Mamzel's challenge - Fil Deux

Continued from here.

To start a new quarter, a new thread!

My first quarter was very successful. I read a total of 37 books 12,109 pages! My breakdown is as follows:

Adult - 17
YA - 15
Juvenile - 4

Fantasy - 10
Historical Fiction - 9
Mystery - 5
Science Fiction - 4
Horror - 3
(there are some titles that fell into more than one genre)

Non-fiction - 4
Early Release - 2
Graphic Novel - 1

Favorites:
City of Shadows by Arianna Franklin
Trash by Andy Mulligan
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Bruiser by Neal Shusterman
They Called Themselves the K.K.K. by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

I'm number 1!...And also amused by your bookshelf. Is is really yours? How does it work?

Is zat pik upzide-down or wot????

I'm a dedicated reader..... the only thing that irritated me was that I had read all the book listed in the first three choices of 'which of these books have you read'. I picked the one with more of my favorites.

Hi mamzel, just dropping by to star you. That's quite a bookshelf!

Interesting picture!
--BJ

I only wish I had such creativity and ability to make something like this! I came across this after reading about a book on someone's thread which gave uses for old books and thought this was quite appropriate. It was created by Yann Martel and Nick Hornsby for a contest. This is where I found it so you can read more about it if you like.

Just dropping by to visit your nice new thread. :) Very cool picture by the way!

I like your quarterly round-up, especially the different genre's read.

The image to me looks like a bookshelf made of books, intriguing idea but it would null and void the books that make the bookshelf up.

Spiffy new thread you have here!

It's a beautiful sunny day here and Stasia is back! So nice to hear from you again.

Kiwi - I like to balance my reading and found last year that I was way to heavy in fantasy. When I was in high school I read mostly historical fiction and I am trying to get back to that genre. Arianna Franklin sure helped me in that endeavor. I know I should read more nonfiction as well.



38. The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith

I admit I watch way more TV than I should. And I enjoy reruns of many of the popular crime series. I think that is why I find the series which started with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency so refreshing. This is a culture in which our heroine, Mma Precious Ramotswe respects the old traditions of respect and civility. Where the TV series depend on tracking phonebank/GPS records and bashing down doors, she sizes people up and always leaves them happy that she met with them and usually with the information she needed. No two-way mirrored rooms with metal tables. Bush tea and a comfortable chair, she finds, are much better for good results. The last book of this series, The Double Comfort Safari Club made me think that Smith had maybe diluted this series to devote more effort to his other series (which I have tried and not liked as much as this one). I think he is back and Mma Ramotswe is back as well.

Glad to hear Mma Ramotswe is back on form. I've read all of that series so far except this latest one. I like the absence of bashing down doors and two-way mirrored rooms too!

I am glad to see this series that I have only just now started stays good to read.
--BJ

I'm always happy to share good news!

Spring break is over all too quickly. My friend came back from her trip on Friday so yesterday we went and had lunch in Sonoma at our favorite Himalayan restaurant (really good Indian fare - no neon colors). We walked around the square and did the tourist thing. It was so beautiful I wanted to go to the beach so we headed out to Pt Reyes National Seashore and went to Limantour Beach for a hit of ocean air. Not crowded, families, quiet surf, unlimited visibility. Just what I needed. I am sharing this picture I found on Google Images of the beauty that is Limantour.

I had to google Limantour as I had no idea which part of the world you were in, I should've recognised the Pacific Ocean though, my house overlooks it albeit on the other side of the world. Beautiful looking beach.

Wow, looks like a beautiful, peaceful place.

Beautiful!

Stunning!

This beach is just one reason why state and national parks should always be protected for everyone to enjoy! (i.e. preaching to the choir)

A few years ago my Mother and I took a driving trip down the west coast. We stopped at Pt. Reyes, spent a night at a lovely inn just outside the park. Point Reyes is a unique, beautiful place and a place that I will alway remember. At the time we were there the iceplants (I think that's what they are called) were blooming so the hills above the beaches were covered in brightly colored flowers.

What we saw in bloom were wild irises and some tiny blue flowers that were on the sides of the road in shade. I guess I've never driven at the right time to see these before. The ice plants are so brightly colored they look artificial!

39. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

After seeing Mr. Horowitz speak I have finally read the first of his Alex Ryder series and find that his writing is very similar to his speaking - full of excitement, loud, and frenetic - in a good way. Inspired by the James Bond books as a teen, he has created a young James Bond for the enjoyment of adrenaline junkies. In the first chapter, young Alex learns that his only living relative, his uncle, died in an automobile accident because he didn't have his seat belt on. This did not seem right since his uncle always insisted on seat belts, Alex finds his way to the junk yard to inspect the car and finds himself trapped in the car as it is being transferred to a car crusher. And this is just the second chapter!! Alex never slows down through the whole book. Fun, fun, fun!

