Bahzah/ Claudia's "Comfy Corner" Series - Book 3

2011 Books read:

#1 Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende (3.5 stars)
#2 Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (4 stars)
#3 Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (5 stars)
#4 The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller (4.5 stars)
#5 A Lonely Death by Charles Todd (3.5 stars)
#6 Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (5 stars)
#7 The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (4 stars)
#8 Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss (4.5 stars)
#9 The Crown Conspiracy by Michael Sullivan (4 stars)
#10 Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien (4stars)
#11 My Own Country by Abraham Verghese (4 stars)
#12 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (4.25 stars)
#13 Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier (4 stars)
#14 I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey by Izzeldin Abuelaish (4.5 stars)
#15 Room by Emma Donoghue (3.5 stars)
#16 Winter's Bone: A Novel by Daniel Woodrell (4 stars)

Checking in, Claudia!

Wow - you are really quick! No surprise here, Stasia... Welcome! :)

Thanks!

Found you.......******STARRED******* you!

Now, the roses are pretty.....but don't last very long!

Chocolate-covered strawberries are divine! They don't last very long either...but who cares??? They taste sooo goood!!

;-}

Hi Jude.... Some of the best things on earth don't last very long... but we enjoy them while we can! :)

Yes, I think I'll pop in to "sample" a strawberry or two...

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and I brought....


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Kath doesn't like champagne :)

Claudia

Congratulations on reading so many great books in January.

here you are! What a pretty thread :)

kara, how sweet you are :)

Hi Luxx! Help yourself!

Hi Kara - nice addition! Looks like that bottle is not going to run out!

Hi Linda! Thanks... it's easy to read good books now that I have LT friends.

Hey Kath! Here YOU are! Welcome - as always!

{{ L-K-L-K }} hugs to all!

I agree with Linda. You've done some great reading this year. Off to a great start!

Hi Claudia- Snazzy New Thread! I like it! I also loved Cutting For Stone and need to read more of his work. My Own Country needs to go on the list!

hugs back at ya! I can't believe that there is no post here from me yesterday. I could have sworn I posted. :-/

Well I am here now.. and in a bit of a hurry, since I was so long winded in my own thread.. silly of me :(

just one of us today...my twin is sleeping :P

Smart twin... but you are cuter! ;-)

she is pretty cute..

It has been a long day.. but it is over. I had some food and I am warm.
that is about to change. I have to take Duncan out. BRB

*shiver* it is cold out there.. I sure hope that it warms up to the twenties soon :P

Whoops, new thread!
*pant, pant*
Still, I've caught up.
Bloody cold outside here, too.

Hi there, Suz! Thanks for stopping by.
I love reading your thread.

Is that little girl on your profile you? Cute!

Me aged about three, trying out my new skates! Circa 1965...
My father sorted through all the photos he had taken over many years of the family, burned the best onto CDs and sent copies to my brother and myself. I'm v. glad to have them; too bad that I can't remember exactly when/where some were taken!

Hi! I found you again and have you starred.

*waving* as I head through the threads

Good morning! The weather guesser is saying 50 on Thursday! wow...
That will be a nice break.. Sorry to tell you though that it might be headed your way.

Suz, your father sounds like my husband. Loves to go through old pictures of our kids. Everytime an occasion comes up, he makes up a greeting card and inserts one of their childhood pictures. Fun for all of us.

Hi Terri! Welcome!

Waves to Stasia!

Ah, Kath. 50 degrees! Not too awful. I'm beginning to worry about the deer. Snow is too deep for them to get at the grass - or whatever scruffy stuff they eat. So a little melting is definitely in order. I would throw apples out for them, but I would attract more than deer, I'm afraid.

Reading The Hamlet by Faulkner. Maybe my frame of mind about this - maybe the small print - but having a hard time getting into it.
Also reading Jamaica Inn by du Maurier. Not having any trouble with this one! Geesh! Good stuff.

Claudia, I may have to steal that birthday idea from you. I rarely get to be there in person anymore for my kids' birthdays. A picture from the archives would go far in personalizing the card and gift card or check that I send.

I always find it hard to get into Faulkner, but am usually well rewarded if I persevere. About all I can handle, though, is one of his books per year. I think this may be the year for Absalom, Absalom! for me.

Wishing your deer the best of luck. Nature has a cruel method of thinning out a herd!

Happy Weekend!

kara is really in a dancing mood! lol

Ron sends birthday cards???

wow

Donna - Have fun creating birthday/anniversary cards with a blast from the past! As far as Faulkner's book goes - well, I think it's getting a little better.

Kara - You're a dancing queen! I'm thinking you might be happy about the coming weekend? :)

Kath - Yes, of course. Doesn't Dan? ROFL!

nope thinking of the 4th of July when I come up and you cook ;)

*eyeroll* nope

and he never looks at old pictures...or new ones

Hi Claudia! Those strawberries covered in chocolates look divine! *drools* Drive by hug!

Hey! there goes Tamara! woosh!

just stopping by to say good morning. :)

Hi Tam! Nice to see you. We actually got a huge box of those strawberries in work one time. They were so beautiful and indescribably delish! The greatest thing about it is - they were in primo condition and had to be eaten in less than 24 hours. so diet or no, everyone indulged. Couldn't let those heavenly treats go bad!

Hey Kath! Wishing you plenty of time to read and a great book to fill said time this weekend! Hugs to you and the furkids!

Edited to make 2nd half of my message appear. The less than sign is powerful!

I've just read ten other threads with my mind blank! So I am saying hi to force myself out of lurking mode. I am off in a minute or two to a nearby library booksale. In fact, TIME TO GO! Wish me luck!

Have a great day -- we've had three days of much welcomed sun. Good for the spirits. Not today though, think the snow is returning, albeit not with a roar.

It is always so nice to get things at work.. lol
I often take goodies to the vets office.. just to keep the wheels well oiled.

