Bryanoz 2011 - 75 books and beyond !

This is my second year of the 75 book challenge and some of my plans for this year's reading :

Read more of my own books !

Last year was my Dickens year, possibilities for 2011 included Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Pynchon, but I am going with George Eliot, as I enjoyed Middlemarch so much.

Read more of The Novel100, I have 47 to go, maybe 15 this year ?

My big read this year will be 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace.

My reviews can be more detailed, rather than 'I thought it was good and so might you' !?

Comments, recommendations, observations are all welcome and I plan to spend more time in fellow challenger's threads, dispensing my wise thoughts, even with the risk of adding more reads to the agglomeration.

Cheers to a happy, healthy 2011 with lots of time to read !

Glad to see you back again for 2011, Bryan!

Bryan: I had the immense pleasure of meeting David Foster Wallace once - he was incredibly funny and smart, of course, but also just the nicest and most down-to-earth guy. I very much hope you enjoy Infinite Jest.

Welcome back!

#2, #3, #4 Thanks Stasia, scaifea, and Dr !

1. The Slap, by Christos Tsiolkas.

An Australian novel shortlisted for the Miles Franklin, longlisted for the Booker, with the premise "At a suburban barbeque, a man slaps a child who is not his own."
The story unfolds as eight of the characters (of diverse age and culture) at the bbq tell the story from their points of view.
With his portrayal of suburban Australians as vindictive, shallow, and hostile, the author seems to be provoking a response from the reader, and my response is not a positive one ! There is way too much swearing, sex, and hostility for my tastes (and a credible suburban situation) and if the author is going to offer a social criticism surely a sledgehammer is not required ?
2* (out of 5)

Criticism via sledgehammer is frequently directed at the self...just sayin'...and glad you're back!

#5: I have never had any desire to read that one. I think I can continue to live without it.

#6 Very true my friend....cheers !

#7 Wise decision Stasia.

2. The Finkler Question, by Howard Jacobson.

Won the 2010 Man Booker Prize so I had to read it, but as per usual the judges and I are not in complete agreement. The last Booker I really enjoyed was John Banville's The Sea from 2005 !
Anyway this novel is well written, humorous at times, about a middle aged man obsessed with Judaism. There are long discussions between him and his Jewish friends about Jewish nature, history, antisemitism, and whether antisemitism is valid or not.
Readers interested in these issues will have already read this, for others, I was always going to finish the book but it didn't inspire me.
2.5*

#9: I am sorry you did not enjoy that one more, Bryan. I hope your next read is a better one - seems like your 2011 reading year is off to a bit of a rough start!

Hi Bryan - glad you loved Middlemarch -- just finished a good group read of that this fall -- for me a reread, but it might as well have been the first time around.

I'm engaged in reading a millstone for the next few months, but Infinite Jest is sitting in my tbr shelves laughing at me -- when do you think you'll be starting it?

#10 Thanks Stasia, I made sure my next read would be a good one and so far so good !

# Hi sibyx, I have 2 weeks of school holidays starting 16th April, so that was my tentative plan, but I'm flexible if you want to read it at the same time, might be one of those novels where group support and encouragement would help, Cheers.

Glad to hear it!

3. The Desert Spear, by Peter Brett.

This is the second volume of Peter Brett's Demon War saga, the first being The Painted Man which I and many others enjoyed.
Importantly The Desert Spear does not disappoint ; characters from the first novel are developed, particularly Leesha, Renna, Ahmann Jardir, and Arlen ; and the plot thickens nicely, although I suspect too slowly for some readers.
The first section of the book, almost 200 pages, deals with Jardir's history in Krasia which had me wondering when/if the other characters would appear but thankfully they do ! Oh and there are new more intelligent and powerful demons just to complicate things !
If you enjoy fantasy with a difference read The Painted Man (also known as The Warded Man and you won't need any encouragement to read The Desert Spear !
Hope the third novel doesn't take long, it's going to be good !
3.5*

#14: Unfortunately, my local library still does not even have the first book in the series!

Squeak! Two weeks! And it depends where I am in aGR....... A week of that time I will also be on vacation, but.... well it's some time off, so I'll see.

Fantasy, oh dear oh dear...but your review *almost* pushes me to read it. That, my old, is a HUGE achievement.

#15 Hope you get to read it soon Stasia.

#16 Let's just see what happens sibyx, I'm tempted to put it off longer if that helps !

#17 Thanks Richard, don't forget Margo Lanagan's Tender Morsels when you are ready for fantasy. Enjoyed your review of Ulysses, wonder if you will be so complimentary with Finnegan's Wake !

4. Enlightenment to Go, by David Michie.

David Michie has written a very accessible introduction to the classic Buddhist text Guide to the Bohdisattva's Way of Life, by Shantideva, from the 8th century AD.
Michie is a western lay Tibetan Buddhist who is able to present these timeless teachings in a modern, readily understandable and inspiring way.
3.5*

#19: I know nothing of Buddhism, Bryan. Would you say that Michie's book would be a good introductory text in understanding the religion?

#20 Hi Stasia, Enlightenment to Go is a more practical and encouraging work for those of us are interested in the Buddhist path.
Better introductions to Buddhism would be
Awakening the Buddha Within, by Lama Surya Das
It's Easier than You Think, by Sylvia Boorstein
Lessons of the Lotus, by Bhante Wimala,
amongst many others.
I'm about to begin Michie's Buddhism for Busy People which may also be a good introduction, I'll let you know !

Thanks, Bryan!

Hi Bryan, Happy New Year! Have to say that Infinite Jest is also on my shelf as yet unread and I will happily join in on a group read. My husband attempted it about 12 years ago and got halfway so I'm quite determined to outdo him on that one.

#23 Hi KiwiNyx hope all is good with you, glad to hear you are interested in Infinite Jest, a group read would be great but I'm wary of organising anything serious at present, lets ponder it for a while.
Of course we'll outdo your husband because once we start we don't give up until it's finished !

5. Buddenbrooks, by Thomas Mann.

I read this classic because it is listed at number 35 in The Novel 100, by Daniel Burt. About 3 years ago I decided to read the 100 novels listed by Burt and am slowly getting there.
Onto Buddenbrooks, written by Thomas Mann a celebrated German author and published in 1900. Apparently the lack of an adequate English translation has hindered the novel's appreciation among English speakers, my translation by John E Woods (Vintage) was fluent and very readable.
This novel is an account of the lives of 4 generations of a North German family in the 19th century. At first they are a prosperous business family but gradually decline and despair set in.
I enjoyed this long (731 pages) but accessible novel, particularly the characters Tony and Hanno, it was enlightening to observe the differences between the lives of these people and my culture and time, but also many similarities as well.
3.5*

My top ten novels from The Novel 100 read so far in order :

1. Don Quixote, by Miquel de Cervantes 1st
2. In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust 4th
3. Middlemarch, by George Eliot 8th
4. Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy 13th
5. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain 14th
6. Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky 22nd
7. The Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James 29th
8. The Tin Drum, by Gunter Grass 39th
9. The Trial, by Franz Kafka 51st
10. The Pickwick Papers, by Charles Dickens 76th

#25: I am going to get to that one eventually! I own Mann's The Magic Mountain so I am hoping to read it first - some time this year. Maybe I will get to Buddenbrooks next year.

#26 Stasia The Magic Mountain is quite a read as well, hope you enjoy it !

Am off on a week-long seaside 'holiday' with the wife's family down to Robe in the south east of South Australia, nice beaches and conservation parks, am taking a big pile of books and planning some long walks, seeing lots of nature, maybe a tiger snake or two ! Have a great week and happy reading !

Have a great holiday, Bryan! Sounds lovely.

Bryan I've just found your thread (I'm from over the ditch) and enjoyed reading it. I read The Finkler Question last year and enjoyed it. But I like books about Jewish religion and culture, so that probably helped!

And I'm planning on reading The Magic Mountain this year so was really pleased to see you say Buddenbrooks was accessible. I'm going to be reading The MM in German, so the translation issue isn't a problem, but it is going to be slow going.

Hope you had a great holiday Bryan, will look forward to more great reviews.

Well I am back and had a nice time away.
Lots of sleeping in, walking, and some reading.
Not sure it was a good idea to be away for a week given it will take me almost that long to catch up on all the posts !

#28 Thanks Stasia, hope your week was good.

#29 Hi cmt and thanks, hope you enjoy The Magic Mountain, I found it interesting and worthwhile, but wouldn't rank it as the 9th best novel ever written, as in The Novel 100.

#30 Thanks KiwiNyx, hope all is good with you, reviews to come !

6. A Fine Balance, by Rohinton Mistry

This book has been sitting on the shelf for a few years, and I should not have waited, it is a great read !
It is set in Mumbai, India and spans the years 1947 to 1984. The four main characters come together and share a small flat becoming friends.
The India of this story is a harsh, difficult place for anyone not wealthy ; there is caste prejudice, abject poverty, no protection for the poor from any number of absurd government decisions, religious violence, and much more unpleasantness.
But somehow there is kindness, compassion, and humour as Ishvar, Om, Dina, and Maneck make their way through whatever life confronts them with, and the reader is drawn in to follow their struggles and small triumphs.
Mistry does not offer a positive view of India nor present any answers to the myriad of problems facing the millions of poor, but he has written this moving and compelling novel that I am very glad I have read !
4*

7. The Broken Shore, by Peter Temple.

I read this because it is the prequel to Truth which won the Miles Franklin in 2010.
I don't particularly care for crime fiction, but this novel held my interest being sharply written with an engaging plot.
Joe Cashin is an Australian country policeman dealing with a murder, indigenous issues, unsavoury colleagues, an old romance, and not prepared to accept the easy answer.
The plot deepens and Temple handles this and the ending with aplomb.
3.5*

#32: I own that one too and am hoping to get to it this year. I am glad that you liked it, Bryan!

#32 Thanks Stasia, hope you enjoy it whenever !

8. The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Matsuo Basho.

Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) is widely regarded as the greatest Haiku poet, and this book is a collection of five of his travel 'sketches'.
Basho was a simple monk who travelled to see places of natural beauty, and endeavoured to capture the essence of these experiences in haiku, a 17 syllable poem.
I felt the translation of the haiku (by Nobuyuki Yuasa) was somewhat flat, but Basho's simple, gracious observations and poems still resound in this work.
3.5*

The chestnut by the eaves
In magnificent bloom
Passes unnoticed
By men of this world.

And in case one gets caught by the past, romantic idea of travelling :

Bitten by fleas and lice,
I slept in a bed,
A horse urinating all the time
Close to my pillow.

Intriguing, I notice the translations are very well well written and seem to still flow for the format but it's interesting you thought them flat. I'd love to be able to understand how they should read in the original text.

#36 KiwiNyx I might be being a bit picky, I'm used to Robert Aitken's translations, here's a comparison..

Yuasa
I picked my way
Through a mountain road,
And I was greeted
By a smiling violet.

Aitken
Coming along the mountain path
I find something endearing
About violets.

Quite a different meaning I think, due probably to Aitken's scholarly study of Basho and haiku, in A Zen Wave. Also it's nice to see the translated haikus in three lines as they are meant to be.
Having said all that the Penguin The Narrow Road to the North is still a valuable and moving read.

9. The 80/10/10 Diet, by Douglas N. Graham.

One of my plans for this year is to get healthier and although Graham's strict raw vegan approach is fairly confronting for most people, replacing fruit and salad for the iffy diet I was on has got to be good !
3.5*

#38: Bryan, we do have a 'Vegan Kitchen' thread in the group this year. It is listed in the wiki if you are interested.

# 25: Thanks for the review of Buddenbrooks. It's on my Mann-list - the "Mann" I'm going to read next.

Actually I'm also following The Novel 100 (my count is 46). Daniel Burts introduction and appraisal of the novels is very, very good. Some of the best shorts introductions I've come across.

My top 5 reads from the Novel 100 - (oh, it's difficult....) but here goes:

1. Anna Karenina (13)
2. Crime and Punishment (22)
3. Les Miserable (90)
4. Jane Eyre (52)
5. Dracula (97) (I like myth-stories)

Robinson Crusoe, The Age of Innocence, Pride and Prejudice and Middlemarch are close contenders to the fifth spot. Well, that almost makes a top 10 :)

#39 Thanks Stasia, looks interesting, recipes look great !

#40 You are welcome ctpress, great to find someone else following The Novel 100, I agree with you about Burt's comments, my count is 54 but haven't read Les Miserables or Jane Eyre yet.
My next read is de Balzac's Le Pere Goriot.
Hope you enjoy Buddenbrooks, cheers !

