be the first to admit I’m unfamiliar with the conventions in ‘Jane Austen period’ (Regency) lit.

On the whole, I thought the author skillfully evoked the atmosphere of the historical period she was writing in, and I didn’t mind the characters or the plot. In fact, I’d recommend the book to fans of period historicals and Jane Austen readers.

The inspirational element of the book is very minor, and fits in with the period atmosphere, when majority of people were still attending church and claimed to believe in God. Discussion of God flows naturally from the text, and doesn’t overwhelm the story or even jump out in a way that would make you point and say “Christian fiction!!!”. It’s subtle enough to blend in, as you’d expect from a historical in any genre.

If Austen/Regency is your thing, give this one a shot! (And I’ll give Austen a shot… *sigh*… I suppose it’s about time…)

Want More?

Here’s a Q & A with the author! –> Questions with Julie Klassen on her latest release

Read an excerpt from the novel! –> Excerpt from ‘The Girl in the Gatehouse’

Rating: 3.5/5
Acquisition: "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

ETA: I'm not sure why the touchstones aren't working this morning?!

Ack, Faith deary, I only just realized I hadn't been following your thread! :( Well, I'm here now...

Oh, and the touchstones have been wonky ever since that power outage that knocked LT offline for several hours a couple days ago. *shrug*

>217 dk_phoenix: Duly added to the wishlist. I love Jane Austen and tend to prefer the subtler side of Christian fiction.

Faith, the Austenathon is ongoing, and everyone is still on the first book, Sense and Sensibility, so this is your chance!!

nice, I like a good historical novel to toss into the mix, great review!

>216 dk_phoenix:: Consider it done;)

>115 DragonFreak: it was unexpectedly fab I'm so glad!

>218 Ape:: I'm not offended... *sniffsniff*... not at all... *narrows eyes*... but you're here now, right? Right?!?!? *skips away cheerily*

>219 bell7:: Then it sounds perfect for you :) Hope you like it!

>220 ronincats:: That's what I'm hearing! Wait... hmm... does Pride & Prejudice & Zombies count in the Austenathon? LOL

>221 beeg:: Thank you!

>222 Apolline:: *looks around nervously for a hiding place* ...umm, just kidding? LOL

>223 AMQS:: :D !

11) Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking - Malcolm Gladwell

What an interesting book! I can't say it was particularly revolutionary, or immensely thought-provoking, or even that I fully agree with all of Gladwell's concepts, but I'm glad I took the time to read this one through.

The book takes a gander at the concept of 'thin-slicing', or making judgments/decisions based on split second information. Whether we're choosing an answer on a multiple choice quiz, making a first impression, or selling a car, split-second information and what we do with it can mean the difference between success and disaster.

Now, that seems to go without saying. Not exactly a novel concept. However, Gladwell provides a number of fascinating anecdotes to illustrate his points, which makes this book worth reading. My favorite sections were the ones that dealt with facial signals, ie. reading people effectively. Gladwell included a trial study with an autistic individual and reading facial expressions which was absolutely fascinating.

After reading this, there are a number of studies listed in his bibliography that I plan to search out for myself. I'd like to learn a bit more about how we process information, in particular how to better understand facial expressions (something that comes very naturally to many salesmen).

It's a quick read, so if it's something you might be interested in, go ahead and pick up the book. Who knows, you may even learn something!

Rating: 3.5/5
Acquisition: Christmas gift from my sister

I think I had more or less the same reaction -- Gladwell is good at choosing interesting things and he writes well, not too much, not too little.

I feel like the new girl who doesn't know anything (Actually I guess I am - new and unknowledgeable) but I figured the easiest way to get an answer to my question was to ask. Simpler than trying to find it hiding somewhere in the help pages. I like the way that you've added the cover art of the books you have read and are reviewing and would love to add this to my own list of completed books. Only... I can figure out how you've done it. Is it another touchstone that I'm unaware of?

>227 Kassilem: - Just html (for including an image). Others explain it better than I do, so I'll leave it to Faith or Stephen or someone. ETA: I think there's a link on the main page for useful HTML codes for threads... Nope, wrong. Sorry. :-/

Blink sounds interesting, but I think it's one I'll pass by for now. I will, however, throw in my suggestion that you give Austen a try!

HTML thread for how to post pictures.

If you don't know how to get an images URL, right-click the picture and choose "Properties," and you can copy it there, under Adress (URL).

Hope that helps.

224: You're not very convincing. :P

>>228 London_StJ:-229
Thanks!

I've read none of these books but I've put The Uncommon Reader and The Red pyramid on my list. Thanks for the recommendations. I've been meaning to read the first and hadn't even heard of the second.

Stephen to the rescue, just like I thought. :)

I read Blink a few years back and really enjoyed it. I recently finished his new one What the Dog Saw which I didn't think was as good but still an interesting read and we also have The Tipping Point which I think is the best of the three if you're planning on reading more.

I think Catey would love The Girl in the Gatehouse. Thanks for the recommendation, Faith!

Luxx:

>234 Ape: LOL I love that picture.

drive-by hug, Faith!

I'm so far behind on threads!! I just requested The Mysterious Lady Law from NetGalley, so we'll see if that shows up or not. I received Little Princes from HarperCollins for review and I wasn't so sure about it, but I'm glad to know that you enjoyed it so much!

Stephen, please add that to your album

Luxx: Oh no no no, I'm much nerdier than him, he'd make me look totally uncool! ;)

Blink has been sitting on my shelf for too long now--your review makes me want to pick it up soon. (But that happens with so many threads!)

I read Blink very recently too, and I agree with your assessment. I didn't agree with everything he argued, but it was an entertaining essay. The best bits were the anecdotes. I actually listened to this on audiobook, and Gladwell was equally enjoyable to listen to as to read.