Anyway.. hope that your weekend is a happy one too :)

Oh Claudia! OH! I just finished a book I think you'll really like: The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly, set in Colonial India...so beautifully atmospheric! Cleverly is a dab hand with descriptions: "Nancy's eyes crinkled in amusement as she remembered. 'Our matron was the kind of matron you might envisage--all bosom, starched and rustling! She was slim, twenty-four years old and her mother, the Countess, was a director of the VAD! No, the only starchy thing about Madeleine was her apron. We all knew she wore eau-de-nil silk cami-knickers underneath her uniform. She used to say they reminded her of who she really was.'"

It's good stuff.

>36 -Cee-:: Yummmm....fresh strawberries. I'll take mine without the chocolate, please. I'm a purist when it comes to strawberries. I bought some at the supermarket this week that actually had some flavor.

>37 sibylline:: I'll check your thread later, Lucy, to see what you snagged at the book sale. Ours is late next month...right around my Thingaversary date. How convenient.

>39 richardderus:: I think I would like that book, too, Richard. I know I like the author's last name. I can hear me dropping it in conversation..."Barbara Cleverly wrote this wonderful book about Colonial Inda..."

Hi Lucy! Hope you had good luck at the book sale - though I checked your thread and didn't see what you got? Anything?

Hi Kath! So far- fun weekend... yup, really really fun. So fun... so far! :P Laundry, cooking, etc :P I need a wife.

RD... duly noted. will check this out. thanks.

Donna - I understand loving strawberries for themselves. My fav fruit!

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Hi Kara! cute gif! :)

after I posted that gif Claudia I had to go back and check it...I thought it said Help and not Hello LOL at the end!

maybe Help is appropriate at times :)

Help is VERY appropriate at times.. and Cee is a great go to gal if you need some.. much like yourself ms kara!

*waving Hello* Happy Monday, Claudia!

ok.. Rise and shine!
Monday is here.. :PPPPP

What will you do today?
What are you reading now? I think I have lost track ..

!!!!!! you are awake so early! go back to bed and have one more sweet dream..
if you can. If not, have a big and yummy cup of coffee with good toast!
A good way to start the day. I think I will take some oatmeal with me :)

Awake is not unusual... typing and thinking is...

Coffee and maple oat toast on the menu. yum :)

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends -

Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Claudia!

Thanks, Stasia. Hope it's a special one for you! :)

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Cute, Kara!
Have a LOVE-ly day!

Hi Claudia -- I did finally get the books posted from the sale. It's 45 here today, I'm sweating!

>50 -Cee-:: You always bring a sparkle to my day, Claudia. Thanks for the extra bling today in that lovely Valentine! Have a sweet day.

They look good, Lucy! Sweating? lol I hear ya!
I went out in just a sweater today - it was warm here too - I think about mid-30s.

Donna, you are very sweet to say that. Made my day! :)

Happy Valentine's Day, Claudia! Hope you had a great day! It got up to 45 today, the sun came out in the afternoon. Melting like crazy. Yah!

See, Mark? There IS a weather angel!

see Cee? I told you that you were sparkly.

Claudster!!!


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Thanks, Tam! Have a choc-covered strawberry from message #1 (they're great and they never run out!!!) :)

Oh Claudster you inspired me- I found some at Meijer- had to indulge- they are in the fridge- I may break some out later tonight. ** rubs hands together greedily**

It's so festive over here! Hope you had a good V-Day Claudia!

Claudia, I just read your post re. deer. I mentioned in my thread that the deer as so hungry they are taking chances by coming very near to the houses in our development. There are at least 12 in our yard and in the woods in back of our house.

Poor deer :(

Good morning Cee!
Is any of your snow melting yet?

I think it was brilliant of you to find never ending chocloate berries. You are so smart!

Here you are! Where are you now?

I almost hear an echo here :)

Please come out to play?

Was Claudia eaten by a deer? or swallowed by a snowbank??

maybe she got out of that book funk :)

Here I am! Did not get eaten, buried or blown away. Here to play!
Wind gusts 50-60 mph - temp in the teens - can't imagine wind chill factor.

Book funk still in effect... tried another chapter to no avail. ah well... I'm not going to panic - yet.

Carribean pork tenderloin roast, coconut rice, broccoli and fresh pineapple for supper. Smells good.

Echos: Every once in a while, the atmosphere over the cove is just rght for echos. When I let Loki out on the back deck, he barks at his own echo. If I don't take him back in - it goes on forever! lol

I love echos. There was one on my grandma's farm..
she sounded just like me

Dinner sounds great! Remember Book Funk Ban is still in place! Snap out of it quick and resume normalcy. Have a good evening.

Dinner sounds a little intimidating...

Hi there Claudia. I once had a book funk that lasted for about six months! Gah!! I hope yours is over soon.

Book funks are no fun..
but it does give one a chance to catch up on other things :)

There are other things? Hmmmmmmm...

Kath - dinner intimidating? au contraire mon ami... very easy!

Bonnie - 6 months! Oh NO! Were you in a coma? or pregnant?

Mark - Kath said there are other things... but I don't know what she is talking about. ???? Need a clue.

Easy to make? dunno about that.. terrifying to approach to eat... all that fruity meat and stuff. I am a plain eater.. mostly. Gravy on top is fancy as I get...
:P

You are a gourmet cook!

Hi Stasia! *waves back*

Kath - no fruit on this meat...pineapple was on the side. I used to be a gourmet cook, but Ron likes plain meals too. So I had to tone it waaaaay down. Now that I've been in front of the stove for so many years - I'm tired of it. So, I experiment once in awhile - but mostly try to keep it easy and healthy.

Dinner sounded nice Claudia....except for the coconut part, me no like coconut :) but I would have extra helping of broccoli to make up for the coconut rice....

what is that anyway? coconut rice? never heard of it

what if you pick a book that you have already read and really liked? would that derail your book funk?

>77 -Cee-: No coma and no pregnancy; I was going through some pretty serious problems in my life and couldn't concentrate at all. Thankfully I finally came out of it and I even remember the book that did it: In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant, the story of a woman attempting to become the highest paid whore in town. hahaha

Hi Kara, Coconut rice is just rice made with 1/2 water and 1/2 coconut milk. Gives it a nice mild flavor. Actually I'm slowly working my way through an ER book that I do like - just can't stay interested.