10. What's Wrong with Right Now ?, by Bob Adamson.

'Sailor' Bob Adamson is an Australian who spent time with Sri Nisargadatta and this book is a compilation of his spiritual talks.
Bob's message is straightforward and simple and I found much here of value.
3.5*

I want to read more of my own books and so will keep track of the ratio
mine / others (library/friends)

6 /4

I am trying to read more of my own books this year too, Bryan. Not doing a particularly wonderful job of it though. I wish you success with your attempt!

Once I've finished a couple of the book lists I'm working on now, I've got The Novel 100 waiting for me to start!

#43 Cheers Stasia, fortunately or unfortunately I've got about five library books about to arrive, I blame librarything !!

#44 scaifea The Novel 100 will keep you busy for some time, be warned there is a 'Next 100 list' at the back of the book !

11. Dances with Wolves, by Michael Blake.

Very satisfying novel which the movie closely followed to its credit. The novel gives more background to the characters and events and in particular more details of the lives and values of the Comanches.
Anyone who enjoyed the film (who didn't ?) will enjoy this story.
4*
Bryan / Library 6 / 5

#46: I have never read the book. Looks like I need to give it a shot! Thanks for the recommendation, Bryan!

# 45 - I had totally forgotten the extra 100 in the back of the book. Thanks!!

Yesterday I found out that The Novel 100 are now printed in an updated version with 25 more novels reviewed - so it's now The Novel 125!! (novels probably taken from the extra 100-list.

#47 You are welcome Stasia it is a nice read.

#48 25 more ???? Noooooooo..... seriously thanks ctpress I'll be interested to see the new ones, hopefully To Kill a Mockingbird and Catch 22 are in !

Bryan, you're right, the second translation reads much nicer. Dances with Wolves sounds very good. Another good review.

#50 Thanks Leonie, Robert Aitken is having a new book of haiku translations released soon 'River of Heaven: The Haiku of Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki', I'll buy it and let you know !

12. Truth, by Peter Temple.

Truth is a crime fiction novel that won the 2010 Miles Franklin Award.
Steve Villani is a Melbourne police inspector trying to sort out murders, torture, corruption, obdurate bosses, and the unfolding disaster of his family life.
Peter Temple wrote this very sparingly with short, matter of fact sentences and dialogue, creating a brooding, tense atmosphere.
I found this a reasonable story but I'm not a crime fiction fan so I might be missing something. Wouldn't have nominated it for Australia's premier literary award that's for sure !
3*
Bryan / Library 6 /6

#52: I do enjoy crime fiction, so I will look for that one. Thanks for the mention, Bryan!

#53 Cheers Stasia.

13. Light Action in the Caribbean, by Barry Lopez.

Another collection of short stories by the brilliant natural literary author Barry Lopez.
Obviously I am a big fan of Barry's writing of the natural world and our place in it.
These stories are all tightly written and thought-provoking. My favourites were
The Letters of Heaven.
Thomas Lowdermilk's Generosity.
Emory Bear Hand's Birds.
Any of Lopez's writings are recommended for those interested in the natural world.
4*
Bryan / Library 7/6

14. Going Postal, by Terry Pratchett.

I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan and am rereading his Discworld series, Going Postal is the 33rd novel in the series.
Moist von Lipwig is introduced as a con artist who is given the choice ; be hanged or resurrect Ankh-Morpork's almost dead post service.
Of course he does just this, learning and showing others the value of working to achieve a positive change for other people.
Terry's humour and wisdom shine in this novel, the Postman's Walk beginning page 118 a particular highlight.
Many characters from earlier novels put in appearances including Ponder Stibbons and Bloody Stupid Johnson, two of my favourites.

"I will sue the University! I will sue the University!" screamed Greenyham (a bad guy).

"Oh, PLEASE sue the University!" Ridcully bellowed. "We've got a POND full of people who tried to sue the University-"

Love the quotes. Am picking up Wryd Sisters today from your recommendation and we'll see how I go.

#56 *crosses fingers*

15. Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts.

This book was recommended by a colleague and is the lengthy story of the author's wild, turbulent life in Bombay in the 1980's.
Having escaped from a maximum-security prison in Australia, Roberts arrives in Bombay wanting to lie low for a while and ponder his situation. There he stayed and made friends, fell in love, learnt the languages, lived in a slum and became their doctor, was thrown into jail where he nearly died, joined the local mafia, and much more !
Roberts came to love the city and its people, amidst the poverty he found the locals to be caring, spiritual, and loyal.
This story is both a rollicking adventure and a spiritual journey, intertwined with the suffering, violence, and chaos of Bombay life is the author's sensitive, philosophical, humorous, and above all honest views.
This story is an engaging, well-crafted meditation on good and evil, and what makes a good life, and there is much here for the discerning reader.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 8 /7

Ooh, great review. That one is sitting not 2 metres from me right now and is definitely on the WBR (*will* be read) list for this year.

#59 Thanks Leonie, hope you enjoy it ! Hows Wyrd Sisters going ? By now you will have met one of my favourite Discworld characters Nanny Ogg !

16. Room, by Emma Donoghue.

Much of the reward of reading this novel is the reader's gradual realization of the characters' bizarre situation so I won't describe the plot.
The novel is narrated by Jack who turns five and the reader comes to realise that he has spent every minute of these five years with his mother in one room.
Why this is and how it is resolved is handled astonishly well and I found this novel to be a very believable, engaging, and unique experience, highly recommended !
4*

Bryan / Library 8 /8

#61: I loved that one. I am glad to see yuo enjoyed it too, Bryan.

I've heard about Room but you've got me so interested with that write-up.

Wyrd Sisters has been patiently waiting for me to go through the pile of library books I have (definitely getting smaller now thankfully) and will be read this month but after some of the others that are due back sooner. After that, it is my own shelves for a while. Review should be done end of February she says optimistically..

17. Decline and Fall, by Evelyn Waugh.

Steven Fry in a recent tv performance said that because of this book he chose to be a teacher so I decided to find it and read it, yes another library book !
Decline and Fall was Waugh's first novel and is a satire on British society and schools.
It is a humorous read but not much more, I suspect his later novels have more substance.
3*

Bryan / Library 8 /9

#64: I think I will skip that one by Waugh.

18. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender.

I read a review of this book somewhere on librarything - maybe Richard ? - and finally found a copy.
For her ninth birthday Rose's mum bakes her a lemon cake, but Rose is suddenly able to taste sadness and emptiness.
From this point whatever she eats Rose feels the innermost emotions of whoever prepared the food, usually negative feeings and this becomes a torment for her.
She learns to cope with this 'gift' and finds that other family members also have a unique gift, with frustrating and distressing consequences.
An interesting story and well-written, enjoyable.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 8 / 10 (getting out of hand !?)

#66: I understand the 'library - getting out of hand' part, lol.

I really like the sound of that one, similar premise to 'Like Water for Chocolate' but the kids version perhaps.

19. Old Goriot, by Honore de Balzac.

Honore de Balzac (1799-1850) was a prolific French author best known for his 'Human Comedy' series of some 100 novels, of which Old Goriot is one of the most popular.
Monsieur Goriot is a major character in this tale but it principally concerns Eugene Rastignac, a poor student, and his moral development. At first he is encouraged to charm a rich, young women to further his own standing in bourgeois Paris.
But when he experiences first-hand how this woman treats her dying father Goriot he is appalled.
The Novel 100 ranks this as the 36th best novel and although I found it slow at first the story held my interest and I enjoyed it, not sure about reading the rest of the series !
3.5*

Bryan / Library 9 / 10

#69: I have owned that one seemingly forever. I really need to get it read one of these days.

#68 Leonie Like Water for Chocolate was a good read wasn't it, 'Lemon Cake' is quite different, hope you enjoy it.

#70 Stasia this Novel 100 challenge can be tedious at times but it does make me read books that I would also put off forever !

#71: Maybe I will get around to doing the Novel 100 some time or other, lol.

20. The Last Hero, by Terry Pratchett.

This is a Discworld book with a difference ; a shorter story but lavishly illustrated by Paul Kidby.
Although Paul Kidby will never replace Josh Kirby as the premier Discworld artist his art work for this book complements the story and is in places spectacular.
Of course the story is the main thing and The Last Hero does not disappoint ; featured are Cohen the aging barbarian and his silver horde, Rincewind, Carrot, Vetinari, Leonardo de Quirm, the Librarian, wizards, lots of dragons, and my favourite Evil Harry Dread and his henchmen. Great fun !
4*

Bryan / Library 10/ 10

"Some people say you achieve immortality through your children", said the minstrel.
"Yeah ?" said Cohen. "Name one of your great-grandads, then."

Bryan, you will be pleased to hear that I'm reading Wyrd Sisters at the moment and enjoying it. It was especially pleasant to discover the subtle links with Shakespeare's MacBeth and Hamlet, albeit in a more humourous way.

#74 Great news Leonie, hope you enjoy it ! The next in the Witches series is Witches Abroad, if I can recommend a couple more - Soul Music particularly if you are into music, Hogfather, and Monstrous Regiment, but they are all good. Happy reading !

21. Rumo & His Miraculous Adventures, by Walter Moers.

Walter Moers is a German author and cartoonist who writes the most imaginative, entertaining stories.
The story is set in Zamonia (same as Captain Bluebear and Dreaming Books) and Rumo is an orphan horned puppy with an idyllic farm life, of course this soon changes and the rollicking adventure begins.
Rumo (and the reader) meet roaming rocks, shark grubs, nocturnomaths with four or seven brains, cuddlebunnies, cogitating quicksand, jelly fog, a talking sword, living ice, and much more !
It is one thing to be original and inventive, it is another to be entertaining and Walter Moers achieves both easily. Amongst the weird and bizarre characters and adventures the reader will find themselves caring about Rumo and his quest right through the 688 pages and not wanting the story to end.
I almost forget Moers' abundant and detailed illustrations which are always a highlight of his books.
Highly recommended ! 4.5*

#76: I had not heard of that book. Thanks for the recommendation, Bryan. I have The City of Dreaming Books here and Captain Bluebear in the BlackHole. I will add Rumo there as well.

#77 Hope you enjoy them Stasia.

22. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot.

If you haven't read this book put it straight on your TBR list, you won't regret it !
Henrietta Lacks is immortal because cells taken from a tumour of hers were the first to survive and reproduce, soon being used worldwide for research.
Rebecca Skloot's determined and personal mission to find out about the woman and her family behind this phenonemon is a spellbinding read you won't want to put down !
Highly recommended.
4*

Bryan / Library 11 / 11

Wow, with a first sentence like that I think I'd better run and get it on my list Asap!

# I was obviously quite taken by it Leonie, bet you are too !

23. The Dreaming Void, by Peter F Hamilton.

Leonie's review of The Evolutionary Void, 3rd in the Void trilogy, tempted me to read this,...... and I'm glad I did !
I have been in the fantasy realm for ages so it is refreshing to read a good, science- technological novel, with worm holes, spaceships, genetically engineered beings, aliens, and more. This series is set in the 36th Century and I was fascinated by Hamilton's quite reasonable (to me anyway) technological innovations.
There is no long preamble, the reader is dropped right in the story ( like Erikson's Gardens of the Moon and I like being trusted to gradually work out who's who and what's happening, although there is a helpful timeline at the back.
The science is good and Hamilton can also write a good story, with many characters and plots all running concurrently, the dreams of Inigo I enjoyed particularly.
There was such a lot happening in this first volume I should read it again before tackling the next two, but I probably won't !
Recommended, thanks Leonie !
3.5*

Bryan / Library 11 /12

Oh you are so welcome. I believe Hamilton is one of the best science fiction writers writing today and the more people I can share him with, the better.

And besides, you got me reading fantasy with the Pratchett books which I never reall read before so it's a fair exchange.

# 82 Cheers Leonie, here's some more fantasy I recommend !

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin 1st of a fantastic series.

The Painted Man, by Peter V Brett.

Tender Morsels, by Margo Lanagan.

Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson.

The website www.bestfantasybooks.com is well worth a look too.
Hope you read some more fantasy soon !