>23 DragonFreak: Yup, it's a pretty good series. I seriously though it the series ended ended on...never mind. Too big of a spoiler. Plus it wouldn't make sense. I think the high point of the series that I've read so far was Scorpia, which was the first I read, and the...fifth in the series. Out of eight. My favorite: Eagle Strike for many, many reasons.

I'm going to check out Stormbreaker for my son. He's a James Bondiac so this sounds like something he would enjoy and probably a little more appropriate for his age group. Do you think a 12 year old will like it?

Stopping by to say hello!

>24 Carmenere: Like it, probably diffenately. I don't know about whether or not it's actually appropiate. It's still kind of gory with people killing others left and right and plots of total ruling and genocide and death, dying, torture in every book. It's a toss up.

22. Stormbreaker sounds good - thanks for the recommendation!

I read Stormbreaker and stopped there. I guess I really should get back to the series one of these centuries!

This series is really geared towards middle schoolers, I think, and if a boy has watched any of today's TV and movies, there is probably not much that will shock or offend him. Alex starts out at age 14 in the series which is a little older than middle schoolers but an age where it could be reasonable that he has the strength and reasoning necessary for his escapades. I'll be starting the next one today.

Thanks for not spoiling the series for me, D.F. I really do appreciate that since I intend to read the series now.

Carmen, I think your son is just who the series was written for. Just drop it in his lap without any fanfare, however, so he "discovers" it himself. From experience, I know boys resist being shown anything.

Linda, hi back!

Stasia, please stay tuned for more Alex Ryder remarks!

I finally caught up with you!

I added Stormbreaker to my wishlist. It looks like my kind of book. :)
--BJ

Staying tuned. . .

>30 cal8769: I'm sorry if I was running too fast. I'll slow down. (If you could see me you would understand how absurd that was!)

>31 billiejean: I hope you'll get a kick out of it like I did.

>32 alcottacre: Thanks for stopping by!

40. Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz

Tranquilizing darts hidden in Harry Potter book ... plummeting down a mountain ... on an ironing board ... in the dark ... chased by men on snowmobiles ... shot at with machine guns. More Alex Rider fun!

Hi Mamzel! Beautiful beach.

I just heard about Anthony Horowitz's books recently. I'm going to try to read more YA books, and I look forward to his!

#34: That one sounds fun! My local library has it, so I imagine I will get around to it eventually. Glad to see you enjoyed it!

Yesterday afternoon we had a little bit of weather happening. Please remember, we have the tempering effect of the Pacific which means that the passage of cold fronts don't result in huge thunderstorms, etc. But, we had pea-sized hail and a small tornado touched down over in the next county! I checked my chickens to make sure they weren't standing outside with puzzled looks but they found shelter. I could only feel sympathy for anyone who had already tried to plant a garden.

41. Still Life by Louise Perry
Twin Pines #1

To all of you who have raved about this series, you don't have to say it - you told me so. And you were all so right! For those of you who have resisted or delayed reading these books, please don't. If you are in the market for a mostly feel-good, with a touch of dark story, these are the ones for you. Inspector Gamache of the Surete de Quebec comes to a small town called Three Pines (not even mapped) in Canada to investigate the murder of a woman and meets (and introduces us to) a marvelous cast of characters. I am already halfway through the second book of the series A Fatal Grace.

Last weekend when my friend and I went to Pt. Reyes we stopped at a book store in the impossibly small town of Pt. Reyes Station. I don't know why I picked up Day of the Oprichnik but I cracked up when I read the flyleaf and HAD to have it.

"Moscow, 2028. A cold, snowy morning.
Andrei Danilovich Komiaga is fast asleep. A scream, a moan, and a death rattle slowly pull him out of his drunken stupor - but wait, that's just his ring tone."

I hope the story is as good!

>38 mamzel: great review! I, too, am late to the Three Pines party. I am now listening to Still Life on audio, and I love it! I have A Fatal Grace ready to go as well.

I'm loving the image of your chooks standing around with confused faces.. even though they got inside, the mental picture made me giggle.

The Three Pines series improves as it goes along. You have some very good reading ahead of you!

Anne, that must be a really good narrator to catch all the subtle humor. I have found myself laughing out loud.

Kiwi, chickens are not expressive with their face but they do have speech of sorts and body language. It's always a kick when I go to take care of them and they run to me to see if I have any treats. Treats for chickens are greens. They love dandelions so I try to pull some on my way in to visit them. They also love fresh corn and melons so I bring them cobs and rinds when we have them.

Stasia, on to the third!