Hi Bonnie, Serious RL problems can certainly be a problem with concentration and reading. I'm trying to read some ... just not for long stretches right now. I start when I want to and stop when I lose interest. It'll pass. But I'll keep your book in mind if it gets too bad. lol

well then, if it is just coconut milk I probably would like it :) the coconut flakes is what I don't care for

coconut I like.. that sounds interesting.....

Coconut rice is really quite good....mild....goes with most everything...

Me, i'm having canned Minestrone (Progresso) tonight...making a broccoli/potato chowder tomorrow....w/maybe some carrot and red pepper for "color".....i found the recipe in a Susan Powter cookbook and it is surprisingly good..

Hope all's well in your neck of these woods, Claudia...don't let the Book Funk keep you down

{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}

;-)

Right, Jude. Quite good! After making coconut rice it's hard to go back to plain. Once I used cranberry juice/water and made some very pretty pink rice! I love to dress up rice.

I obviously haven't given up on reading altogether as I'm still cruising LT threads.

I'm planning a get-away, fun, spoil-myself day for tomorrow. Maybe then I can shake the doldrums. :)

Claudia- Good luck on shaking those doldrums! Bad doldrums! Hope you are having a nice evening!

*waves* hopefully that book funk goes away soon!

Hi Claudia! I hate book funks - hope you banish yours soon!

Have a fun get away...

I am happy for you!

G'day all!
Thanks for the good wishes. After a few days of low-level yuck, I am feeling pretty good this AM. Looking forward to a day of things I like to do... whatever that turns out to be... as well as getting a few things done I have been putting off.

Hope everyone has a great day in some way! :)

To chime in with the coconut rice talk, I love to serve it when I make chicken sate. Which, come to think of it, I haven't made in quite a while. Something to look forward to this weekend, I believe. Thanks for idea, folks!

Hope the day went well.. muchly happy for your chance for a Cee day :)

Hi Mamzel! Happy to help with your menu!

Dr. Kath, you prescribed exactly what I needed.
Beautiful weather today! Got up to 47!
Didn't even need a jacket. :)

Got lots of errands done. Stretched my legs walking along the river.
Cleared the cobwebs out of my brain. Bought 2 used books and took Where the Mountain Meets the Moon out of the library based on everyone's high recs. Will try reading again tomorrow.

Much thanks to my dear, sweet hubby who took over my responsibilities today... including cooking supper! A rare event. :) I'm so lucky.

I hope you enjoy Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Claudia. I loved that book!

Glad it went well for you..
Down time is immeasurably important~
Without it, I would have been unable to cope ...

hugs

New Day! More wind in my sails. :)
Back to reading...

Glad things have turned around Claudia!

down time/me time is a must! I go crazy without it....walk along the river sounds nice! and sweet hubby taking over the responsibilities including cooking is an added bonus :)

Have a great weekend!

I'm so glad your Claudia-Day was a success......and that the Hubby cooked supper!

the weather here is due for a turn...it's warm & windy with rain in the forecast....then back to more seasonal temps

I have to get reading, as well

;-}

Hi Kara! Getting quality down time was the ticket! I spent time reading today and thoroughly enjoyed Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. I'm thinking that counts for FF.

Reminded me of another book I read recently - Kalila and Dimna: Fables of Friendship and Betrayal which was basically animal fables of India. The similarity was the structure - a fantasy story enhanced by a variety of recalled folklore. Well, I liked it a lot.

Hi Jude! Great day yesterday - great day today! Looks like the next front in Maine is coming straight down from the Arctic! Brrrr. :)

Glad to see that the down time worked for you, Claudia. Have a great weekend!

ACK!!! Brrr? Again? :PPPPPPPPPPPP

It was nearly 60F when we left last night, and about 30 degrees colder when we got home! Of course we were all dressed for the 60...lol

I am not really ready for more snow, but it was a nice couple of days of warm here.. and I am happy for that.

#12 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Here is a captivating fantasy of a child seeking good fortune for her impoverished family. Minli, a Chinese child who believes in the possibility of a better world for all, sets out on a journey to find answers to eternal questions. Her quest is jam-packed with folklore and adventure.

This book is for children but can be enjoyed by all ages. It is wise and delightful. The literary imagery is stunning. The illustrations are charming. You will be glad you took some time to see the world again through a child's eyes. Nothing seems impossible.

Highly recommended for fantasy and folklore lovers. 4.25 stars.

So many here on LT have read and loved this book. I couldn't resist any longer. It pulled me out of my book funk and for that alone I loved it. There are many good reviews - I can add little - but I wrote a short review anyway. (I can use the practice.) Really. If you have not read this yet, take a few hours to do so. It won't hurt. It will feel good.

Donna and now you, Claudia, recommending this book in the last 12 hours (on top of Linda and Stasia and others)--I couldn't resist anymore and just put it on hold at my library. I've been in a bit of a book funk myself which I think was triggered by having a lot of books I "had" to read for my Stegner course. Hope it does the trick for me too.

Worth a try, Pat! I hope you will enjoy it. It's a good book to get from the library. :)

#104: I am glad to see that you enjoyed the book, Claudia! I loved that one. Good to see it pulled you out of your book funk too.

Your book funk is over! Hip hip hooray! I will look for this one!

Are you here??? yoo hoo!

duh.... don't you have a little yellow thingy at the top of your page?

Methinks you need a bit more sleep! :)

oh.. I saw that.. and read it.. and will reply in a bit.. lol~~But then you came to my thread and I thought we could chatter away here for a bit first.. :P

I have been busy revealing guilty pleasures to Lynda and stuff...

Sorry... guess my order of skipping around today is "out of order". Don't ever count on me being consistent. Especially in the morning! :)

s'okay ! no order is the best order.. gotta run though, cory is up.. must talk soon..!

Morning Claudia- Hope you have a pleasant Sunday! What are you reading next?

Hi Mark... finished 2 more books. Both excellent.
I Shall Not Hate by a Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish (ER book)
and
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

Will be reviewing them later today.