24. If This is a Man - The Truce, by Primo Levi.

Primo Levi was a Jewish Italian Chemist arrested in 1944 and sent to Auschwitz. He survived and 'If This is a Man' is his objective account of life, death, and struggle there. The Truce' is his journey back to Italy, taking a long detour through Russia.
This book is notable by Levi's non-emotional, factual account ( making it even more chilling somehow ), and his determination to understand why such a place existed.
A harrowing read but somehow Levi finds courage, compassion, and hope, making this an important and rewarding read.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 12 / 12

25. The Amulet of Samarkarnd, by Jonathan Stroud.

Bartimaeus, 5000 year old djinni, is summoned by the young magician's apprentice Nathaniel, to steal the very powerful Amulet of Samarkand.
From there all chaos breaks loose in this very funny, imaginative fantasy for younger readers.
I totally enjoyed this first volume of the Bartimaeus trilogy and will be reading the rest soon, recommended !
3.5*

Bryan / Library 12 / 13

You will probably also enjoy the prequel The Ring of Solomon. Same Bartimaeus, earlier time period.

I adore the Bartimaeus Trilogy and have Ring of Solomon to read very soon as well. He is a great author.

Thanks for that fantasy list website, the first thing I see is Wise Man's Fear which I bought last week and I still maintain that the Patrick Rothfuss books are some of the best fantasy I've ever read. I've actually got quite a few books on the top 25 though which surprised me. Loved seeing Gormenghast up there. I bought the mini-series last year on DVD as I adore that story.

# 86 Thanks mamzel, I'll read that one after the trilogy.

#87 You are welcome Leonie, 'The Name of the Wind' is on my TBR list and I've wanted to read 'Gormenghast' for years !

26. Adam Bede, by George Eliot.

2011 is my 'Eliot year', the plan is to read her seven novels (since I was so taken by Middlemarch, no.8 in Burt's The Novel 100.
Published in 1859 Adam Bede was her first novel and I found it to be quite an engaging read. Although the main characters were a little 'wooden' and predictable, and there seemed to be a hole or two in the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed her moral musings throughout the story, and recalled why I enjoyed Middlemarch (her best known work) so much. Eliot's sensitive descriptions of the landscapes and the country people is also a treat. Recommended !
4*

Bryan / Library 13 /13

Could it possibly be true ?? George RR Martin has announced that the long long awaited 'A Dance with Dragons' will be published the 12th of July this year !!
Great news for the myriad of fans of Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, it has been a long wait !

Haven't read them but your excitement over this new offering is literally dripping off your post..

#91 Hi Leonie, when you are ready for a fantasy read pick up A Game of Thrones, not for nothing does the bestfantasy.com site have this saga at no.1 !!!

You've twisted my arm and I have just requested it from the library.

#93 Leonie I'm a bit envious you get to read this series for the first time !......ENJOY !!

27. The Windup Girl, by Paolo Bacigalupi.

The 2010 Hugo and Nebula Award winning science fiction novel, set in a future Thailand, when genetic manipulation of plants, animals and humans has created a very different world. However the age-old problems of money, power, and corruption are still operating.
I wanted to like this novel - my wife enjoyed it very much - but I just couldn't get into it. I enjoyed the concept of the windup girl Emiko but both the other characters and the storyline didn't satisfy me.
2.5*

Bryan / Library 13 / 14

28. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

Ender Wiggin, 6 years old, is selected for officer training at Battle School.
He meets all challenges and is humanity's last chance to defeat an impending alien invasion.
Published in 1977, this was Card's first novel, and is highly placed on any best sci-fi list I have seen.
This was a reasonable read with a twist or two, but didn't excite me, it all seemed a bit dated and I'll give the sequels a miss.

Bryan / Library 13 / 15

Despite the rating, I must get round to reading some Bacigalupi one day, I just keep coming across that author's name everywhere. Another title though I think.

I am sorry you didn't enjoy Ender's Game as much as I did. It's a book I rate quite highly but I can understand your criticisms of it. I've actually got the whole 8 book series and read them all and there are some excellent books in the group but possibly the best follow up is book 2 Speaker for the Dead, the rest you could easily leave alone.

Cheers Leonie, Bacigalupi has a collection of short stories Pump Six that sounds interesting, not to worry about Ender's Game although I'll read Speaker for the Dead since you recommend it.
My library has The Order of Odd-Fish ! so I'm looking forward to that !

Will be interested to hear what you think of that one.

29. The Golem's Eye, by Jonathan Stroud.

The sequel to The Amulet of Samarkand, this story takes place some two years later with Nathaniel working in the Government, trying to put an end to the Resistance. Of course he must call on Bartimaeus and the fun begins !
This is a great sequel, I particularly enjoyed the development of Kitty (who makes a brief appearance in the first novel), and will be reading the third novel soon.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 13 /16

I have been out of the loop for a bit, Bryan, but hopefully I can keep up with your thread the rest of the year.

The Bartimaeus Trilogy is an all-time favourite so I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the books. I felt it was a Harry Potter for grown-ups.

#101 Thanks for the thought Stasia, hope everything is good with you - I certainly haven't kept up with threads in this group - this work business is definitely the curse of the reading class.

#102 Thanks Leonie, I agree completely, have been reading the beginning of the first book to students and some are reading it !

30. A Hat Full of Sky, by Terry Pratchett.

I am currently rereading the Discworld series so this is a reread for me. This is the second Tiffany Aching book, first being The Wee Free Men, with Wintersmith and I Shall Wear Midnight to follow.
Tiffany is a great character and the Nac Mac Feegles are never far away !
Typical funny, wise Pratchett !
4*

Bryan / Library 14 / 15

I love the Nac MacFeegles!

#105 They are great characters Stasia and we'll be hearing from them again I'm sure !

31. The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz.

This is a concise, easy-to-read self help book that I got some good ideas from, particularly the second agreement - Don't take anything personally - now to put this into action ! Recommended.
3*

Bryan / Library 14 / 16

I was about to type that self-help books aren't my thing but I'm currently reading a book on de-cluttering your life! And yes, it is quite useful, so now I shall say it's a good read if you take something from it that will help you in life so yay for the Ruiz book.

I think I associate self-help books with new age philosophy and this has skewed my perception of the genre. Note to self, stop it.

#107 Hi Leonie, which decluttering book are you reading ?, might help me as well.

I notice that much of the self-help genre borrows from age-old teachings from Buddhism and Taoism, so I tend to associate it with old age philosophy !?

32. The Brief History of the Dead, by Kevin Brockmeier.

This was an unusual and imaginative novel, based on an African belief that those who die are not fully dead while someone alive remembers them.
A plague has killed almost everyone and the city of living-dead is shrinking.
Many realise that they all know Laura Byrd who is alive, stranded in Antarctica, and struggling.
There is some delightful writing and absorbing ideas here and I enjoyed this read.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 14 / 17 Getting out of hand again with more library books on the shelf !!

#109: I enjoyed that one too, Bryan.

I took all my library books back, struggling to read more off my own shelves. Perhaps that is an option for you?

Library books are a weakness for me as well. It is so easy to read a great review and order it straight away. I've been trying to cut this back a lot this year.

And the book is Clutter's Last Stand by Don Aslett. I've got 3 others of his out from the library also but I think I'll just skim those ones. It is full of lots of hard facts for hoarders like me but I'm getting a lot out of it so good luck with that.

#110 Good idea Stasia, but there is a few here I will read !

#111 I agree Leonie, for me reading great reviews on librarything leads to reserving them at the library. At least both libraries didn't have the Aslett book, thanks anyway !

33. The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman.

As a 'guest' teacher (or Temporary Relief Teacher) I usually set Silent Reading for 20 or so minutes after lunch, and to be a good role model I read as well. So I always have a book with me that doesn't need too much concentration as some of my students are less than avid readers and need some watching and encouragement from me.
So for this term I have been rereading Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and enjoying this great story again.
Most readers will have read this but if you haven't please read it soon. Some may have been put off by the violent first pages - opening sentence
"There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife", but past this the story is thoughtful, humorous, imaginative, warm, and just a great read !
4*

Bryan / Library 15 /17 (which doesn't add up to 33 !??)

That first page gave me absolute chills! I loved that book.

I just love Neil Gaiman, I'm reading his Odd and the Frost Giants at the moment for a light read and I am loving it.

Cheers Leonie my library has Odd so I'll read it soon.

34. Grimsdon, by Deborah Abela.

Deborah Abela is an Australian author who has written the popular Max Remy Superspy series and also The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen, which I read last year and enjoyed.
Grimsdon is a city that has been flooded with only a few survivors living in buildings and boats. Isabella and four other children are surviving quite well and then a mysterious newcomer turns up and the plot thickens !
This story was ok, I thought the characters were a little one-dimensional and some of the action needed more suspension of belief than I was prepared to give.
3*

Bryan / Library 15 / 18

Two weeks of school holidays beckon, I will have to pass on Infinite Jest for this holidays, maybe July ??

35. High Fidelity, by Nick Hornby.

This novel is a humorous, perhaps indulgent story of 35 year old English Rob's search for love and understanding. Rob runs a second hand music store and there are many references to musicians and records in this novel ; readers with an interest in modern music would probably find this book quite interesting.
3*

Bryan / Library 15 / 19

I read that one last year (gave it a similar rating) and then rewatched the movie. I think that is one film that stands up to the book and may even be better than it.

Forget to mention the film and I agree.

36. Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld.

This is young-adult steam punk depicting an alternative beginning to the First World War.
I found this novel to be a well-written and intriguing story with the sci-fi elements being somewhat implausible but fascinating ! This story is very amenable to being made into a film, surely someone is planning production if not actually filming !
I'll be reading the next book in the series Behemoth when I can find it, and heartily recommend this story.
3.5*

Bryan / Library 15 / 20

37. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce.

Published in 1916 this novel seems to be an account of Joyce's school and university years and chronicles his development in understanding life, religion, and art.
It is the most accessible of Joyce's major works, Ulysses followed in 1922, and Finnegans Wake in 1939, both somewhat controversial to say the least !
Daniel S Burt ranks this novel 37th in his The Novel 100, feeling that it was a forerunner to the modern novel.
My nonacademic comment on Joyce's writing is that there is no doubting his originality, creativity, and determination to push the very idea of what a novel could / should be but I am left somewhat cold and unaffected by his work with little investment or empathy with the characters and plots.
Portrait is the best intro to Joyce ( I haven't read Dubliners a collection of short stories ) and then if you haven't read Ulysses try it !
3*

Bryan / Library 16 / 20

38. Ptolemy's Gate, by Jonathan Stroud.

This is the 3rd volume of the Bartimaeus trilogy with the distinctive plots and trademark humour continuing.
The character Kitty is deepened further, career driven Nathaniel reluctantly develops a conscience and Bartimaeus is just Bartimaeus in this great finale which leaves enough room at the end for another book, which I hope he writes !
3.5*

# 37 - Thanks for the thoughts on Joyce - and I agree - he leaves me a little cold and unaffected - although I've only read Dubliners and started on A Portrait but got derailed with some other novel and never came back to it. I will give it another try soon, I think.

I would think the short stories in Dubliners are more accessible than A Portrait - I found it hard to follow the story line with all the memory flashbacks.

>122 bryanoz: Give The Ring of Solomon a try. It takes us back in time, an earlier story of Bartimaeus. No obnoxious wizards!

#123 Thanks ctpress I better read Dubliners.

#124 Thanks mamzel I've reserved it from the library, still hoping for a Kitty sequel some day.

39. The Other Voice, by Brent Haskell.

This book is designed to be a companion volume to A Course in Miracles, particularly the first 15 chapters, and I recommend Haskell's writing to anyone interested in the Course.
A Course in Miracles can be an obtuse read and this book and Journey Beyond Words present the concepts clearly.
3*

Bryan / Library 17 / 21

40. Happier Than God, by Neal Donald Walsch.

Neal Donald Walsch is the author of the popular Conversations With God series and this recent book is a short summary of those teachings.
Some useful ideas but his original books present the concepts with more explanation and context.
3*

Bryan / Library 18 / 21

Wow, you got a bit of reading done over easter. I agree with you about a Kitty sequel in the Bartimaeus books, that would be great.

Cheers Leonie, holidays are wonderful hey, alas my school holidays are nearly over.
Managed to get some more reading in, will write them up as I get the chance.

Have decided to reread George RR Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, starting with A Game of Thrones, since the next, final (?) book is due later this year, and I have forgotten much of it all.

41. The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot.

Published in 1860 this was the second of Marian Evans' novels, after Adam Bede, and a significant step forward in character and plot development in my opinion.
This novel describes the lives of sister and brother Maggie and Tom Tulliver but concentrates on Maggie, an intelligent, impulsive, determined girl and woman who is not destined to have an easy life.
Althought the ending seemed rushed and a surprise, I enjoyed this classic Eliot novel both for the story and characters, and also for the appreciable increase in the author's writing prowess.
4*

42. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen.

My school book club selected this novel and it was an enjoyable read.
Jacob Jankowski is 90ish and languishing in an old folks home.
A circus comes to town which triggers memories about his earlier days where he finds himself part of a struggling and corrupt travelling circus of the 1930's.