42. A Fatal Grace by Louis Penny
Three Pines No. 2

We learn more about the lives and relationships of the denizens of Three Pines when Chief Inspector Gamache (I love that his wife is a librarian!) arrives on the scene after a woman is electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake during a curling match. From some events in the story, it almost looks like Ms Penny is laying the ground work for a master story, much like Ms Rowling did for the Harry Potter series and, for me, that adds to the whole reading experience!

Sounds like a good series. I love mysteries that take place in small towns, too. I'll have to check one out the next time I am up for a good mystery.

>43 rubarbaru: I don't think you will be disappointed.



43. Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first two. I think I had a problem with the villain who was a creepy Russian. Maybe it's because the threat of a possible nuclear disaster in Japan made the threat in this book a little too close to home. In any case, I will continue on with No. 4 in the series, Eagle Strike.

Yeah, it isn't my favorite either, but it's important. Isn't this the book where Alex starts to become apprehensive about being a spy?

I see that you are now officially a member of the Three Pines fan club.

Congratulations on reading 43 books thus far!

Message #14...WOW! What incredible beauty.

>42 mamzel:: I've already succumbed to the Penny "pressure" by her legion of fans here. It's good to have another member of the newby club. I quickly got caught up to date and am eagerly awaiting the late August release of her newest Three Pines mystery.

Oh yes, I too am enthralled with your opening picture and the lovely beach shot. I love seeing more pictures on the threads lately.

>45 DragonFreak: It seems to me that he has been apprehensive in all three books BUT, this was the book that has the first female appearance! Definitely something that James Bond had plenty of and Alex hasn't as yet.

Linda, I've started adding more art to my thread. It really does add, I think. I find that I'm much more apt to read reviews of books with covers showing. I think it helps me remember what books I want to read.

Donna, Penny Pressure? I think that might become an official syndrome! I should be all caught up in time for the newest one. Yay!

>42 mamzel: -- he IS a fabulous narrator -- I'm really enjoying it. I find myself laughing out loud, too. I am not driving this semester as I did last semester, but this book makes me wish I were driving more -- a wish I would ordinarily never make! As the series goes on, I may not be able to enjoy the slower pace of an audio. We'll see... Nice to know I have so many good books to look forward to!

Anne,
Unfortunately (for audio books) I live about 7 minutes from my job so I have no time to listen to a book on tape. Before my knee gave me trouble with arthritis, I liked listening to books while walking but I can't walk that long any more either. Sigh.

I'm sorry to hear about your knee. I'm finding it harder this semester to listen to audio because I drive less. I am a recent convert -- it only occurred to me to try it last year, but now I really enjoy it. I usually listen only in the car, but occasionally the ipod comes in while I do dishes, fold laundry, etc.

Yay! Two Three Pines books completed! I'm so glad you like them. The audio book narrator, Ralph Cosham, is excellent. I read the latest and then a few months later, listened to it. I missed my Ralph's voice... :0)

Hi mamzel, I found you and starred you. I like the sound of the Louise Penny books. My library seems to have copies of number 2 in every branch, but I'll have to reserve number 1. It's going on my library wishlist right now.

Anne, I usually have a TV on in whatever room I'm working in. I especially like old movies when ironing.

Joanne, I looked at the pictures on your page. The picture of Coppers with his stuffed toy reminded me of our old Satchmo (another Golden) who used to bring one of the kids' stuffed animals after his dinner and drop it in my lap. If he couldn't find an animal he would bring me a dirty sock, shoe, whatever.

Susan, I had to put the first three on reserve. They came from three different libraries! I love ILL!



44. Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider No. 4

Back on track with this one. Alex is on his own since MI6 doesn't believe that there is something going on with English rock star Sir Damian Craig and the release of a computer game. Luckily, though, the gadget master prepared a souped up bicycle for Alex which came in very handy.

On to the fifth one...

Glad book 4 in the series proved to be better than book 3 was!

>54 mamzel: Goldens really do seem to need to have something in their mouths - socks, mittens, slippers, whatever. She picked up a bra of mine from somewhere and brought it to our dog sitter once.... Never chewed anything though, which is good! :)

>54 mamzel: That's my favorite one! Pretty much every aspect of the book apeases to me.

Stasia - I really can't expect every book in a series to be wonderful (though Louise Penny may prove me wrong).

Coppers - I once watched Satch and my daughter have a tug-of-war over a Saltine cracker. My daughter won. The cracker did not break. Bred for gentle mouths, indeed!

D.F. - Have you ever watched the goofy movie with Tim Allen called Galaxy Quest? The scene where Alex went through the RL video game reminded me of the scene where they have to go through the tunnel and a comment is made about how there is always a scene with spinning, chopping things.