What will I read next? OMG! This is soooo cool.... I get to pick out 2 (TWO) new books - one for upstairs and one for downstairs! Haven't decided yet - but there's a stack of them waiting! :)

I am eagerly waiting for your review of I Shall Not Hate, Claudia. It was one of the ER books I requested but did not get.

Have a great reading Sunday!

you are on fire, woman! I will have trouble catching up to you :)

#13 Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

Thanks to Caty for this book (Christmas Swap)! A book I would not want to miss!

Another awesome book by du Maurier! Stunning imagery of the moors in England, suspense, and dark moods fill this harrowing story of a young woman who finds herself alone in a dangerous world of crime and greed. Following her mother's deathbed wish, Mary goes to live with her aunt and uncle in the isolated, spooky and horrifying Jamaica Inn. She finds her aunt deranged and her uncle fearsome -obviously involved in something far more frightening than mere smuggling.

DuMaurier's characters are bold. Her depiction of schemes, emotional turmoil, inner moral struggles, and alarming events are rich and plentiful. Recommended for exercising and toning, because you will be tensing and relaxing those muscles! 4 stars

Oh good another fabulous read by duMaurier to look forward to. I already have The Scapegoat and My Cousin Rachel on my shelf and I'm determined to get to at least one of them this year. Now I'll add Jamaica Inn too. Glad the book funk is over Claudia.

oooh! sounds fun :)

BONNIE!!! You are not supposed to give me two books for my WL when I only gave you one! Not fair. :)

But I am happy to have discovered an interesting new-to-me author. I think I'm gonna add her to my fav authors. Don't know how I missed her all these years. Rebecca was excellent too, btw. Did you read that one?

Claudia- I am so glad to see you back kicking major book-butt! Love it! I Shall Not Hate sounds very good. I've only read Rebecca, but Jamaica Inn also looks terrific!

Claudia, I'm so glad the ghastly Book Funk is over. And doubly glad that Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was the book that did it! It was a real charmer.

I have a sweet little copy of Jamaica Inn calling to me. Too bad my answer has to be "not yet." I'm living up to my 'overbooked' thread name!

I like your idea of an upstairs and a downstairs book. I sort of have that multiple book thing going for me as well. Ain't it grand?

I read everything by Daphne du Maurier (that I could get my hands on) when I was 11 or 12....Jamaica Inn is/was certainly a favorite....so was Frenchman's Creek and Rebecca, of course......Don't Look Now is great!!! So was the movie

Dang, maybe I'll have to re-read these old favorites!

Love your review

;-}

Hi Mark & Donna! Book Funk is over... think it was part of a general systemic funk which is behind me now. Woohoo!

Upstairs book is usually lightweight/small so I can easily hold it while reading in bed. Downstairs book is usually the more intense one - any size.

JUDE>>>> Stop! Stop! Ack. 2 more duMaurier books! I was trying not to look for more :P Oh dear. *heavy sigh* Gotta stretch these books out. Really? 11 or 12? hmmmm... I didn't think of these as YA. Are they?

#14 I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey by Izzaldin Abuelaish

This is a unique autobiography and thoughtful expose of life in the Gaza Strip, written by a Nobel-nominated, Palestinian doctor who is convinced that peace in the Middle East is possible. Some will read this book and decide the author, Dr. Abuelaish, is a dreamer. But then, we have had dreamers all through history who have made an enormous impact on our thinking.

Dr Abuelaish shares his personal story of a hardscrabble existence and lifelong perseverance which inspires and lifts up the human spirit. This is truly a book that leads us deep into a searching heart and a soul of wisdom striving to benefit all humanity. Seeking freedom and justice is the infrastructure in the life committment of this remarkable man.

Even as an internationally trained doctor working in an Israeli hospital with the great respect of his patients and co-workers, Abuelaish (like all Gazans) is subjected to unnecessary anguish, humiliation and harsh limitations beyond his control.

"Fruits such as apricots, plums, grapes, and avocados, even diary products, are suddenly declared nonessential and forbidden to us... The stiffening embargo, the incursions, attacks, and arrests are playing on the psyches of the people. What's worse is that we Gazans don't see the outside world caring much about our plight. That adds to the angst... All this while babies die from malnutrition, mothers bleed to death in childbirth, and an old lady with cancer is held up at the Erez Crossing because someone is trying to teach someone else a lesson."

There is unbelievable sadness and violence continuously assaulting this man of peace and his family. It's not pretty. Through it all he practices amazing patience and tolerance. Abuelaish lives his belief that:

"Hate is blindness and leads to irrational thinking...Hatred may be reversible if we allow it."

This is an alarming and eye-opening book proposing important steps toward peace and human dignity... everywhere. It's worth thinking about. It's worth a try. War, terrorism and extreme hatred/fear is not working. We are compelled to take a hard look at what we can start doing - NOW.

Recommended for those who are truly interested in recognizing our human similarities and working towards peaceful co-existence.

4.5 stars

Claudia- Excellent review! You gotta thumb! And I will keep an eye out for this one!

I'll second Mark's (e)motion! Thumb and all.

And, No...Du Maurier has never been classified as YA...but I was allowed to check out adult books when I was 9!!! Got bored with the Kiddie Stuff, so I started reading Romancey Stuff like Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart...went through them like Sherman-through-Georgia (yep, Gone With the Wind was the highlight of The-Summer-after-6th-Grade....that and Captain Blood) What can I say, I was precocious...and easily bored!

Sorry for the Overload (up at #125) I was only trying to help......*sniff sniff*

;-}

Gee, thanks, Mark!

You were sooooo lucky, Jude! All that book freedom. At that age, I spent a lot of my time cooking, cleaning, taking care of my little sister and sewing my own clothes. Both my parents worked... what did I know? You were reading Gone With the Wind... I was making skirts and blouses for school. Used to be way cheaper back then... couldn't afford store-bought.