There is much humour, action, and passion in this entertaining novel and I recommend it. The film is due here soon and the book club are planning to go, should be a good movie although I am not looking forward to the animal cruelty scenes.
3.5*

Oh, I loved Water For Elephants and especially the rest homes scenes. He still had so much life left in him at 90, great book. I didn't know there was a movie planned, I'll be watching out for that one.

#132 Cheers Leonie !

43. A Red Herring without Mustard, by Alan Bradley.

Third in the Flavia de Luce series and more of the same quaint Britishness and biting humour that we have come to expect from Alan Bradley.

"You FRIGHTEN me", the Gypsy said. "Never have I seen my crystal ball so filled with darkness."
This is the opening paragraph of the novel and this catapaults eleven year old Flavia into her usual brilliantly solving murders, concocting chemicals, madly cycling everywhere, and sorting out her annoying family.
Great fun. 3.5*

44. The Four Agreements Companion Book, by Miguel Ruiz.

45. The Mastery of Love, by Miguel Ruiz.

46. The Voice of Knowledge, by Miguel Ruiz.

Having read and been inspired by Ruiz's The Four Agreements I ordered his other books and they extend and deepen his teachings.
The concepts are hardly new but the clear Toltec approach presents the ideas in a slightly different and for me more accessible way.
His teachings have been quite helpful to me personally and I look forward to further deepening my understanding of how to have a more joyful life.
3.5*

Wow, you've had a busy reading week, I keep seeing those Alan Bradley books, would they appeal to a 12 yr old girl? My youngest has most of her belongings packed up while we renovate her bedroom so we're taking big advantage of the library at the moment.

#135 Leonie the first one is The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pieand it should be good for a keen 12 yr old reader, you could try it yourself I enjoy them !

47. The Trout Opera, by Matthew Condon.

Lent by a friend I wasn't sure about this novel at the beginning but was quickly caught up in the story and read the 580 pages in a few days !
This sweeping novel covers the life of Wilfred Lampe, a farm hand born and living in Eastern Australia, from 1906 to 2000, who is unwittingly caught up in preparations for the Sydney Olympics.
But it is much more than the story of one person's life. The author contrasts the simple rural life of the 1900's with our modern, complex existence and in the process raised the question for me : how does one lead a worthwhile life these days ?
Always a good question.
Recommended book for anyone interested in Australian literature, certainly makes my top 10 Australian novels. 3.5*

Very behind on threads again, Bryan. *sigh* I must do a better job of keeping up!

The Trout Opera looks like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation!

#138 Hi Stasia, hope all is well with you, I think you will enjoy The Trout Opera when you get to it.

Wow, 580 pages read that quickly must mean a good book. It does look interesting and I really enjoy reading about rural Australia for some reason. There always seems to be such an honest quality about the characters in those books that I enjoy.

Hi Leonie, it is largely a rural book so you might like it, have you read A Fortunate Life by Albert Facey, and The Ballad of Desmond Kale by Roger McDonald, both country Australian books I have enjoyed.

#139: Everything is fine with me, Bryan, just a lot on my plate just now. I hope everything is well with you!

#141: I am stealing those suggested books for the BlackHole too :)

48. Mao's Last Dancer, by Li Cunxin.

Li Cunxin was born in 1961 in a desperately poor village in Communist China.
When 11 years old he was chosen to train in Madame Mao's Dance Academy and through sheer determination is selected to train as a ballet dancer in the US.
He is shocked by the wealth and freedom he finds, causing him to question his Communist beliefs. Subsequently he defects and forges a successful and fulfilled new life in the West while not forgetting his family and heritage in China.
This is an honest and inspirational autobiography of a family's love, a flawed ideology, and a determined effort to succeed ; courageous and uplifting story !
4*

#143: I already have that one in the BlackHole. Thanks for the reminder about it, Bryan. I will bump it up!

# 144 Well worth it Stasia !

49. Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, by Karen Armstrong.

Karen Armstrong is a well known writer on all matters religious, and this book is her call for all of us to develop more compassion in our lives.
She draws from a wide range of spiritual material to present a systematic, practical course in becoming more caring and empathic to all without exception.
This is a widely sourced and intelligent account that will of use to anyone with a spiritual interest.
3.5*

#145: I have not read that one by Armstrong yet. Thanks for the recommendation, Bryan.

Hi Bryan, thanks for the Aussie recommendations, I will look into those. Have you seen the film Mao's Last Dancer? If you haven't I would highly recommend it, the choreography alone blew me away and I can't dance at all. An amazing person.

Haven't seen the movie Leonie, will find it, thanks.

50. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte.

This was a reread for me. Daniel Burt in his The Novel 100 (Rev.Ed) ranks this novel as the 39th best novel ever, since it was first published in 1847 Wuthering Heights has been a popular classic ever since.
I won't go over the well-known storyline but the level of animosity and despair present is quite remarkable. "Wuthering Heights is easily the strangest and most disturbing novel published in the 19th century,.." (Burt, p.177) and readers expecting a nice romance would have been shocked by Heathcliffe's capacity for revenge, and Catherine's (and others) manipulation.
These days the plot and characters are not so formidable but still an engaging and pertubing read. 3.5*

Congratulations on hitting 50 books for the year, Bryan! (even though I do not like Wuthering Heights, lol)

Someday I must read Wuthering Heights again, to find out why so many people like this novel. Maybe my "misplaced" expectations before reading it had something to do with it.

When I first read Wuthering Heights, I think I was expecting a nice romance so was a bit shocked to find the book infested with such self-centred and disturbed characters. It definitely made no friends with me and I am in no hurry to reread it but I do wonder what a second glance may discover. Not this year though, and also congratulations on 50 books for the year.

Thanks Stasia and Leonie !

ctpress there are better reads around, especially classics.

51. Odd and the Frost Giants, by Neil Gaiman.

I am a Neil Gaiman fan but didn't know this book existed until Leonie (KiwiNyx) reviewed it, so thanks Leonie !
This is a short retelling of a Norse myth from a Gaimanesque perspective. This means the reader gets engaging characters, satisfying plot twists, and a great read that seems to have just flown effortlessly from his pen.
Some of Neil's work has a dark and nasty side to it, such as Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book and may not be suitable for some young readers, but Odd is a good read for all.
3.5*

I enjoyed Odd when I read it last year too, Bryan. Glad you enjoyed it.

# Thanks Stasia.

52. A Game of Thrones, by George RR Martin.

I am rereading Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series because he is finally publishing the next novel in the series A Dance With Dragons later this year.
These books can certainly stand a rereading, readers quickly find themselves caught up in the precarious, courageous, and sometimes tragic lives of Martin's characters.
Each chapter furthers the story through the eyes of one character and although this can be frustrating because your favourite character might not reappear for 150 pages, experiencing this world through several viewpoints makes it haunting and vibrant.
Warning : this is adult, 'reality' fantasy, it doesn't pay to get too attached to particular characters because in this political, nasty world people in the way get bumped off.
This is first- rate heroic, medievalish fantasy and if you haven't read this series I suggest you do !
4*

#155: I flat refuse to read the series until Martin is done with it! lol

#156 Stasia you are missing a great reading experience, and it might never be finished !?
Hope you reconsider, but there are many very frustrated readers of this epic so you are probably right !

If he dies or something before he finishes the series, then I will probably read it despite the incompleteness. Until such time though (God forbid!) I am sticking to my guns and not reading it until he finishes writing it.

53. The Order of Odd-Fish, by James Kennedy.

Reviewed and recommended by Leonie, I thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative, hilarious, and somewhat crazy story.
Jo Larouche is 13 and an orphan who fears her destiny is to destroy all. Her life is quiet until a party catapaults her into a fantastic adventure involving weird knights, likeable villians, flying ostriches, superb insults, and much more.
This is James Kennedy's first and only novel and I hope he writes more soon.
3.5*

I thought I had added that one to the BlackHole when Leonie reviewed it and I was correct. Unfortunately for me, the local library does not have it.

I am glad to see you liked it too, Bryan.

Oh good, it wasn't my imagination that made me think it was a good read!

You will be pleased to know that I finally received A Game of Thrones from the library this week although the wait list is so long that I have to read it now or wait another 6 months. I was a bit worried about this as I'm half reading about 5 other books at the moment so I made an executive decision and bought my own copy today. Now I can read it when I'm less pressured (it will be this year though) and I used a birthday book voucher to buy it so I got the book guilt free - the best way to acquire books!

I really hope you get into the series Leonie, I've just finished the second A Clash of Kings for the second time and enjoyed it very much, I think a fantasy book that can be read twice and appreciated has to be pretty good !

Have read some more books, just haven't got around to the reviews, hope everyone had a good weekend, us crow supporters did not !

No idea what a 'crow supporter' is, but sorry to hear your weekend is not going well, Bryan!

I'm guessing it is Aussie Rules? but I could be wrong. League is my second choice but sorry to hear your team didn't win Bryan. My sporting team didn't either (Lewis Hamilton of McLaren in the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco) so we can be sad together.

Thanks for your interest Stasia and Leonie, the Adelaide Crows are an Aussie Rules football team who were smashed by the Lions, a team we were expecting to smash !?

54. Behemoth, by Scott Westerfeld.

This is the sequel to Leviathan and continues the steampunk retelling of the First World War. The principal characters of Alek and Deryn find themselves in Istanbul confronting new clanker machinery and more genetically engineered beasties, including the Behemoth.
Great storytelling and a third book in the series due !
3.5*

#166: Ah, OK. Thanks for the clarification regarding the Crows, Bryan.

I still need to get to Behemoth. I read Leviathan earlier this year.

Hope you get to it soon Stasia, the next one is Goliath due October this year !

Yes, I know!

55. The Age of Absurdity, by Michael Foley.

Subtitled 'Why Modern Life Makes It Hard to Be Happy', this recently published book is an intelligent and humorous look at how it is that we have everything but are dissatisfied with life.
It begins
"So I go to a wall of bookshelves, extending from floor to ceiling,with books jammed in sideways along the top of each shelf, and I think, Not a single book I want to read."
I haven't ever had this problem but Foley continues on to make a pertinent point. Foley's observations and sources are wide-ranging and entertaining, and anyone who ever ponders the absurdity of modern life will find much of interest in this book.
Some quotes :
"It is only our culture that believes in prolonging adolescence for life." p71

"...the modern world has embarked on a conspiracy to establish that silence does not exist." Jules Laforgue, 1880's.

Quotes on reading :
"The secret at the heart of reading is the time it frees for the brain to have thoughts deeper than those which came before. " Maryanne Wolf, pg143.

"Do not read as do children to amuse yourself or, like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to LIVE !" Flaubert.
Enjoyed this book and have bought it as it will reward further reading and pondering.
3.5*

Touchstones are not working, anyone can help ?

Touchstones, more often than not, seem to have a mind of their own, Bryan! It is not just you, I am sure :)

I will have to see if my local library has a copy of The Age of Absurdity. Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi Bryan, touchstones are touchy sometimes. I find if I delete the brackets and put them back in again, the touchstones suddenly work!

There are some interesting quotes from your last read although I've also never had the book problem, quite the reverse actually. When I look at my jammed shelves, there are too many I want to read and making the choice is a hard one. Probably why I often read multiple books at once now.

Behind with my book musings so will list them with brief comments.

56. A Clash of Kings, by George RR Martin.

The second book in the 'Song of Fire and Ice' series continues Martin's sweeping but detailed epic fantasy, with great characters, political intrigue, courage, and deviousness. Brilliant !

57. Silas Marner, by George Eliot.

Evans' third novel and at 183 pages her most concise. Silas Marner is a poor weaver who experiences great loss but then later finds great purpose in life.
Evans' typical detailed descriptions, considerate view of characters and their lot in life.

I need to do a re-read of Silas Marner one of these days.

58. The Fifth Agreement, by Don Miquel Ruiz.

Latest book by Ruiz, well known for his The Four Agreements. This book reviews the earlier material and introduces the Fifth Agreement. I find his work very useful and recommend it for anyone looking for a different approach to this tricky business of being happy.

59. Joy, by Osho.

Osho is the controversial Rajneesh, and won't be everyone's cup of tea. I find many of his observations and ideas published in this book to be interesting.

I love the quotes from The Age of Absurdity--unfortunately, my library doesn't have it.

I also want to get to Silas Marner one of these days, it'll be a first read though.

# 74: Oh, Silas Marner! Read it last year. Eliot has such a wonderful way with words. Poor Marner.....Happy Marner.....

#177 The Age of Absurdity is a recent book so your library might get it, could you make a request ronincats ?