45. The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Three Pines #3

One of the treats I have found reading these books is the unexpected belly laugh at totally unexpected places. The little asides between the villagers, the fleeting thought of one of the characters, the quips that Reine-Marie says to cheer up her husband; they all surprise and delight me.

The gloomy, seemingly haunted Bradley house is the scene for another murder which occurred during a seance. Besides digging up ghosts, Gamanche has to deal with vicious attacks on his character by members of the Surete loyal to his old nemesis. But it's attacks on his family that put him over the edge.

I'll be taking a little break to read an ER and then rejoining this series.

>58 mamzel: I can't say that I have. I don't get out to watch many movies, especially ones pre-twentieth centaury. But I'll make a mental note to myself to watch out for it.

Hi! Catching up on your thread, I had lost you for a while!

>59 mamzel: Oh, that one sounds good! Audible has a sale right now but the only one of the Three Pines that is on sale is Fatal Grace. I usually never read a series out of order, but this time I am tempted.

D.F. - The movie makes for much fun if you have watched the original Star Trek series and/or have ever been to a Star Trek convention! Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman are also in it.

Kittybee - Glad you could stop by. I hope you see something you might enjoy.

Rubarbaru - You should really try to get the first one first. It does pay off. They refer to a lot of stuff that happened in the first book which would ruin it for you and make no sense.

As if I don't have enough sitting around waiting to read, I have just come home from a shopping spree and I'm stacking seven more books on top of books waiting to be read! 9 Dragons, The Secret History of the Mongol Queens, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, The Mapping of Love and Death. King Rat, and Bossypants. Bad Mamzel. Bad Girl!

What a great haul. I don't know of anyone in our group who would tell you that too many books is a bad thing. Mamzel..Good Girl...Good Girl!

>63 mamzel: I have never got into Star Trek. The only thing I know about it is that Darth Vader says, "Luke I am your father." And there's an alien named Yoda and a robot named R2D2 or something like that.

Linda, thanks for the pretty, sparkly book!

D.F. - Not Star Wars, the movies - Star Trek, the TV series with Capt. Kirk. Followed by more Star Trek series and movies and many, many book spin offs. See this article if you are interested.

>66 mamzel: Oh yeah, of course. Well that just proves my point even more, doesn't it?

46. Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider #5

This episode of the Alex Rider series is the best yet! Twists and turns galore. Only one sneaky gadget. More info on who and what Dad was. Dastardly assassins. Evil beautiful woman. Does he make his first kill here? Fun, fun, fun!

Interestingly, he is still only 14 years old. On to the next one.

Yup, that's the first one I read in the series and the only one I own. I think the next one is Ark Angel and then I haven't read the last two, but I think I know where to get them!

Galaxy Quest is one of my all time favorite comedies. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. (My dad and I used to watch Star Trek together all the time).

D.F. - Ark Angel is the next one!

Tanglewood - Never give up! Never surrender!
There are so many funny lines from this movie. I think it's been long enough since I last saw it to find again. *makes note to check Netflix*

By Grabthar's hammer, by the sons of Worvan, you shall be avenged!

47. Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider #6

There comes a point in each of these books where the action really takes off. I am reading these at work (I work in a high school library so it's for business) and when I get to this part, it's hard not to feel annoyed when someone wants to check out a book or needs help on their computer. How dare someone ask for help when Alex is about to be launched into outer space? We have no more paper for the copier! Can't they just find their own books? (Just kidding!) Seriously, there is a point where the action kicks in big time and I find myself flying through the pages.

Interesting, for those who are considering the age of the readers, Alex never actually kills anyone. They always seem to blow themselves up with the bomb they built or fall on the knife they were just trying to kill Alex with. He is there but ultimately does not pull the trigger (so to speak). He does defend himself using whatever is at hand or with one of Mr. Smithers' gadgets but never uses a gun. This may or may not make these books appropriate for middle school or lower but I am sure it is a conscious choice by Mr. Horowitz.

Loved that first paragraph. You know, I never noticed that about the thing about Alex. Great awareness!!!

I had to laugh about those pesky library users who need the librarian's help all the time. Couldn't they see you were busy reading a good book, beneficial research ultimately to help them in the future?

D.F. - Writing comments for LT has made me be more aware of my reactions when I read. Thanks, LT!

Kiwi - Really!

48. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider #7

I had to bring this book home to finish the last 25 pages. I couldn't wait three days to see how it ended! One problem I had with this book wasn't with the way Alex escaped or the gadgets he used or how he could be disguised as a Pakistani boy, but with the fact that the Internet and computers were invented by the British (?!). I think I have read other misrepresentations but just ignored it. This one I couldn't let go, however.

Only a couple of more to go in this series and a student alerted me to the fact that there is another series! We have the first two in my library so I will only have to search for the last two.



49. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny
Three Pines #4

In addition to running home with Alex Rider in my hot little hands yesterday, I also stopped by the library to pick up the next two in the Inspector Gamache series. I had my favorite kind of morning, staying in bed reading, and I managed to finish this one by one. The weeds in the front yard could wait one more day!

I learned an interesting fact that amazingly ties in these two series: Inspector Gamache was also orphaned at an early age!

Armand and Reine-Marie take a vacation to a remote, isolated hotel to celebrate their anniversary. Unfortunately, an amazingly dysfunctional family also chooses this time to have a reunion to install a memorial for the father who had recently died. Surprisingly, two acquaintances of his are members of this family and not surprisingly, a murder occurs in a most unusual manner and Gamache is on the scene to solve it. We spend a little time in Three Pines but I missed spending the whole time in our quaint little village. Maybe Ms. Penny was trying to alleviate the curse of murders on the little community.

The weather was decent enough to work outside, but, alas, I had too many extraordinary books to read and I went on a reading frenzy the past three days. At least I know the weeds will still be waiting for me next weekend which should be warmer.



50. Dissolution by C.J. Sansom
Shardlake #1

I find it hard to rave about this book after having read the historical mystery series by Arianna Franklin. They both take place in England - Henry II v. Henry VIII, man physically crippled v. woman crippled by gender, Catholic country v. county in grips of Protestant reform. Similarities include protagonist's dependence on others, using wits to read suspects and clues, really hard living conditions (by present day standards), and a demanding boss (Henry II v. Thomas Cromwell). It was interesting to see how religious relics were viewed during these two very different periods.

I was not as gripped by the main character of the Commissioner Shardlake. Adelia was much warmer and complained less than Shardlake and she was able to make friends easier than Shardlake. I will indeed continue to read this series, though, since I do have an addiction to this genre of historical mysteries.

thank you for your warm thoughts on my thread :)

The next book in the Alex Rider series is checked out (oh, bother) so to choose a book, I decided to find a book that a student had not reshelved. I have read other books by Napoli so this was a pleasant substitution.



51. Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Short but packed full of excellent story. This retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale takes place in China. I thought it was immensely clever that the focus on the lost slipper part of the tale was echoed with the horrible process of foot binding. Also the fairy godmother was replaced by Xing Xing's dead mother who left a hidden treasure for her to find. This in a culture where ancestors are revered.

mamzel....Bound looks good! I like retelling of fairy tales :)

added it to my pile!

Thankfully, I already have this one on my wishlist. It does sound good - thanks for the reminder!

It's one you could label "short and sweet"! Hope you both enjoy it.

Snagged an ER this month - Murdered at the Whim of a Hat by Colin Cotterill. I'm glad to get an adult book and an author unknown to me.

fixed unintentionally hysterical spelling mistake

DNF - Riot by Walter Dean Myers
Written as a screenplay, I wasn't as absorbed by the story as I may have been if it had been a novel. Halfway through this already short book, I was lost since I was only skimming the dialogue and missing what was happening. What a shame.

On the other hand, Crocodile Tears has been returned so I can continue with Alex Rider!

52. The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
Three Pines #5

As I was reading this episode of Inspector Gamache's mysteries, I came across a mention of fishing line. I was hit with a memory of my dad giving me ridiculous snarls of fishing line and working to free it up. It dawned on me that Gamache worked his cases the same way I worked the snarls; patiently picking a loop and gently working it out to see if it revealed more of the line or just made things worse. I had to study the snarl carefully to choose a likely loop to pull at and drop it when it proved to be a dead end. Getting frustrated, pulling too hard, and giving up never gave good results. When others grew impatient and left me alone I was eventually able to pull it all apart and solve the snarl. I think this is why this series appeals to me so much.

I won't go into detail but I can't remember any other mystery series that brought me to tears at the end of each book. This book, in particular, had great impact. They not only leave me with the satisfaction of a case solved but a deeper love of the people of Three Pines.

I went to the library to return one Penny book and picked up the next (available when I checked) and found the first day of a book sale in full swing. Since it didn't appear to be too overrun with vendors I renewed my membership and did a little to support my library.

I found:
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig
The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

and Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin which I bought for my friend who I made into another Franklin fan.

Unfortunately, by the time I got to the mystery shelves, the Penny book had been taken. Oh well, I learned my lesson. I put a reserve on it so the next copy will wait for me.

Great haul there, I love The Thirteenth Tale, it's a goody.

Only three? Amazing self-control. Pat yourself on your back.

I second the high praise for The Thirteenth Tale. It was my favourite book of last year, and that's saying something.