Oh... don't worry about #125. If I keep reading this woman's books I'm bound to trip over those eventually. Better to be told about the good ones. Thanks! :)

I've had Jamaica Inn languishing on my shelves for too long. I've only recently read Rebecca, but I've heard Jamaica Inn is equally good. I'll nudge it up the TBR pile thanks to your review.

Claudia...i started sewing my own clothes in, probably, 8th grade.....had to do all of the cooking and housework starting at 14 (my mom was AWOL....can I leave it at that? she wasn't sick...just didn't want to be an Adult)...but books/reading was my salvation. I worked at the branch Library the summer of my Junior year and all of my Senior year....Saturday mornings I'd take the bus downtown and go to the Main Library...then my friend Joel and I would hit the big Comic Book Store!! Woot! Woot!

I was a Geek..my home life wasn't tragic but my parents' behavior was pathetic

I survived both of them......and,after many years, I found LT...and friends like you. I am so lucky

;-)

Oof ... BOTH books made it to my obese wish list, Claudia. You had me intrigued with Jamaica Inn which I have yet to read, and I just loved your review for I Shall Not Hate.

Hello Dear Claudia, sorry I've been MIA for so long...

I've got to read some more du Maurier. I somehow think I will like every book she's written, though I've only read Rebecca to this point.

Claudia

Hello There Dear One!

What a great review of I Shall Not Hate!

I hope this evening finds you warm and dry.

Hi Claudia, I have Jamaica Inn checked out from the library. Glad to see you liked it!

I have already read Jamaica Inn, but I am putting I Shall Not Hate into the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Claudia!

Interesting.... no wonder the three of us get along so well..
My indenture began at 10 when my dad left. No sewing.. just cooking, cleaning and taking care of my sister. Oh.. and working @ school and doing nun's errands to pay for our "free" lunches.

Like jude though, reading was my salvation. I read through all the school libraries of the schools I attended.. and the local library was always in walking distance from where I lived in town. I also found a large stash of books belonging to my mom and dad in the basement. So I was twelve when I discovered Cayce ( my dad's book) ..The Sleeping Prophet.

Oh well.. now look at us, strong women each one.

I read My Cousin Rachel back in those days, too. I enjoyed my recent reread of Rebecca, so I guess I will have to do more reading of du Maurier. . .
Someday :)

Yikes. I have to catch up on my own thread! This is exciting...

>131 wisechild: Hi Wisechild! Nice to see you here. Yup, Jamaica Inn equally good, IMHO.

>132 jdthloue: Jude, I now realize no parents are perfect. We all do what we can, and hope for the best. Doesn't always produce the best results. :( Luckily children are a lot smarter and tougher than we give them credit for.

>133 cameling: Thanks for the nice comment, Caro. I Shall Not Hate is avail on Kindle ($9.99). I hope his book is widely read.

>134 BookAngel_a: "I somehow think I will like every book she's written"
That's how I'm thinking too, Angela.

>135 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. And I hope you are able to build up your energy and stamina soon... just remember, after all you've been through, it'll take time.

>136 Copperskye: Hi Joanne! You are a woman of action! Hi to Coppers too!

>137 alcottacre: Ha! Gotcha Stasia! I'll be interested on your take of I Shall Not Hate when you get around to reading it. Still a new book - the price will come down and used copies will be avail eventually. That's what I wait for. :)

>138 mckait: I would have loved to get lost in reading really good stuff as a kid. But it was considered a waste of time and being lazy. I kept trying to sneak it in, but got yelled at when I was caught. I was supposed to go outside and play if I had finished my chores.
Ah well... I'm making up for it now. But Mom still thinks I am lazy! Whatever.

ARGH! so much snow! You would love it :P
I am wilted and wet from shoveling..
Craziness..

Sorry, Kath. Hope you are not too achey tomorrow.
But if you are - head for the pansies!

We had about 3 inches only - but it cleaned things up nice!

Maybe I will just wear the pansies :)

Kath
shoveling on your day off? I hoped you could relax.

LIke many here on LT, libraries were my salvation.

>142 mckait: ROFL - You didn't have to edit that for me. I knew you meant "wear" not "war"! Of course now I'm picturing you wearing pansies! hehehe

Ooh good to know Kath wasn't intending to wage war on pansies ... now wearing pansies on the other hand brings to mind Pan or faeries with coronets of pansies

Caro, You always make everything sound funnier! LOL

Kath, You're cute! Even in green! Your Irish is showing! ;-)

Today I am excited to start packing for a trip to CT to see kids and grandkids... and their new house! Woohoo! Freedom and fun for 4 days! Did I ever mention what a great hubby I have? The one who stays here taking care of everything so I can go be a Gram? :)

Have a great trip, Claudia! I understand about wanting to see grandkids. I do not see mine often enough!

Are you all packed?
Please drive carefully.. and let us know when you are safely there.. ok?

Have fun with the grands and the daughter.. You will be missed!

Hi Stasia and Kath! Thanks. Just want/need 4 days of hugs, energy, fun, and spoiling going both ways!

I told my Mom this morning I was going to CT to be a Gram! Her eyes opened wide and she wanted to know who the mother was... I realized she thought one of my daughters was having another baby. Set her straight on that one. LOL

I am glad that you are getting some time away, and that you are spending it with the family.. so good on both counts! Have fun... lots of it! I can hardly wait to hear all about the new house.

be safe!

Claudia- Enjoy your trip and enjoy those grand-kids! We'll see you when you get back!

Thanks guys! Love my new camera - so I might even take a picture or two. Who knows??? With any luck and spare time, I'll still be around. :)

Have a great time and be safe!

see you when you get back :)

Fun times with the grandkids is the best. Pictures are a must! Be sure and take your vitamins, too. I know my grandkids can wear me out pretty quickly. I won't tell you to have fun because I know you will. ;-)

Ooh, pictures would be great! Have a wonderful time.

Hope you are having fun with the grands :)

Pictures! Your LT family demands pictures when you get back, Cee.

Drive safe and enjoy yourself.

New house is awesome... everyone is happy and healthy!

Nighty night! :)

awesome is good....!

Trainwreck crepes for breakfast! Tasted delicious - made by Greg (age 9). Flipping turned out to be a challenge... thus "trainwreck" crepes.