#178 Silas Marner was good Leonie, I preferred The Mill on the Floss or Middlemarch if you are looking for an Eliot to read.

#179 I agree ctpress she was a great writer.

60. The Ring of Solomon, by Jonathan Stroud.

This is the most recent Bartimaeus book, and takes place about 2500BC, so it is a prequel to the earlier books.
Fans of the Bartimaeus trilogy will also enjoy this story, the djinni's sarcasm and humorous footnotes continue unabated.
I enjoyed Bartimaeus' relationship with Kitty in the first series and he cooperates similarly with Asmira, a guardian to Queen Sheba.
Great fun and I hope Stroud is busy writing the next Bart book !
3.5*

Another one sitting here, waiting for me to read it. Too many books, so little time..

#181: I already have that one in the BlackHole. I will get to it eventually - I hope :)

#182 & 183 Leonie and Stasia The Ring of Solomon is the perfect book when you are looking for a light, humorous read !

I think that July is going to be a themed-read month in the group - Young Adult. I will try and get to the Stroud book then.

61. A Storm of Swords. One : Steel and Snow, by George RR Martin.

62. A Storm of Swords. Two : Blood and Gold, by George RR Martin.

This powerful fantasy series continues ; sometimes harsh - favourite characters are sabotaged and meet untimely ends - but always compelling.
I would describe these novels as realistic historical fiction with fantasy elements which adds to the veracity of the story, rather than dripping with magic and otherworldliness these characters are squarely and scarily like us !
Love this fantasy series, A Dance With Dragons due July 12th !

Oh, now I'm a bit confused. Has Mr Martin written two different fantasy series that are both currently unfinished or are these books part of the Game of Thrones series? Did I tell you I finally bought my own copy of GofT recently? It is on the cards for the next 2 months and then I will be so much more knowledgeable on this topic.. ;)

Stasia, A ya month? That sounds like a theme I could really need to catch up on so many great books that we have lying around. Another good excuse to read more.

#187 Hi Leonie, these books are part of Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series :

1. A Game of Thrones.
2. A Clash of Kings.
3. A Storm of Swords. Vol 1. Steel and Snow.
4. A Storm of Swords. Vol 2. Blood and Gold.
5. A Feast for Crows.
6. A Dance With Dragons, due 12/7
and a few more to follow !

Hope you like Game of Thrones when you get to it !
Just read another good ya book, will review it later.

#187: I am sure someone will post somewhere if the YA July is still on. I will keep my eyes open for it.

The Children's Book Council of Australia has announced it's 2011 shortlist so I'll be reading the books selected for older readers (teenagers) and younger readers.

63. The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher, by Doug MacLeod.

Shortlisted for older readers this book is set in England in 1828. Thomas is a 16 year old whose grandfather has just been buried. and the novel opens with Thomas in the process of digging up his body up. From here he is iniated into the world of body-snatchers or 'resurrectionists' and this original and creative novel builds.
Not as sinister as this sounds, this novel is quite funny in a dark sense, with adventure, romance, and mystery !
Very readable with a twist or two, I enjoyed this novel and I think teenagers and older will also enjoy !
3.5*

#190: I was hoping my local library would have that one! No such luck though.

I love the title of that book, sounds fun and now added to the wishlist.

64. A Feast for Crows, by George RR Martin.

A Storm of Swords, 'volume 3' of the Song of Ice and Fire' series was published in 2000, and there was a long wait until Feast was published in 2005.
Added to the frustrating wait I don't think I was the only fan slightly disappointed by this update.
Sure new characters were introduced, and we got to see this world through the eyes of Cersei, one of the villains of this saga, but not much really happens, and many characters were left out or barely mentioned.
Martin explains that the follow up book A Dance With Dragons would cover Tyrion, Dany, Jon, and others the following year (2006) but of course it is 2011 !
Frustration aside this series is so good that in a few weeks many fantasy fans will be lining up to buy our copy, settle down for a sustained reading session ( well over a thousand pages I believe) and all will be well in the world !

65. About a Girl, by Joanne Horniman.

Another shortlisted book from the Children's Book Council of Australia, this one is in the Older Reader category.
Anna is in her late teens and to use her own words "My liking girls was a fundamental part of my nature".
This is a story of young love, and of a young woman finding her place in the world.
Sensitively and elegantly written, I enjoyed this story very much and I'll be looking up Joanne Horniman's other writings.

I saw the first episode of Game of Thrones yesterday and thought it was very well done although I do feel a bit lost in places, the different clans and locations and people all need a bit of concentration to get them organised in my brain. Still got to get to the book, I'm trying to read all the current library books first so I can focus on it when I get to it. When did he write the first book?

Leonie I think the first book A Game of Thrones was published in 1996, and I am a bit worried that watching the TV version (which I haven't seen yet) first will effect your enjoyment of the book(s) !?

Computer hasn't been working for a few days and the book reviews are not keeping up with the reading so will list books read with a few comments, touchstones still not working ??

66. The Midnight Zoo, by Sonya Hartnett.

Shortlisted for Childrens Book Council for Older Readers, this is about 2 gypsy boy brothers and their baby sister on the run from the Nazis. They come across a small, abandoned zoo, and resolve to help the animals.
Quite an engaging and thoughtful story.

67. Freedom, by Osho.

Rajneesh's writings on freedom and the courage to be yourself. Some interesting thoughts.

68. Just a Dog, by Michael Gerard Bauer.

Shortlisted for younger readers, this is a nice story about the unconditional presence and love of a dog and his beneficial effect on his family.

69. The Red Wind, by Isobelle Carmody.

Shortlisted for younger readers, this is the first volume in 'The Kingdom of the Lost' series.
Cute story of 2 brothers Bily and Zluty who are furry, humanish creatures who live isolated but well-organised lives on a desolate plain. A strange red wind sweeps in and catastrophe threatens !

I really like the sound of The Midnight Zoo and added that one to the list but I determined not to add too many more series until I finish some of the current ones.

I've had the same thought about watching the TV series of GofT. We actually watched two more last night and the characters are beginning to fall into place now but I caught myself a few times at certain scenes wondering how this was written in the book. It has actually made me want to get to the book quicker.

# 198 Hope you get to the book Leonie !!

Some more quick reviews, I am writing in 'Add a Message' but no touchstones ??

70. Henry Hoey Hobson, by Christine Bongers.

Shortlisted for Younger Reader Book of the Year this was an ok story about 12 year old Henry who has just arrived at a new house and school, and his trials of settling into school and his weird neighbors.

71. Graffiti Moon, by Cath Crowley.

Shortlisted for older readers, year 12 Lucy loves the graffitti art of the elusive 'Shadow' and tries to meet him.
A wild night of parties, school raids, and bike rides follow. Lucy's unique character and thoughts made this novel interesting for me. Probably a good read for art inclined teenagers.

72. Six Impossible Things, by Fiona Wood.

Shortlisted for older readers, Dan is 14, nerdy, moved to a new house and school, parental troubles, girl problems, etc. An ok story but a little predictable for me.

73. A Visit From the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan.

2011 Pulitzer Prize winner, some of the back cover blurb :
From the 1970's to our not too distant future, we follow Bennie Salazar, an aging music mogul, and Sasha, his young PA, on their journeys through childhood, parties, careers, and lovers."
I found this book only a reasonable read, and can't remember the last major book prize winner that I really enjoyed !? Maybe it would mean more to readers familiar with New York or San Francisco but only average read for me.

I'm so pleased you said that as I've had similar misgivings about this one, not sure if it sounds like my cup of tea or not. And I also often disagree with what the critics think.

# Cheers Leonie, I think the last prize winning novel I really liked was The Sea, by John Banville, Booker Prize winner in 2005 ! Maybe I have too high expectations when approaching the 'elite'. Glad to see I'm not the only one.
Thanks for visiting and keep those great reviews coming !

74. The Magicians, by Lev Grossman.

This adult fantasy was published in 2009, and bears similarities to the worlds of Harry Potter and Narnia, while somehow being quite original and engaging. One reviewer claims it is "Harry Potter written by John Crowley", surely a compliment.
Quentin Coldwater lives in our world, where almost all of us are blissfully unaware of magic, and finds himself enrolled at Brakebills College, learning real magic.
This book is for older readers as these are college students, so there is swearing, sex, and substance abuse.
Having passed College and with not much to do, inevitably a quest arises and Quentin and friends find their dreams realised, with plenty of adventure, fantastic creatures, and danger.
I enjoyed this novel and recommend it for fantasy readers. Have just found out the sequel The Magician King is to be published August this year, I'll be reading it !

Ditto! And I do like the sound of The Magicians. It is quite something to hold similarities to other popular fantasy series while still remaining an original idea.

75. Scenes of Clerical Life, by George Eliot.

These are Eliot's first published fiction, three stories concerning English clergymen and their communities, published in 1857.
Eliot's acute descriptions and considered, intelligent observations make these stories of 'far from remarkable' people and events quite powerful, and add a depth to her fiction that perhaps was lacking in other work of the time, which were more straight forward romances or adventures.
The appendix 'How I came to write fiction' describes her hesitancy to write fictional stories, but luckily she was encouraged to try, and as these stories were received warmly she tried a novel Adam Bede and didn't look back.
How fortunate for English literature, women writers, and readers everywhere !

Nice review, you really describe her road to novel writing beautifully.

Congratulations on hitting 75, Bryan!

#206 Thanks Leonie, enjoy your reviews as well !

#207 Thanks Stasia, I'm always aiming for more than a hundred, at this rate will beat last year's 112 anyway !

76. What Makes Us Tick ?, by Hugh Mackay.

My school bookclub read this book and I thought it was ok. Hugh Mackay is "Australia's leading social researcher" and he reflects on our ten big desires, including the desire to control, to belong, to be useful, etc.
I expected to enjoy this but it all seemed a bit flat and impersonal ; my wife gave up after 60 pages so it wasn't just me.

77. Tinkers, by Paul Harding.

Tinkers won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and unlike most recent book prize winners I enjoyed this one very much.
On the surface it is a brief and bare description of George Washington Crosby's final eight days but it is so much more. Paul Harding's research and unerringly spare but accurate descriptions make this a fascinating read covering the seventy years of George's life, and a significant chunk of America's recent history, landscape, and characters as well.
Paul Harding's first novel and hopefully not his last ; one of my best reads this year.

Congrats!

#208: Good luck on beating 112!

#209: I enjoyed that one too. I am glad to see the book has another fan!

Congratulations on reaching (and passing) the 75 book mark!

Gawd, how could I have missed the 75!! in that post. Too busy reading the review I guess, congratulations, can't believe you're there already and had to add Tinkers to the list given it is now one of your top reads of the year.

Thanks drneutron, Stasia, ronincats, and Leonie !

78. A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle.

This is his most recent book (2005), Eckhart is best known for The Power of Now.
His approach concentrates on our being caught up in the past or future and being unable to live in the present moment, hence our despair. This is of course no new understanding but Eckhart Tolle presents this insight from his own experience and in a direct, modern way that is accessible to the reader.
Very useful self-help.

Now to continue with A Suitable Boy, interesting to be at page 700 and still not halfway !

I have A Suitable Boy here to read. One of these days I will get to it!

Oh Ditto, in fact I have too many 700 + books on my shelves that I need to read, perhaps that is why I keep getting the shorter books from the library.. It's all in my head. How are you going with A Suitable Boy Bryan?

Just finished A Suitable Boy and will ponder it a little while before the review, probably will write something tomorrow. Thanks for the thoughts Stasia and Leonie.

79. The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle.

80. Stillness Speaks, by Eckhart Tolle.

More Tolle, I enjoy his approach and think it is worthwhile, just wish a little more wisdom would seep in !

I look forward to seeing your thoughts on A Suitable Boy, Bryan.

81. A Suitable Boy, by Vikram Seth.

We've had relatives over this week so finally get to sit and write some thoughts on this book.
Many readers will know of A Suitable Boy due to its sheer size - 1474 pages - but maybe not so many have read it ; I've had my copy for 3 years, it was a birthday present, and I've been on holidays so no more excuses !

This novel is simply about an Indian mother's mission to find a suitable husband for her daughter Lata who has shown interest in a very unsuitable boy. A train trip to several Indian cities with intense questioning of relatives and friends turns up a number of candidates. I won't say how succesful this quest is as the discerning reader will want to discover this for themselves.
Of course with a novel of this size and scope there is much more to this story :
- a panoply of characters including relatives, friends, servants, colleagues, students, cricketers, etc.,
- birth, death, romance, marriage, affairs, murder, political intrigue, festivals, etc.,
- the coming of age of a vast, populous country newly independent and about to undergo it's first general election.
and humour, mystery, joy, outrage, despair, and love as well !