I really need to get around to those Louise Penny books, but they never seem to be available in my library. Time to put some away on hold.

>89 alaskabookworm: I'm saving up for the San Francisco Library's book sale in September. One uses a shopping cart there!

>90 wisechild: I kept looking for the Three Pines series in used books stores and they just weren't showing up so I got them from the library. I love, love, love IL!. So far each book has come from a different library.

53. Day of the Oprichnik by Vladimir Sorokin

Talk about judging a book by its cover - I got a kick out of the opening of the flyleaf information which described a bizarre ringtone. It struck me as totally absurd and it made me want to read the book. However, reading the book reminded me of why I don't seek out Russian literature.

The book (as the title implies) follows the day of one oprichnik, who, if I understand it right, is a pretty high ranking guy in a near-future Russian government who performs all sorts of dirty work and bullying.

Along with the standard Russian whining about the terrible conditions in Russia and heavy handed law enforcement, there are other features that annoyed me. One of these things is an inexplicable and random italicizing of words. If the book had been any longer than it was I would probably have not finished it.

54. Crocodile Tears by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider #8

Man, can this kid take pain. I should have kept track of all the injuries he has suffered during this series which spans less than one year. As this book ends, he has second degree burns and a broken ankle.

From Scotland to Africa, Alex's job is to stop the poisoning of wheat fields in Africa so that no one donates to a phony charity. Confusing? A little, but Alex saves the day, again against all odds.

One more to go. Happy Birthday, Alex.

There are two upcoming book sales up here in Anchorage. One starts tomorrow; its a Scholastic Warehouse sale. Have you been to one of those? It will be my first and I don't konw what to expect. Then, this weekend, our community library is having their semi-annual book sale. I actually haven't been making that one for the past couple years, since it seems I do so well in local thriftstores throughout the year, its hard to justify the expentiture. Especially since this summer promises to be expensive.

I've even been back to the library the past few weeks, getting more of those books. Seems weird to do so when I have so many of my own that still need to be read.

I have been to a Scholastic warehouse sale. They are nuts. You have to be very lucky to get something you actually want to have. You probably won't find many of the nice new hardcover books but will have goofy pens of every description. Have fun!

I always keep in mind that I am supporting the library by buying books at their sales, not that I am supporting my book addiction! (It's called 'spin'.)

Actually, the Scholastic warehouse sale we have here is quite good when it's the BIG SALE. This one in May is the big one around here. My biggest problem is that I'm leaving Saturday for a conference and will most likely not have time to go before then. It starts tomorrow, I think.

I just realized that I haven't visited your thread for such a long time! Just wanted to drop by and wave *hello*.

>96 thornton37814: Probably just as well (for your wallet), heh?

>97 jolerie: *waves back*

Went back to the library yesterday since a book I had requested arrived and found the price for 3 hardcover fiction and mysteries was $1.00 at the booksale. Could I resist another visit? Did I really need more books?

One of my purchases was a two volume set of Kipling. I had the same exact set in my house when I was young. Those volumes are still there (in St. Thomas) but mildewed and these were much cleaner. Thanks to the person who mentioned reading Kim. That nudged me into getting them.

I love your comment about "spinning" your motives for buying books from the library. Awesome. I say similar things about "supporting local business". I support local book business from Fairbanks to Homer.

So, I hit the Scholastic book sale yesterday, and was like the third person there. Sadly, I spent almost $200. Let me just say, I don't HAVE an extra $200 to spend right now. Oops. Though I found many books I wanted, I didn't realize the "deals" weren't as great as I'd hoped. In any case, I'm confessing my guilt on your thread. Pathetic, huh? The books are still hidden in the back of my car.

Like a confessional, I will not tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me.

I spin all sorts of stuff. I tell the kids to think of their overdue fines as donations to the library since the money does go to buying books! That's what I tell myself when I pay fines at the city library, anyway. Spin is fun!

55. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

So much going on in this book! Chinese culture vs. Japanese culture. Born Chinese vs. American-born Chinese. Father vs. son. Only non-white student vs. school full of whites. America vs. Japan. Japan vs. China.

In his fifties, Henry is recouping his life from the death of his wife from cancer. His son attends college and he is trying to rejoin society. While walking around town, he passes by an old abandoned hotel which had recently been renovated and a discovery had been made in its basement. Trunks and boxes of personal belongings were left there by families that had been involuntarily relocated in the early 40s.

As a twelve-year old boy, Henry (significantly close to thirteen), second generation Chinese, met a third generation Japanese girl, Keiko, the only non-whites in their school. The year was 1942 and the U.S. was entering a war against Japan. Suddenly, people of Japanese descent were considered suspicious and it was deemed necessary to move them away from coastal cities which could be targeted by the Japanese.