Expansive views of the great outdoors in almost every room make this house so relaxing - balances the high level of activity inside. Sam (age 11) bought a disco lamp with her Valentine's Day money - we got quite an interactive dancing show last night! These kids have no idea how fortunate they are. A fun and loving environment. I'm reading Room - so you can imagine the contrast my mind is dealing with...

Have a great day everyone. I'll be painting when I am not playing or gazing outside. :)

Thanks for the update, Claudia, and good luck finding time to paint!

waaah! miss you!

VERY glad you are having a good time though :)
kids off from school?

just a quick hello, in case you check in :)

Keep on having fun and do break out the camera! give it to the kids !
They will take pics. :)

Your grandkids sound delightful, Claudia. Mine are very active also and keep us well entertained with their antics when we visit. How nice of you to help out with some painting while you're there. And here I thought you would be on "vacation!" Don't work too hard.

Hi Kath and Donna,

Believe me... this IS a vacation, even with painting.
On my way soon for a massage... compliments of Bridget. Crazy kid!

Can't read all that much and I'm getting bored with Room again. There's still a good bit left - don't know where the author is going with this. ???

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! :)

*smooch* to the newly relaxed, massaged Claudzilla.

drink lots of water!

Oh how marvelous! Enjoy that massage. Glad you got away before this snow came along..... assuming it gets over to Maine..... it seems to be parked right here as far as I can figure out.

I'm sorry you're not enjoying Room, Cee.

I've been in a bit of a book funk myself this week, and can't quite seem to get my head wrapped around everything I've picked up so far, with the exception of Stealing Lumby which soothed me wonderfully.

She must have felt very relaxed after her massage.. what a good daughter you have Cee. Any snow yet to make it perfect for you?

Safe trip home, my friend... ~

Are you home yet?

Hi all,
Woke up this morning to a winter wonder woodland all around me. I swear Bridget's house makes you feel more outdoors than indoors. New snow everywhere - all over the trees (and my car). So beautiful!

Long trip home - obviously arrived safely. Slipping back into my apron. Relaxed and tired out - with a happy, full heart. :)

Sorry - no pictures. Too much going on... forgot about the camera. I'm no photographer anyway. How did I do all this when I was younger? Don't remember.

Welcome back!

Welcome home, Claudia. Sounds like a wonderful visit.

Claudia- Nice to see you back! Missed ya!

Thanks Kath, Pat and Mark! Good to be home with LT friends. :)

any after christmas blues yet?

not yet, Kath... good to be home
It's a dreary, grey and rainy/snowy day
which is ok by me ...
the birds stand out better - easier to watch.


glitter-graphics.com

Sounds like you had a nice trip Claudia. Glad to see you back!

CLAUDZILLA!! Tymfos sent me a book that, after having finished, I think you will want to read...Blue Like Jazz, a collection of meditations on the spirituality that he found while avoiding being called a Christian. It's funny, and it's warmly human, and it's too damned bad that more Christians aren't like Donald Miller. Since you are one who is, I think you'll ring like a bell to his easy and conversational tone. Would you like to give it a try? I'll send it to you if so.

Glad you're home safe!

Welcome back! you were missed :)

glad you had a good time...what are you reading now?

Good to see you back Claudia.

Hi Joanne, RD, Lucy, Kara and Bonnie! Thanks for the warm welcome! It's good to be back!
Currently finishing up Room ... about 93% done. Not totally bowled over - will be interesting to see what the rest of my reading group thinks of it. I must be missing something.

Thanks for the generous offer of your book, RD. I am not sure anymore what I am (spiritually) - but on your rec I would love to read Blue Like Jazz. Always up for meditating and seeking... At any rate I'm interested in what tone I would make if I "ring like a bell". hmmmm ???

Today, I would probably thud.......

#15 Room by Emma Donoghue

This book was different - told from the perspective of a five year old boy who spent his entire life in captivity. However, unlike most other readers, I was not overly impressed. To be narrated entirely from Jack's point of view was too limiting for exploring the important and deeper issues of both mother and son's traumatic story.

Not writing a review of this book tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not.

3.5 stars (half a star was for being brave enough to write a different kind of book... I give points for creativity/innovation)

Hi Claudia! Just catching up on threads--sounds like you had a wonderful visit with your grandkids!

I think that I am the only person on here that has no desire to read Room.

Sandy K

Hi Sandy,
You can skip this one and not miss much. (IMHO)
Will be interesting to see what my reading group thinks of this tomorrow.
Hope it's not too icy to get there.

Room is not a book that appeals to everyone. I liked it much more than I thought I would because it gave me hope for people in what sound like incomprehensible situations. Please give us a book club update.

I remember liking Blue Like Jazz when I read it a few years ago and have it on the reread pile. That doesn't mean that I'm going to get to it anytime soon, however.

I have toyed with the idea of reading it a time or two..
but ultimately have not put it on any lists. It is far too easy
to find those incomprehensible situations in real life.

Book group tonight? Have fun!

I understand your thoughts on Room

I have Room on my TBR list...ditto what Donna said on giving us a book club update :)

I'm jealous that you belong to a face-to-face book club! No one that I know seems to have the time to participate in one. Thank goodness for the internet!

Sandy K

*peeks behind sofa*

nope

*checks the front yard..*

uh uh

hmmm

Hi there!
I'm here... had to make two suppers. Well, I didn't HAVE to. I wanted to. Pineapple Shrimp & Rice Bake. And since Ron does not eat fish - had to make a go-along meal of meat & potatoes. I sometimes I feel I'm running a restaurant here. :P

I know, Kath is gagging on the fruit part. Sorry.

WARNING - SPOILER for ROOM
Well, I still can't figure it, but most of the reading group loved Room. My personal take on that is - it's a horror story told in a nice way. And these ladies would rather see this through the eyes of a child. A five year old has very little concept of what is really going on.