>226 sibylline:: Exactly! And so, I'll read more of his work in the future, when I feel like a little break from everything else.

>227 Kassilem:/230: I'm glad Stephen came to the rescue for you! What a gentleman. :D I hope you enjoy the books whenever you get to them! Both have a lot of fans in this group.

>228 London_StJ:: You and the rest of LT, it seems! My cousin has even threatened to buy me some Austen for next Christmas if I don't read it before then... so I'd better get my butt in gear and join the upcoming P & P read!

>229 Ape:: Well, I *was* giving you the benefit of the doubt... this time... :D Also, I agree with Luxx. It should be your LT new profile pic!!! Ladies love superheros...

>232 KiwiNyx:: I do plan on reading The Tipping Point sometime this year; I have a copy ready to go. I've also heard that his latest, Outliers, is the best of them all! I'm waiting eagerly for it to release in paperback.

>233 alcottacre:: You're welcome! Hope Catey likes it :)

>236 richardderus:: Drive-by hugs are the best! :D ...it's the lingering ones that get a bit awkward... LOL.

>237 tapestry100:: Yes, definitely give Little Princes a shot. It's better than it sounds! I hope you like The Mysterious Lady Law (hmm, touchstone doesn't seem to be working for that one), or at least find it a decent diversion. Don't feel bad about being behind on threads, I'm behind too even though I was able to keep up last year. There's just so many people posting consistently this year, I have to admit that I'll never keep on top of it and just do what I can. It's good to see you around when you're able to stop in! :)

>240 carlym:: Oh, I know! I need three heads to be able to read everything I want to read right now. It's madness!

>241 wisechild:: Audiobook would be good! Maybe I'll try that for one of his other books. He certainly has a way with presenting anecdotes in a highly entertaining way.

Outliers is one we have that I haven't read yet, although we've had it a couple of years now. I thought What the Dog Saw was his latest.. now I'm confused. Really good author though.

No, you're right!... but for whatever reason, What the Dog Saw is out in paperback already and Outliers isn't. It's weird, I don't know why! Poor wording on my part, sorry!

234- That photo is hilarious...

Belated wishes for a wonderful year! Missed you here and on FB! grrr.

Well my library has the Klassen book and I've now got it on hold. One would expect I might just like it.

Haven't read Austen?! *gasp*

I know, I know... the horror! LOL.

Looking forward to your thoughts on the Klassen book... I'm interested to know what someone who *has* read Austen thinks about it :)

12) Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness - Bryan Lee O'Malley

The continuing adventures of Scott Pilgrim and his friends... this is volume 3, where the high points are an ex-boyfriend's psychic superpowers due to veganism, and the resulting duel surrounding it.

Entertainment value = high, brain function = low. Plenty of clever puns, jokes, pop culture references, and comments that would likely leave Boomers scratching their heads in confusion. If you're not one for random humor, stay far away from Scott Pilgrim!

Otherwise, these books are a lot of fun and the quality of writing/drawing/humor has stayed high through the series thus far.

Rating: 4/5
Acquisition: Purchased the set for El Husbando for Christmas (by which I really mean, for me, as he hasn't touched them yet...)

I should add, I also loved the part in the story with Honest Ed's... I've been there! Lots of great Canadian content and hidden Canadian gems in the art panels.

I really enjoyed the entire Scott Pilgrim series. They were fun, quick reads and the Canadian content made it that much more awesome. Plus it includes *SPOILER WARNING* several scenes in the public library which always makes me happy. *END SPOILERS* If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend watching Scott Pilgrim vs. The World when you've finished reading them all. It's a really great adaptation.

Haven't read the books but I saw the movie 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World two weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I have no idea from which (perhaps all?) of the books it draws from but it was so much fun to watch.

Had a friend who was going to give us free tickets to the advance screening of the movie but at the time we looked at the poster and were like...What the heck is this..hadn't heard anything about it before??? so we didn't go but now its all the rave! I guess we really missed out there :/

#251 The film is based on all six books.

>250 MickyFine:: I saw the film after reading the first book, and LOVED it. They did a great job with it, and now that I'm reading the rest of the books, I can appreciate how well done the film was! In fact, I want to watch it again. This weekend, perhaps. Well, if I read the last 3 by then. :D

When watching the film, we (the people I was watching it with) had a great time picking out the places we'd been to recently (and figuring out which bus routes they were taking).

That said, in my view, they're definitely generational-specific. Anyone considered older than Gen X or the current high school generation would likely miss out on a lot of the jokes/humor.

>251 KiwiNyx:: Go read the books now! You'll appreciate them even more! There's lots more of those little side comments that the movie tried to put in here and there. Great fun.

>252 jolerie:: Yes, you did miss out! But, now you know and you can go rent it this weekend :D

Hi There Faith.

Hi Linda! I hope you're doing well these days :)

I also saw the movie of Scott Pilgrim recently, and all that Honest Eds and Casa Loma stuff was really fun, especially considering that its my hood! I agree that the Gen Xers would probably appreciate this more than an older audience. I don't normally do comics (they make my brain hurt), but I might try and give them a chance.

Hi, Faith! Hope your doing fine!!:) *waving*

Popping in to say hi, and thanks for the rec regarding Scott Pilgrim -- I had heard some good things, but I think both movie and books are now firmly on my list. Cheers!

Okee doke wonderful people, I've been a bit absent on my own thread the past few days, but I've set up a shiny new one HERE, as this one is past the "legal" limit for this group :) ...so to speak...

Hope to see you there!

If you only have 10 minutes to read Outliers, I posted a comprehensive summary of it. More at http://www.librarything.com/topic/118658.