This story bounces back and forth between the 40s and the 80s as Henry looks back at his life before he became involved with his recently deceased wife. It is not a condemnation of the internment, but it shows how, for the most part, Japanese people accepted it and tried to make the best of it.

This was the third book of my SantaThing and the best! I immediately gave the book to my daughter to read and will highly recommend it to the students in my school.



56. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
Three Pines #6

Three amazing stories in one. One is a continuation of the previous book, The Brutal Telling and the reader really needs to have read it first. Another story takes place shortly before the present in the book and we have flashbacks of the events. The third story is about a murder that takes place in the basement of a library in Quebec and Gamache happens across the scene and is drawn into the investigation. He was in Quebec to visit his mentor and continue to recover from his previous case.

This series has ruined several Sundays for me. I wake before anyone else and start reading in bed. I might get up to make coffee but even the Sunday paper can't distract me from Gamache and his family, friends, and coworkers. I can't put the book down and I have to finish it. Needless to say, nothing else gets done. I have to come here and rave about it. Riveting and heart wrenching, I couldn't have wished for a better Mother's Day present.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter Sweet looks like a seriously good read and I enjoyed your review. I am very intrigued.

I've seen it recommended so many times here on LT, I've finally added Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet to Mount TBR.

I was only 48 or so messages behind, but am now caught up once again. Glad to see you firmly on the Three Pines bus along with the rest of us!

Kiwi and Morphi - I can pretty much guarantee you will enjoy this book. It's a fast read and brings up lots of questions. I had brought it with me when I was proctoring an exam on Saturday but I brought the Penny book, too. As it was, I had to stop reading the Ford book since tears were springing to my eyes (I cry at the drop of a hat).

Stasia, so nice of you to stop in and catch up. I've been following your thread and hope you are successful in your job hunt. I was slow to jump on the bus to Three Pines but I am very much enjoying the ride and now I have to wait for the next one like everyone else. *checks on Amazon* Next August!!! Oh, well. It's not like I don't have anything else. :-)

Hi! Just delurking to say that I've added Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet to my wishlist. Thanks for the reccomendation! :)

#106: August?! I am not sure I can wait that long!

R.B.B.R. - I am sure you will enjoy it.

Stasia - Ah! The suffering we have to go through. At least we know it is coming out, not like the fifth book of the Mistress of the Art of Death series.

#109: Very true!

Ah, the tribulations of working in a library. The last Alex Rider book, Scorpia Rising, was returned. There was a hold on it and I sent a notice to the student. Many students never come to pick up their book so I went ahead and started to read it. Wouldn't you know it, this student really wanted to check it out! I left a sticky note on my page and thought I could try his other series, The Gatekeepers. So I started Raven's Gate and got about halfway through it when the newest Rick Riordan, The Throne of Fire, came in. Argghh! It's either feast or famine around here!

My partner in this library is retiring this year. They offered an incentive to get people to retire and she couldn't let it go. I may be alone here next year. Darn budget! I say pull all the tax incentives for banks and oil companies. They can't ever seem to not make obscene profits anyway! The good news is that this district (so far anyway) is committed to keeping their libraries open. Not all districts are as lucky and my heart goes out to them.

Just catching up on your thread. I am excited to learn that there is a continuation of the story from Brutal Telling in Bury Your Dead. I just finished Brutal Telling and was hoping there might be more. Adding Bury Your Dead to the wishlist!

At the very least I am glad to hear that your district is keeping your library open!

rubarbaru - I'm glad I read the two almost back to back. The next one comes out in August! Not too long a wait.

Stasia - I am keeping my fingers crossed. They are talking about more cuts and either the number of my hours per week could be cut or the number of days per year. All employees have already agreed to 7 furlough days for next year. Since I might be the only one in a library serving 2400 students and staff, service could suffer. We host over 300 visitors a day!

300 visitors a day is a lot of people who are going to be inconvenienced if they shut you down. I hope that is considered too by the PTB.

Just chiming in to say that I too will be adding Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet to my list. Being Asian myself, the premise of the book is definitely intriguing! Thanks for the wonderful review. :)

I like the image of sticky notes going home with students in their library books. And I am very pleased to hear your library will stay open.

>115 alcottacre: Stasia, from your lips...

>116 jolerie: Valerie, many members of this group have enjoyed this book. I couldn't resist the nudging from them as well as my coworker who highly recommended it. It will be interesting to read your reaction to the book.

>117 KiwiNyx: Kiwi, I can only hope it will remain open.