BUT, the interesting discussion we had was whether or not the grandmother was basically inept, i.e., did not have the sensitivity and compassion needed for Jack's introduction to the real world while his mother was unavailable. Some thought she was useless and Jack should have been left in the proper psych treatment unit. Others thought she was just the right influence for him and that home was a better environment to acclimate him to the family and the real world. Personally, I was impressed that, even tho it was hard, the family actively involved themselves in this process.

Sandy,
I actually love, love, love my reading group. I wind up reading many books I probably would not consider otherwise. And even when I'm not all that crazy about the book we read... our discussion always gives me a slant on interpretation I never thought of.

Stopping by for a Hello and a {{{{hug}}}

I haven't read Room yet...but have read several others by Donoghue...so reserve judgement....this is quite a different turn for her....I commend her for her bravery.

Fruit goes very well with Shrimp...I sometimes add coconut w/ the pineapple...plus a splash of lemon juice for Zing!!

;-}

If you're running a restaurant, Cee .. may I make a reservation for a table, Cee ? :-)

Sorry Room didn't work out for you. I hope your next read is better. What I liked about the book was that the story was told from the perception of the little boy, and you're right, because he was a little kid, he didn't have the full perception of what was actually going on, which for me, made the situation he and his mother were in with The Man even more horrific.

Claudia, you had to rub it in, didn't you? I must find a face-to-face group! Or find a way to bribe my friends into forming one with me...hmmm...maybe food needs to be used as a bargaining chip...

I love discussing books with others, I always find something new.

I love pineapple with chicken or pork. No shrimp for me. It's chewy and I don't dig the texture. But teriyaki chicken stir fry...YUM.

Sandy K

Two suppers... I did that on sunday.. no fruit and meat/ fish combo though..

I would probably be paralyzed with a real life book group. If I could make myself show up :P

ROOM will probably stay on my probably not list..
What is your next book?

Have a good one Cee... do something nice for you today :)

Jude, Thanks for the surprise hug! I was thinking coconut would have been nice and I may add that flavor in the rice next time. And I think fruit goes good with everything.

Caro, You can come to my "restaurant" anytime, but I fear you will be bored with most meals. You have such an international flair. I would love to eat some of the things you do... it always sounds so scrumptious!

Sandy, Reading groups don't have to be fancy. Ours is not. I think you should start one! The best thing about our group is that regardless of how we feel about a book, everyone is outspoken yet tolerant of other points of view. You don't have to say a word or you can say all you want. In fact, if you don't start or finish the book - no problem. Just go and listen. We meet in the community center and there is no food. :( oh well. We also pretty much avoid hardcover books (expensive), hard politics and deep religion.

Kath, You would like our reading group.
I think I barely said a word the first half dozen times I went. Imagine that!
I am reading On Stranger Tides for my upstairs book. Love it!
I picked up Winter's Bone yesterday. Didn't get far.
Haven't decided what I want to really burrow into next.
Will be reading a biog Sophia Tolstoy for the next book group meeting.

skipped past your spoiler :) thanks for the heads up on that :)

Winter's Bone! nice one :) cold and gritty it is... it is NOT a feel good book

but it is a good book IMO

I do the two dinner thing a lot -- the spousal unit doesn't like wheat very much and we (child and myself) like pasta and couscous, so I'll make him rice or potato or whatever to go with his meatballs. He doesn't like salad either, so I'll steam something for him, it's a pain, but it's preferable to never getting to eat what you like because of some idea you have to all do everything the same way.

About half way through - LIKE!

Good talk last night.. feeling sick this morning.
Oh well.. two more days max.

Hi Lucy! That's exactly what I finally figured out after about 40 years of not having the things I like for dinner. I do find it a pain (also a challenge) to cook two suppers at once, but I finally get to eat seafood at home - not just when I go out to dinner.

Kath, it's a very hard time for you right now. Hang tight. This too will pass. {{{hugs}}}

*waves*

waiting to see what your thoughts are on Winter's Bone...I blew through it in one day

the LIKE above was in reference to it, right?

Hi Claudia!! Stopped over to see how you are doing! I too, cook two different meals. The two men in my house refuse to eat the same thing, so I cook something for each of them then decide which one I want to eat. Sometimes I declare it's boys night to cook and those are the nights we get takeout.

Hi Kara!
Brag, brag, brag.... I'm just a slow reader. I rarely "blow through" anything.
But, yes.... the LIKE was in reference to Winter's Bone

Hi Tammy!
I wonder how many picky eaters we would have if they had to make their own -vs- eat what's made. Well, when I get tired of it - we eat out! The older I get, the more frequent that gets. Happens more in the summer. :}

Hanging.. migraine...

Perhaps I need to have a migraine to understand that gif, Kath.
????????

Happy Weekend!!!

migraine? hope not..

I was so relieved the weather moderated today and the temp went up, but I always have more 'megrims' in this season than any other, so unsettled!

TJblue -- funny! I like it. Luckily we all love the chicken pot pie at the deli of our local market (made on the premises) that is our big happy treat -- hubby will eat wheat in a pie crust, just not in a noodle!

#16 Winter's Bone: A Novel by Daniel Woodrell

Excellent writing. The story of a gutsy 17 yr old girl, Ree, who takes responsibility for her family when the parents fail. There is a strong sense of extended family and a gripping tension as they align themselves for and against each other. Ree learns tough lessons the hard way.

Woodrell's writing is intense and powerful. All his characters feel real and complex. His portrayal of Ree's existence in the Ozarks is painfully descriptive. You, the reader, are living in her world.

Recommended. 4 stars

Okay...here is where I'll respond to your post on my thread:

I have been reading Daniel Woodrell since, before i joined LT.....

Hey ho Cee. I saw the movie, but haven't yet read the book. By any chance you have watched the movie? I'm curious if it's as good as the book and if it represented the book well.

Jude - does that mean you like Woodrell's stuff? Did you read Winter's Bone?
Do you know who dunnit? What else would you recommend?

Caro - I didn't see the movie. What was it rated? Was it violent and horrific? Were the actors good? Especially Ree and Teardrop? Or maybe I should have asked first... was the movie good?