Despite its size this novel is nicely written, easy to read, with short chapters.
I liked this story, didn't love it, so was it worth the time commitment to read it - ten days for me I think - I'm not sure. I'm happy to have read it, probably won't reread it, will read An Equal Music as a friend loved it.
I enjoyed the interconnectedness of this novel as in a country so vast and populated as India characters would bump into each other seemingly randomly, but didn't like the long political and legal sections which didn't add to the story for me.

Interestingly on page 1370, Seth offers a critique of long books through his poetical character Amit...
"But I too hate long books : the better, the worse. If they're bad, they merely make me pant with the effort of holding them up for a few minutes. But if they're good, I turn into a social moron for days, refusing to go out of my room, scowling and growling at interruptions, ignoring weddings and funerals, and making enemies out of friends. I still bear the scars of Middlemarch".

I have A Suitable Boy somewhere around my house waiting for me to get to it, whenever that might be :)

I also enjoyed An Equal Music, so I hope you like it, Bryan.

A very nice review there Bryan, I did start reading the first few pages of this one last month and I remember being intrigued but then the dreaded book funk hit and it was downhill from there. I will certainly read this one when I feel ready to tackle a book of this size, the thought of which makes me shiver. I never used to think of books in terms of length before, I wonder what has changed...

Can't leave Librarything for a few weeks before everyone have already reach 75 books and are striving at new goals. I'm left behind! Well, congrats :) I made a decision to read all things George Eliot and start from the beginning - so Scenes of Clerical Life are very soon to be attempted. Your review encourages me.

#220 Thanks Stasia.

#221 Sorry to hear of the book funk Leonie, would it help to take a complete break from reading - go for walks, see a movie, socialise, etc,, but strictly no reading for a while, and then have a good book waiting for when you are revitalised - just a thought, hope all recovers soon. As for big books, we have Infinite jest to go yet !!!

#222 Thanks ctpress, hope you enjoy Scenes of Clerical Life, it has its faults as a first published work but that's ok !

82. Lovesong, by Alex Miller.

Shortlisted for the 2010 Miles Franklin Award (and a better read than the winner Truth, by Peter Temple), Lovesong is a thoughtful and sensitively written piece.
John, an old man living in Melbourne, tells the story of his earlier life and love in Paris. There is romance, tragedy, passion, and despair, honestly and tenderly written. I enjoyed this story and recommend it.

#224: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Bryan!

Thanks for some good suggestions Bryan. I did recently overload on graphic novels to give myself a bit of a break from novels and I think I am through the worst now but I also suspect my eyes could be the real culprit and would explain a lot as to why I can't focus on books for very long recently. Eye test today..

Infinite Jest is one I have owned for ever and still not gotten around to. A good contender for the biggest chunkster.

#225, 226 Cheers Stasia and Leonie, hope all is good. Probably read Infinite Jest my next holidays in October.
I seem to be having a review funk, will list the books I have read with a few comments.

83. Cocaine Blues, by Kerry Greenwood.

A friend is reading and enjoying the Phryne Fisher mystery series and this is the first one.
Set in 1920's Melbourne, Phryne is rich, glamorous, with a social conscience, and looking for adventure !
I liked this detective with attitude, not sure if I'll read the others.

84. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

Very popular teen fantasy and I thought it had an interesting premise. Will give the sequels a miss.

85. Secret Scribbled Notebooks, by Joanne Horniman.

Enjoyed her About a Girl (book 65) and totally enjoyed this one too !
Kate is 17, in her last year of school, and writing about her life and memories in 3 different notebooks.
Charmingly written and recommended, I will be reading anything the author has written !

86. The Neverending Story, by Michael Ende.

Popular and original fantasy for children and teens, quite entertaining.

A Dance with Dragons review to come.

One of these days I need to get around to reading The Neverending Story. Secret Scribbled Notebooks looks good too.

The Neverending Story is also in my TBR pile. More sci-fi and fantasy is one of my next goals.

#228 Stasia Secret Scribbled Notebooks is definitely worth a read.

#229 More sf and fantasy is in my future too ctpress !

87. The Ruins of Gorlan, by John Flanagan.

I am always recommending books to my students, and also ask them to tell me about books they have enjoyed. This can sometimes backfire, but not with this book. first in the Ranger's Apprentice series.
John Flanagan wrote a series of stories to encourage his 12 year old son to read which became this novel, and has continued to now be 10 books and still prospering.
This is a good fantasy for 10 year olds and older : Will is 15, small and agile, and wants to be a warrior. The mysterious world of the Rangers awaits him and his courage is tested.
I'll be reading the others in the series, and I think this book would be a good one to read with a reluctant boy reader, although I know of at least a couple of girls who also enjoy this series.

Just popping in to say Hi Bryan. And you will be pleased to know that I'm finally starting A Game of Thrones this weekend and looking forward to it.

Sorry for the late reply Leonie, hope all is good with you and family, hope you are enjoying A Game of Thrones !
I have been busy with work and reading, bought a kindle to see what all the fuss is about, it has its uses but of course I prefer reading and buying real books !
My wife's 19 year old daughter moved out a month ago and so I have busy converting her room into a library !
Most shelves are up, and there are some finishing touches and lighting to be sorted but it will be nice to have all the books up on shelves in some sort of order !
Book reviews to come tomorrow.

#230: I enjoyed The Ranger's Apprentice series (with one exception), Bryan. I hope you continue to do like them.

#232: I am jealous of the bookshelves :) One of these days I will have a proper library!

Thanks Stasia, it is nice to have a place for the books, and there is room for more books ! Lucky as when I got home there was 5 books waiting for me, all is good here !

88. Awkward Situations for Men, by Danny Wallace.

Danny Wallace brings his trademark humour to this collection of witty observations about men and modern life.
His wife is expecting so Danny's life is becoming very complicated !
Great fun.

89. Saving Francesca, by Melina Marchetta.

Francesca is struggling in a new male dominated school when her mother is bedridden with depression.
This is a 'coming of age' and 'finding yourself' story, well written and good story for teen girl readers.
I read this because The Piper's Son was shortlisted for the Book Council Awards, after Saving Francesca I began The Piper's Son, got confused in the first 50 pages and gave up (very unlike me).

90. A Dance with Dragons, by George RR Martin.

Long-awaited 5th volume of Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' and having read it sometime ago I have been pondering my response, which you can probably surmise is not entirely positive.
Beginning with A Game of Thrones the first 3 volumes in this series were brilliant and I raved incessantly about them. A long wait for A Feast for Crows which covered half of Martin's characters, which I felt was an ok read but didn't further the story particularly.
The first part of A Dance with Dragons brings Jon, Dany, and Tyrion up to date ; and the second half continues the overall storyline, so including Arys, Cersei, Jaime, etc.
I had the same problem with this book as A Feast for Crows, lots of pages, words, and talk, but I was expecting the overall story to be advanced further, and I was hoping for more on Bran, Arys, the Sand Snakes, Samwell and Gilly, Beric Dondarrion, and the Others.
So not brilliant but am avidly waiting for the two final volumes, hope it is not another five year wait.
Please don't let these lukewarm comments put you off of reading the series, the first three volumes are too good not to read !

#235: I have only read one of Marchetta's books, Jellicoe Road, which I loved. I will have to give that one a try too. Thanks for the recommendation, Bryan!

#237 You are very welcome Stasia, happy reading !

91. Romola, by George Eliot.

Published in 1863, Romola was Eliot's fourth novel and a departure from her previous works which had been set in rural England.
It would seem Eliot wanted a challenge, and so set her 'historical romance' in 1490's Florence, Italy.
Researching the Florentine history, government, and language would have been a major task, and then melding this into a plausible fictional work would have been a monumental effort.
For me this novel lacked the intimacy that she had developed with the traditional English country and people of her earlier works, and much of the Florentine political and religious intrigue was of limited interest.
I enjoyed reading about Romola and her enlightenment, and appreciated Eliot's many astute observations, particularly about the roles of women and peasants, that are characteristic of her innovative fiction.
A rewarding read but first-time readers would be better suited to read The Mill on the Floss or Middlemarch.

I have not yet read The Mill on the Floss although I have read Middlemarch a couple of times and loved it. I think I will pass on Romola for the time being.

92. My Candlelight Novel, by Joanne Horniman.

This novel is a follow-on from Secret Scribbled Notebooks, concentrating on Kate's older sister Sophie, who is a young, single mother living in Lismore, Australia. She loves reading and goes to university to make a life for herself and her baby Hetty.
Like 'Notebooks' this is a finely written story on a young women's life and loves, and as Horniman seems incapable of writing a bland page this is recommended for all teen and older women, even an old grumpy fellow like me enjoyed it !
Horniman insists on her characters having an interest in literature ;
About a Girl - Dostoyevsky
Secret Scribbled Notebooks - Finnegans Wake
My Candlelight Novel - Jane Eyre, Ulysses, Kerouac
which is a plus for those of us into literature !

93. Leon Stumble's Book of Stupid Fairytales, by Doug MacLeod.

Having enjoyed MacLeod's The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher I was happy to come across this at the library, expecting it to have an amusing story or two I could read to classes.
Well I was right - this is a hilarious book but not just for children, I laughed out loud many times !

Leon Stumble wanted to be a children's writer but his attempts 'The History of Paste' and 'Fun with Coal', etc were noxiously boring. His witch girlfriend tricks him into writing new variations on fairytales with hilarious results.

A funny book for children and adults alike, I look forward to sharing a few of these with classes - I'll need to practise or my laughing will mess it up ! - and will be chasing up Doug MacLeod's other stuff.
If you haven't read his The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher hope you read it soon.

Hi Bryan, some really good reads there but what I really want to say is Wahoo!! on the library. I am so jealous, it sounds perfect right down to the fact that you space for new books.

I was interested to read your comments on Dance with Dragons but I am in no way put off and will find out for myself next year I'd imagine.

#242 Hi Leonie, thanks on the library, it is coming along nicely, although we have a visitor in there at present, will sort lighting, bean bag or two, and finish wood work in few weeks, then will post some photos.
Hope you are enjoying A Game of Thrones !

94. Everyday Tao, by Ming-Dao Deng.

Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy / religion that was feared lost or at least compromised by the 'Red Wave' of the 1950's in China.
We can be reassured that Taoist wisdom lives on with Ming-Dao Deng and this book is a very accessible explanation of Taoist principles for modern times.
Some quotes :
"Beginning poets often write long pieces filled with dramatic allusions and metaphors. It takes a master poet to hold an entire world in just a few lines." pg 237

"The First Emporer understood how important books were. He burned books and buried scholars in order to dominate the country. Every despot since then has known that control of knowledge is control of a nation. But it didn't work for the First Emporer, and it will never work for any despot. There will always be books-which can be hidden, which need no technology to open, which are not virtual but real objects. Those who use them will not give them up easily.
That is why, even today, books are so revered. Books allow people to think for themselves, allow access to knowledge forgotten or even out of favour with the times. Books allow knowledge to travel over time and distances greater than the author could ever accomplish in person. Most important, books encourage allegiance not to kings, but to the learning of the individual. And that is crucial to Tao." pg 38

Lovely quote about books! Please post in the Quote thread if you haven't already--that deserves to be shared.

That is a great quote, it explains so beautifully why I love reading so much.

#244 Thanks ronincats, didn't know there was a quote thread, will post soon.

#245 Thanks Leonie, me too ! How is A game of Thrones going ?

95. Hex Hall, by Rachel Hawkins.

Recommended by a student, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel about a teenage witch Sophie who is sent to the boarding school 'Hecate House', a place of learning and protection for 'supernatural beings'.

Amongst the predictable crises with family, other students, teachers, and boys, Hawkins has written a story with enough originality, humour, and twists to keep most younger readers happy, and many older readers too.
The sequel Raising Demons has been published with more to follow.

Bryan, only 150 pages to go, loving it and have decided that Mr Martin has written a giant character study that just happens to be set in another realm where battles are rife and usurpers common. He really is quite a good author isn't he?

Great that you are enjoying GOT Leonie ! I agree with your idea of a giant character study, and will add that I have read the first three books three times now, and gotten something new each time. One of the indicators of great writing I believe !
A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords continue the great tradition !

96. Yellowcake, by Margo Lanagan.

Yellowcake is Margo Lanagan's newest collection of short stories, continuing her propensity for highly original and remarkable fantasy fiction. My favourite from this collection are 'Into the Clouds on High', 'Ferryman', and 'Eyelids of the Dawn'.
Her short story collection Black Juice, and novel Tender Morsels also come highly recommended.