Claudia- I saw the film and it was excellent. The young actress playing Ree, does a terrific job. I wish I would have read the book first. Double drat! Glad you liked it. Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Hmmm. Thanks, Mark. But... you know me. I'm kinda non-violent and I can see where Hollywood might overdo this for my taste. What's your take on that?

That bad, Jude????

Hi Claudia, Glad you liked Winter's Bone. I saw the movie, which was excellent, so I probably won't read the book. The movie was rated R. And it was somewhat violent (but not overly so, considering the subject matter) but mostly bleak, though, as far as I was concerned.

Winter's Bone sounds good but tragic... glad you liked it!
I have not read it.. I put aside my bird book for a bit and am
reading something fluffy :)

When I m not falling asleep.... :P

I agree with coopers and Mark regarding the movie Winter's bone :)

As to who did it...Missouri Readers here on LT had a discussion on it here :)

>219 -Cee-: & >219 -Cee-: & >217 jdthloue: (and anything else I forgot)

Claudia....i love your review of Winter's Bone...I love Daniel Woodrell's work...I read quite a bit of his work before i joined LT...

haven't seen the movie of Winter's Bone....don't really want to...yet

sorry i messed up your thread...

;-}

Morning Claudia- Winter's Bone is not your typical Hollywood concoction. It's very well made and not overly violent, like Joanne said, it's dark and grim. Hope you have a nice day planned! I can't wait to get back into Hellhound!

Hi Joanne, Bleak is ok. All the comments on this movie I have seen have been positive. Thanks for your take on it.

Kath, I think the biggest tragedy of this story is that it is a reflection of RL - not just in the Ozarks, but widespread in many different cultural voices. :( And, especially when you are stressed...fluff is good! ;-)

Kara - THANK YOU SO MUCH for pointing me to this thread! It is amazing and helped me put a lot of this story together. Wow! I wasn't losing sleep over this book - but I had a lot of unresolved thinking about it.

Hi Jude! It's looking like I'll have to read more from this author, for sure. I know what you mean about not really wanting to see the movie... yet. I think I'd rather let time wash away some of the edginess - before I let a movie do it.
You mustn't worry about "messing up" my thread... LOL You can mess around here any time, silly lady! :)

Morning Mark! Dark and grim is ok, too. Just hate violence - but I know sometimes it is done in a meaningful and necessary way. Still it makes me queasy and I'll never understand it.
Enjoy "Hellhound"!

Hi Claudia

Thanks for the great review of Winter's Bone. I saw this book in Barnes and Noble last night, had it in my hand and didn't get it. Now, after checking your thread and reading your review, I wish I would have bought it.

I read The Death of Sweet Mister last year. I liked the book, but remember thinking it was dark and disturbing.

Cee - I was going to say what Mark said about the movie on Winter's Bone... but he beat me to it. I think I'll get the book and read it so I can compare it to the movie.

You know, Linda... I wasn't going to review this book at all. But I felt I should write something, it was so good.

Caro - thanks for the lunch idea!!!!

I know, huh? And it's warm enough today that I went and bought myself one just now after lunch too!

drive-by smooch

your welcome for the link! :)

I came across it while I was reading Winter's Bone so I starred it so I could read the chatter about it after I was done :)

I'm so glad you reviewed Winter's Bone, Claudia, so I could give you a thumbs up...I think it was yesterday. I've been readathonning and have lost track of time. But, wow, I got a ton of reading done this week end.

Hope you had a good one!

Caro, I hope you never lose the ability to burn up those calories - you just love eating too much!

Hi RD - hugs for you!

Hi Kara - that link made my day! Don't know how people find new threads. I can barely keep up with the ones I have starred.

Thanks for the thumb, Donna! Congrats on your reading progress. Someday I will do a read-a-thon. However, I will have to find a secluded hideaway to accomplish that, I'm afraid. *heavy sigh*

Hope everyone has a nice day. Was supposed to go out for breakfast at the Country Store with dear hubby - but he was toned out to pump flooded basements. :P

Bummer. Doncha hate it when nice plans are foiled by floods?

I like going out to breakfast .. pancakes!

Are you finished baking yummy cookies yet?

Ron got home in time for a late breakfast... and since neither of us had eaten, we went out. Your pancake idea stuck with me. I got 2 HUMONGUS blueberry pancakes - hot and cooked perfectly! hmmmm
I finished my cookie baking - chocolate shortbread and chocolate cream bars. After the Working League works on whatever craft for the fair (next summer), we all have our bag lunch and this week desserts from members (H-Z). That would be me and my mom. So I made 2 . The bars make a lot, so I'll have some for home.

Started the next Three Pines mystery... A Rule Against Murder.

You are not starting one of my recs? First you come over to my Thread and dis me and now this? Storms away...

I love going out for breakfast. And then home to bake and then A Rule Against Murder - what a wonderful day!! :)

I'm so sorry, Mark. You have to wait in line. And there is no way I would ever dis you! I'm just not as good a reader as you. Please come back... :}

Yeah, Joanne. I thought it was a pretty good day! :D

Those cookies sound great! Okay, I'm back now! :-}

Ah, yes! Bake cookies and they will come!

Just to let you pancake eaters know. This is "National Pancake Week" or did you already know 8-)

do potato pancakes count?

Have a nice time Cee! :)

Hi Cindy! I didn't even realize that. What a great breakfast celebration I had. I knew those pancakes were special!

Hey Kath - I'll more than likely have a grand time trimming balsam needles off their branches (to stuff the quilted sachets) and yakking to the dear old ladies! No doubt I will learn even more about old Georgetown and helpful survival tricks for graceful aging.

I have no intention of being graceful as I age.
I am shooting for eccentric and grumpy :)

When you feel better and have time (and your sanity back), you may want to re-think that one, my sweet friend.

dunno... I think the eccentric is already set in.. or so I have been told.

chocolate cream bars? are they like magic cookie bars?

recipe please? :)

eccentric is good kath...maybe stubborn instead of grumpy?

Eccentric means everyone wants to be around you because of the high entertainment value you provide.

hmm not so sure about that .. lol

new thread over here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/111694#2566572