97. Embassytown, by China Mieville.

Mievile's ninth and newest novel, he is wellknown for his 'weird' and highly imaginative sf and fantasy works.

Set in the far future on a distant planet, Embassytown is a meeting point between humans and the Ariekei, a crustacean-like alien race. The reader is dropped straight into this bizarre world, and has to gradually discern who and what is going on. I enjoyed the challenge of gradually piecing it altogether (and must admit I haven’t completely grasped it all) but this may not suit all readers.

Amidst the intriguing biotechnology and imaginative future vision, this is really a story about language and communication, something that we take for granted. Communication between humans and the Arenkei is only possible through the combination of two people to speak with one voice, termed an Ambassador, and when a new Ambassador's voice has an addictive and devastating effect on the Ariekei it seems war is inevitable.

I enjoyed this highly imaginative and challenging novel, isn't it great when an author has a expansive imagination plus the writing skills to present a wonderful story !

His Perdido Street Station would be a better entry book for those new to Mieville.

98. The Clockwork Forest, by Doug MacLeod.

I have been reading and enjoying Doug MacLeod's works lately, and this one is another entertaining and humourous novel aimed at teen readers but suitable for all.
Morton is 15 and living on the edge of a dark forest. He has a simple life until one day a storm wrecks his hut and disperses his 4 clockwork animal treasures somewhere in the forest.
He meets all kinds of bizarre characters on his quest, with predictably humourous results.
Try his The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher if you are new to MacLeod.

99. That Deadman Dance, by Kim Scott.

Winner of the 2011 Miles Franklin Award, and is the story of the effect of English settlement of south Western Australia in the early 1800's.
The main character is Bobby Wabalanginy of the Noonger people who was a boy when the first settlers arrived and learnt some of the white language and ways. As Bobby grows up he maintains strong relationships with black and white, but this becomes strained as more settlers move in and take over, and attitudes to the indigenous people are not as tolerant as before.
Kim Scott is an indigenous writer with Noongar ancestors, and has crafted a sensitive, evocative, haunting but at the same time hopeful novel that I enjoyed and am confident that it is an important addition to the Australian historical fiction canon.

Quotes.

"Me and my people....My people and I (he winked) are not so good traders as we thought. We thought making friends was the best thing, and never knew that when we took your flour and sugar and tea and blankets that we'd lose everything of ours. We learned your words and songs and stories, and never knew you didn't want to hear ours..." pg106

"When Bobby Wahalangingy told the story, perhaps more than his own lifetime later, nearly all his listeners knew of books and of the language in them. But not, as we do, that you can dive deep into a book and not know just how deep until you return gasping to the surface, and are surprised at yourself, your new and so very sensitive skin. As if you're someone else altogether, some new self trying on the words." pg 85-6

Earlier this year I mentioned reading Infinite Jest and a few people were interested in also tackling it.
I have holidays in 2 weeks so am planning to read it then, starting Friday 30/9, trying for 100 pages or so a day.
So if anyone else is interested.......

Hi Bryan, great reading there. I was one of the hands up for Infinite Jest although I 'have' to read my bookclub books first (2 of them) before I even think about anything else.. she says as she was spied perusing a graphic novel earlier today...

So, I will add it to my October reading list as a planned read and hopefully will have something intelligent to say at the other end of it. I cannot agree to 100 pages a day though, I have trouble hitting the big 1-0 some nights! I blame this crazy life of recent times, very unaccomodating when I just want to read my books!

Thanks for the reply Leonie, I may not stick to 100 pages a day either ! So I'll mention I'm starting it and see what happens.

100. When God was a Rabbit, by Sarah Winman.

I enjoyed this funny, sometimes sad but always interesting story of Eleanor, her brother and family. The blurb on the back describes it best -
"It's a book about childhood and growing up, friendships and families, triumph and tragedy and everything in between."
Liked it so much it goes straight into 'Bryan's Best 100 Books' !

Nice to hit the 100 books in September, there have been some lighter reads, but also some heavy ones, such as A Suitable Boy, Buddenbrooks, Shantaram, and others.

Congratulations on the big 100!!

Yes, congrats on reaching the 100 book mark!

Thanks Leonie and ronincats, hope your reading is also going well.
Have made it to the holidays, three more reviews to write, have begun Infinite Jest, no spine tingling literary brilliance yet (that I have been able to detect anyway).
Dave Eggers' Forward is worth reading and a nice quote early in the novel -
"I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The Library, and step on it."" pg. 12

Holidays already? Oh yeah, we changed ours around for the World Cup. My girls have one more week. I won't be ready to look at Infinite Jest until later on in the month, still got a book club read to complete but I suspect I'm going to devour it slowly anyway. No spine tingling brilliance yet huh? Keep me posted..

Hi Leonie, happy to report that Jest has become more interesting as I read on (up to page 306 at present).
Wallace's observations, speculations, and jokes across a wide range of topics has been enjoyable and not as hard to read as I expected.

101. The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean, by David Almond.

I have long been a fan of David Almond's writing for young adults ; gritty realistic fiction but with an edge of mystery and fantasy. His new book does not disappoint although it is hard going as it has been written by Billy Dean who never learnt to spell. A sample -
"Shes rryt, I wisper. The iland is byutiful & it is reely lyka littl bit of Hevan. And yes pepl liv in the botes & yes they fly across the stars at nite."
I read somewhere that this is Almond's first novel for adults, I think it is fine for teens but you might want to read itself first.
If you haven't read David Almond I recommend Heaven Eyes and Clay.

102. Peaceful Action, Open Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh.

The Lotus Sutra is a pivotal Buddhist teaching and Thich Nhat Hanh is just the teacher to bring the Sutra to life for the modern seeker. Clearly written and with many examples Thich patiently takes us through The Lotus Sutra, reminding us that it is a call for us to be more compassionate and peaceful.

103. am I being kind, by Michael Chase.

A nice, simply written self-help book about the virtue of kindness and how we can embody it to have much more joy and love in our own lives, those around us, and indeed the world !
Recommended.

Well, I'm getting very bogged down in RL at the moment but Infinite Jest is certainly on the bedside table waiting for it's chance. First day of holidays today and I'm exhausted already. Just need to get through the next month and then I can get away for 5 days.. Maybe I need to read some of these self-help books, have you read any that organise lives?

Hi Leonie, not sure what RL is - rugby league, rustic leisure ? - hope your holidays are restful. Not sure about a book to help with organising lives, I prefer to keep my life as unbusy as possible, but not everyone has that option, it takes a sustained effort at resisting opportunities !
Infinite Jest is a challenging but rewarding read - I have 32 pages to go - hope you can make time for it and I will be interested to find out what you think ! Review, generally positive, in a day or two.

104. Journey to the Stone Country, by Alex Miller.

Won the Miles Franklin in 2003 and is the story of Annabelle Beck who returns to her family home in Northern Queensland. Here she finds a new experience of the country and the people, and finds meaning, purpose, and love.
Set in the 1990's, this novel places us squarely in the Australian bush and poses questions about the people living there, now and in the past, their treatment of each other, and their relationship with the land.
Recommended.

105. Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace.

This is a sizable chunk of a novel that has been sitting on the bookshelf for a few years daring me to read it.
First the details, Infinite Jest was published in 1996 and was Wallace's second novel.
Set in a near future USA the story is mainly concerned with characters based at the Enfield Tennis Academy and the nearby Ennet House Drug and Alcohol Recovery House.

The title 'Infinite Jest' comes from the title of a film produced by James Incandenza, which is so compelling - "lethally entertaining" - that anyone who views it loses all interest in anything else.

Well it took me about 250 pages to really get into this 981 page (plus 96 pages of endnotes) novel but it certainly grew on me ; a challenging but rewarding read is the best description I can come up with.

Shining through this work is Wallace's love of language - have a dictionary handy for erumpent, brisance, threnody, transpercant, and many more - and his witty sense of humour. There are many laugh aloud moments in this book and many instances where the reader is left amazed at Wallace's intellectual observations and situations.
This book was not designed to be a smooth read, the copious endnotes ensure the reader is constantly flipping to the back of the book, sometimes for an endnote rivalling a short story in length, often for a chemical name of little interest.

Some examples of Wallace's satirical ideas :
-Each year is sponsored, so this novel is set mainly in 'The Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment', also in 'The Year of the Trial-Size Dove Bar', and others.
-Incandenza's film catalogue including 'Good-looking Men in Small Clever Rooms That Utilize Every Centimeter of Available Space with Mind-boggling Effiency', 'Baby Pictures of Famous Dictators', and many more.
- all kinds of weird, fun notions such as the real reason mothers are so loving, babies as toothless predators, reverse Buddhism, and the ever present threat of wheelchair assassins, etc.

It is also a work very concerned with substance abuse, addiction, and the search for happiness or at least the avoidance of pain.

Certainly a challenging read, but rewarding for the reader who persists !

Intrigued by his writing, I will be reading Wallace's other books.

Certainly makes 'Bryan's Best 100 Reads', and also my 'Challenging but Rewarding' list.

Bryan's Challenging but Rewarding Reads.

Cryptonomicon. Neal Stephenson

Foucault's Pendulum. Umberto Eco

Gravity's Rainbow. Thomas Pynchon

Infinite Jest. David Foster Wallace

In Search of Lost Time. Marcel Proust

Life : a User's Manual. Georges Perec

The Man Without Qualities. Robert Musil

Ulysses. James Joyce

Underworld. Don DeLillo

War and Peace. Leo Tolstoy

106. The Terror, by Dan Simmons.

In 1845 an expedition was sent out to try to get through the Northwest passage in the Arctic, but both ships were icebound through two winters. The crews have to deal with the cold, starvation, disease, and each other.
Dan Simmons has taken this true story, given it a twist or two, and produced an intriging horror story.
As if freezing, scurvy, and the endless nights were not enough, the crews are terrorized by a monstrous creature.
As more and more die, and the winter shows no sign of abating, those left are faced with tough decisions.
There are enough twists to keep this story interesting, it isn't too scary, but I wouldn't suggest reading it on an Arctic cruise !

Just bought Clive Barker's long awaited dark fantasy Absolute Midnight, third in the Abarat series, and Reamde, by Neal Stephenson !!
And with the new Terry Pratchett Discworld novel Snuff due any day, good reading times ahead !

Two more books arrived ! The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck, both solid, hardcover with copious illustrations,, look very interesting, thanks mamzel for the recommendation.

#268: Oh boy, some bricks you have read. In search of lost times and Underworld..I get easily impatient with a +1000 pages book....

Hi ctpress, yes some big books but some great reads as well, a great +1000 page book is more than three times better than a great 300 page book !

Well this thread is very quiet, but I'll continue to list my reads until the end of the year.

107. Felix Holt : the Radical, by George Eliot.

108. A Course of Love, by Mari Perron.

109. The Darkness that Comes Before, by R. Scott Bakker.

Bakker's first book and first volume of his 'The Prince of Nothing' series, enjoyed this, straight onto Recommended Fantasy List

Well this thread is very quiet

I think a lot of threads are a little quiet right now. Reader burnout? I don't know. But I know that I'll keep returning to your thread for good stuff like "Bryan's Challenging But Rewarding Reads." And, oh no, I just saw your comment on The Darkness that Comes Before--guess I have to go put my hands on a copy of that!

Karen O.

#269 I also just finished The Terror recently. I found it hard to get into but a great story by the time it ended. Quite huge though eh!

Congrats!

#274 Thanks for your interest klobrien2, hope you enjoy 'The darkness', my library has just let me know the next book in the series is in !

#275 It was a good story Gogs81, no one would guess the ending ! Have you read anything else by Simmons ?

#276 Thanks Doc !

Away for a couple of quiet days in the country with books.

Did we talk about reading IJ together (also, I think w/JanetinLondon) some ages ago. I'm still not in a good place for it, I have to confess. I loved your Challenging But Rewarding Reads list -- there are only three I haven't gotten to - the Stephenson (why I can't say!), the Perec and the De Lillo -- although I have read and loved other De Lillo..... anyhow, that is a very good list. You're not Pynchon fan? Or Anthony Powell's sublime Dance to the Music of Time?

Hi sibyx, some of us did talk about a read of IJ, in September I mentioned I would be starting it soon but no one was quite ready, I forged on anyway and was glad I did ! Now to read Wallace's other works.
I have read some Pynchon, Slow Learner, The Crying of Lot 49, Vineland, and Gravity's Rainbow; have Mason & Dixon and Inherent Vice waiting on the shelf, you have reminded me I need to get to them soon.
I have heard of the Dance-Music-Time books, and have added them to my TBR list, thanks !

Read some more.

110. Cirque Du Freak, by Darren Shan.

Great book for teenage reluctant readers who might be interested in a horror story of boys going to an illegal freak show with terrifying results !

111. Sarah Thornhill, by Kate Grenville.

Following on from The Secret River, and The Lieutenant, this novel successfully completes Kate Grenville's series about Australia's settlement. Beautifully written, and recommended.

112. Snuff, by Terry Pratchett.

Sam Vimes reluctantly goes on holiday and predictably the bodies, crimes, and villains soon follow. Pratchett's writing continues to be strong, humorous, and wise ; Discworld fans will have already read this new release.

>re Snuff: You got THAT right! LOL

Hi. Just want to say I love your list of challenging reads in post #268. I agree that a great big book is even better than a great small book. I've read 6 of these, have 2 lined up for next year (Wallace and Stephenson) but probably won't get to the other two (Eco and Musil). Very glad you liked IJ, as I am still nervous of it, but committed to reading it in early 2012 with sibyx and whoever else joins in. What's your next "big book"?

Thanks JanetinLondon, hope you enjoy IJ when you get to it, Foucault's Pendulum is worth a read if you have time one day ! My next challenge will probably be The Recognitions, by William Gaddis, early next year, have you read it ? Any other big reads you would recommend ?

113. Absolute Midnight, by Clive Barker.

The long-awaited 3rd volume in Barler's Abarat series is finally here, and does not disappoint !
Candy Quakenbush's adventures in Abarat continue, Clive Barker's remarkable imagination (and paintings !) also continue.
Importantly we are given more information about Candy's background and why her presence is crucial to Abarat's survival.
My favourite characters in this series are the bad guys, and Mater Motley and her obsession with ruling Abarat by causing total darkness, 'Absolute Midnight' is wonderfully diabolical !

No, I haven't read The Recognitions, but will check it out. I can't think of other really challenging reads off the top of my head - depends what you consider challenging - maybe Tristram Shandy? Certainly in terms of long ones that make you feel worth it in the end, even if not challenging in terms of language or plot, I would add Don Quixote and A Suitable Boy.

Janet, my idea of challenging is not just that a book be long, but that it is written so that the reader has to 'work' at it to understand it or appreciate it. One prime example would be Ulysses where many people begin it but soon give up. The persistent (stubborn ?) reader finds much of value in the read or at least can see there is some depth to the work.
Hope you enjoyed Don Quixote as much as I did, also enjoyed Tristam Shandy and A Suitable Boy, all long but not too difficult to read.
In thinking about it, Joyce's Finnegan's Wake certanly fits the challenging category but it held little interest for me so didn't make the 'Challenging Reads' list.
Thanks for your interest, have a great day !

114. The Passage, by Justin Cronin.

Just finished this novel and must say it was brilliant, the cover blurb describes it as 'enthralling' and I totally agree.
Set in the near future, a virus is discovered that promises extended life for the human race. However it all goes horribly wrong and humans are suddenly in deep trouble.
The plot twists and turns at regular intervals and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride !
Together with A Fine Balance my best reads so far in 2011 !
Sequel due next year, and a movie in the works which if it can capture the adventure of the book will be awesome !

Yes, I loved Ulysses. Don Quixote and A Suitable Boy, and slogged my way through Finnegan's Wake but can't say I enjoyed it exactly, or even found it particularly rewarding.

Been steadily reading Middlemarch, a reread for me, am taking it slowly and enjoying the detail and amount of philosophical musing that Eliot allows herself in this classic.

115. Radical Gratitude, by Andrew Bienkowski.

An account of the author's childhood and family surviving in Siberia. The sacrifice of his grandfather and the kindness of many enabling the family to survive.
Bienkowski became a clinical therapist and shares his thoughts on human happiness and fulfillment.
Accounts of people's struggle in difficult times is always humbling to read, reminding us we don't have too much to grumble about.

#289 enjoying the detail and amount of philosophical musing that Eliot allows herself in this classic I am currently reading The Mill on the Floss and enjoying the same there!

Thanks for visiting gennyt, glad to hear you are enjoying The Mill on the Floss, Middlemarch was a larger, more complex project which I recommend you try.

116. Middlemarch, by George Eliot.

As I've said Middlemarch is a reread for me, Daniel S Burt ranks it as the eighth best novel ever written so I read it as part of my challenge to read his The Novel 100, in which I have fallen way behind this year.
Anyway Middlemarch has certainly been the pinnacle of Eliot's novels that I have read (only Daniel Deronda to go this December), taking a noticeable step-up in complexity and her trademark observations on morality.
As a minor critisism, I find her characters can be a little too idealist to be believable, and in this novel Dorothea is certainly that. But she is endearing, and through a calamitous marriage and consequent struggles to remain true to her ideals I was drawn to feel for her.
From Burt,
"Few would dispute the placement of Middlemarch among the very greatest novels ; it is generally regarded as a landmark achievement that established the standard by which realism in the novel can be measured and expanded the boundaries of what a novel could be in its comprehensiveness, truthfulness, and artistic, moral, and intellectual ambitions."
A classic to be read slowly, pondered, and one of my favourites.

117. The Warrior Prophet, by R. Scott Bakker.

I enjoyed the first book in 'The Prince of Nothing' series The Darkness That Comes Before, and this second book continues this interesting fantasy.
Bakker's story has plenty of action, magic, and fantastic creatures, but he takes a somewhat philosophical perspective that deepens the characters and story beyond a typical fantasy. This may not be to everyone's liking but I find it quite absorbing (I will admit that occasionally I'm not sure exactly what is happening) and I am well into the third book in the series.

Hi Bryan, I have been very absent but am impressed at the reading you've been doing over the last few weeks. RL is 'real life' to me and hence why I got so bogged down in it that I had to have a break with LT. I also couldn't even begin to contemplate Infinite Jest in amongst all of that, much to my own disappointment, but it isn't going anywhere so I will get to it.

Have to say, I also enjoyed your list of Challenging/Rewarding Reads and although I own 5 of them, I've yet to read any. War and Peace is one I'm actually nervous to start after I read Anna Karenina and thought it was only average. (I apologize to all who loved this book).

Lastly, thank you for telling me the Cliver Barker series is good. I recently got books 1 and 2 so now that book 3 is out, I can start to read them, next year even.

Hi Leonie, hope all is good with you, my way of getting to those forbidding reads is to chose the book and start reading it the first day of my holidays. Of course being a teacher I get four lots of holidays a year so that helps !
Probably best to leave War and Peace if you didn't particularly like Anna Karenina, perhaps Underworld by Don DeLillo is the most accessible book of that list.
Hope you like the Abarat books, apart from his horror works Clive Barker has also penned some great dark fantasy, notably Weaveworld and Imajica, have you read anything else by him ?
Have you had a chance to read the next George RR Martin, A Clash of Kings ?
Happy reading !

Just Galilee which sounds very different to his other books from what you've just said. I enjoyed it, epic tale of two families that live hundreds of years, nothing too dark or fantastical but certainly interesting. I am beginning to eye up Clash of Kings and can see myself reading it over christmas.

I'd forgotten about Galilee Leonie, thanks for the reminder, will get to it eventually.

118. The Thousandfold Thought, by R. Scott Bakker.

Final volume in The Prince of Nothing trilogy and a satisfying conclusion to the story.
As said before I enjoy Bakker's philosophical bent on fantasy and recommend him for anyone looking for a fantasy series with a difference.
At the conclusion of this story is a 140 page 'Encyclopedic Glossary' with definitions for all the unique names and words used in the series, which is a handy reference for when the reader is not sure who is who, which happened to me occasionally.
Bakker has begun another trilogy set some twenty years after the ealier series, The Aspect-Emperor series.

119. Headgames, by Nick Earls.

A collection of short stories connected by five stories about Philby and Frank's uni days of drinking and various frustrating attempts to talk to girls.
Couple of interesting stories, I enjoyed 'Problems with a Girl and a Unicorn' and 'Plaza'.
Overall not particularly interesting.

120. The River of Heaven, by Robert Aitken.

Robert Aitken, long-time Zen teacher and Haiku scholar, presents many haiku from the masters Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki, with his insightful comments.
His understanding brings these brief but powerful poems to life, making this an important book for anyone interrested in this form of poetry.

Basho

The dragonfly !
It tries in vain to land
on a blade of grass.

Buson

What a pleasure
wading the summer stream,
sandals in hand !

Issa

The dewdrop world
is a dewdrop world
and yet.....and yet.

Shiki

In the summer rain
the creeping gourd
has reached the trelliswork.

121. Oxygen, by Andrew Miller.

Spread across the US, England, and Paris in 1997, the story of four people and their various struggles.
Pleasant enough read but that is all.

122. The White Woman on the Green Bicycle, by Monique Roffey.

English newlyweds Sabine and George travel to Trinidad for a three year stay but end up there for much longer. During this time there are political upheavals, racial unrest, children being born and growing up, and to further complicate things there are affairs, an infatuation with the prime minister, and a green bicycle.
I thought this was an ok read, slow start but I gradually became interested in the story.

That one sounds very interesting, is it fiction or based on true events?

Hi Leonie, it is fiction, although it seems to be based around actual events, particularly the politics, although I couldn't be sure about it !?

123. Daniel Deronda, by George Eliot.

George Eliot's final novel and a remarkable one at that. I enjoyed this novel as much as I did Middlemarch, it has all the acute observations, complex characters, and thoughtful musings that are typical of Eliot's later works.
The two main characters Gwendolen Harleth - intelligent, selfish, questioning; and Daniel Deronda - sensitive, looking for a cause - complement each other precisely, but there is much more here - intrigue, romance, racial tension, role of women in marriage and society, and perhaps the main question that lurks in Eliot's novels - what is a good life ?
At 811 pages a significant work, and not a light read, but very rewarding !

#291 and 303: Enjoyed your remarks on Middlemarch. I too slowly warmed up to Dorothea - but yes what an impossible idealist in the beginning.

Eventually I will get to Daniel Deronda which is listed in the new edition of The Novel 100 (the one with the 25 plus novels) - sounds like a must read. Read Silas Marner this year and enjoyed it very much.

Hope you enjoy Daniel Deronda ctpress, I also enjoyed Felix Holt : the Radical, her novel before Middlemarch if you are looking for another Eliot read.

124. The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, by Deborah Rodriguez.

A nice story about people's lives in Kabul, particularly looking at five very different women whose lives come together at a cafe in Afghanistan.
There is love, death, romance, but I was particularly taken by the descriptions of how hard life was/is there for women/girls. In the back of the copy I read is a 6 page interview with the author where she details her 5 years in Afghanistan, so her writing is based on experience.
This novel is both a good story and an education, that is great value !

Last two reads for the year.

125. On Beulah Height, by Reginald Hill.

Lent by a friend, crime fiction is not a genre that interests me, but this was a good read.
Spooky but not gory, hard-hitting but humorous, well thoughtout but not over-explained, very enjoyable read and I imagine the others in this 'Dalziel and Pascoe' series are also fine reads.

126. The Carpet Wars, by Christopher Kremmer.

Also lent by a friend, this is an account of the author's travels through many of the Middle Eastern Islamic countries.
Kremmer's interest in carpets, network of friends, knowledge of the people, their history and culture, and risk-taking, help to make this an interesting read.

Happy to have read 126 books this year, most so far for me, with many good reads in there.
Didn't read enough of my own books, or enough of 'The Novel 100', but there is 2012.

Best reads of 2011 (in order of reading)

A Fine Balance, by Rohinton Mistry
Rumo, by Walter Moers
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
The Amulet Of Samarkand, by Jonathon Stroud
Leviathon,by Scott Westerfeld
The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot
The Trout Opera, by Matt Condon
The Order of Odd-Fish,by James Kennedy
The Age of Absurdity, by Michael Foley
The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher, by Doug McLeod
About a Girl, by Joanne Horniman
The Midnight Zoo, by Sonya Hartnett
The Red Wind, by Isobel Carmody
The Magicians, by Lev Grossman
Secret Scribbled Notebooks, by Joanne Horniman
When God was a Rabbit, by Sarah Winman
Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace
The Darkness that Comes Before, by R. Scott Bakker
The Passage, by Justin Cronin

Thanks to those who visited this thread and their comments, may everyone have a great 2012 with plenty of good reads !

Happy New Year Bryan! Of your best reads I've only read 2, what have I been doing with my time..? Will you be starting a 2012 thread?