57. Killed at the Whim of a Hat by Colin Cotterill

I received this as an ER and I feel so lucky to be in at the beginning of what promises to be an original, plucky, humorous series that takes place on a remote beach in southern Thailand and has an amazingly original cast of characters. Slated for release in July, I would suggest that mystery lovers pre-order this book, it is that good. Like the Inspector Gamache or Precious Ramotswe series, there is a special setting and people we want to get to know. The mysteries are almost (emphasis on almost) secondary to the characters. My review can be read here.

You wrote a great review of the Cotterill book, it does look like a new author to watch out for.

Great review! I love it when a promising new series begins -- it feels like we're in for a treat over a long period of time.

And what a contrast it was to this next first-of-a-series!



58. Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

Unfortunately, this was too much a first-of-a-series book. The first 200 pages were set up and introductions, I felt.

Matt is an orphan who lived with his loser aunt and her boyfriend. He was caught breaking into a warehouse with a friend who stabbed the guard and pinned it on Matt. His aunt refused to take him back (she had run through all of his inheritance already) so he was put into a special program in a remote village. Then stuff happened.

I have almost finished reading all of Mr. Horowitz's Alex Rider series and thought this would be another promising series that I could recommend, especially to our boy readers (always tough customers). I may or may not read more of this series. I think I have the second one. Boy wizard doesn't quite match boy spy. Too bad.

Sorry the boy wizard did not match up well against Alex Rider! Maybe the next book in the series will be better?

Score one for me! A teacher actually took my advice today!

I tried to help a student this morning whose assignment was to post a book review on either Amazon or B&N. Since her parents didn't have accounts with either site she was stuck. I took a shot and helped her make an LT account. She typed in her review, I took a screen shot and printed it out for her then emailed the teacher to suggest that LT might be better for this assignment. She actually created a private group for her class right away and they are now posting and sharing their reviews there. It's only taken me five years to get them to recognize I know of what I speak! Baby steps. Baby steps.

Woo hoo; good for you!

Just dropped by - and now I have a heap of books to add to my TBR pile!

>123 mamzel:: Great job on promoting LT. A private group for a class of students is a terrific idea. Let's hope they explore the site a little bit and really get turned on to reading.

I'm glad you are loving the Three Pines series. I think a lot of us will be happy when the new book comes out later this summer.

Great for you to suggest LT as an alternative to Amazon or B&N for posting reviews!

>123 mamzel: Just goes to show you that the greatest advices are the ones that no one listens to. It happens a lot with me, shocks me to death when somebody takes my word for something.

I haven't read any other books by Horowitz. Loved the review even though you didn't like it. Pretty comical.

Nice job! I love the idea of using LT for classroom interactions. I recently did a third grade lesson that had students writing reviews and posting them on Destiny, the circulation catalog used by all libraries in this particular school district. Once they're posted, they can be read by all students and parents of this district. The kids loved doing this. They're too young for LT, obviously, but I love the idea of students sharing reviews of books they've read.

#123: Woot!

*bows left and right* Thank you, thank you.

It's easy to sell a good product! As a library/media tech, most teachers only see me as someone who check books in and out, not as someone who might actually know stuff. At least that's how it feels some times.

AMQS - we have Destiny here, too. We tried to teach the Quest features but found the kids (high schoolers) having too much fun with the IMing.

The end of the year is fast approaching and Monday is our final turn-in day for books. The librarian has been out sick these past three days so I've had a taste of what it might be like next year. She's retiring and, as far as I know, won't be replaced (ah, let's hear it for the California budget situation). Luckily I have a team of wonderful student helpers who help me take care of the shelves.

I am glad to hear that you are going to have student helpers at the very least!

>130 mamzel: Ooh, IMing on Destiny? Huh. Not even on my radar with third grade, but I can see how that would be a problem!

I'm so proud of myself. My friend, my daughter, and myself went to Berkeley yesterday and we didn't visit a single bookstore. Instead we went to the very Berkeley grocery store, Berkeley Bowl and had fun getting artisan coffee and farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Odd thing to say - they had the most impressive display of eggplant I've ever seen. Wonderful variety! I got some wild mushrooms and nice fresh asparagus and made risotto for dinner last night. I am enjoying a bowl of plump blackberries now. It's little things that make me happy!

What a nice day!

Oh wow, I love bookstores, addiction is a word that springs to mind here, but fresh fruit and veg might just edge them out and I love the sound of your day. Fresh blackberries! Yum!

I don't know if it's the colors, textures or smells, but I love poking around fresh fruits and vegetables! It's one of my favorite things to do.

We have a wonderful fruit & vegetable stand not too far from here that opens June 2. It's not organic but it is fresh and very inexpensive (unlike the organic farmer's market). Every time I've been there it's been packed with customers. You can either use one of their wheelbarrows or a 5-gal. bucket to collect your purchases. There are taco trucks outside and kids running around everywhere.

I intend to try and do a bit of jam and pickle making this summer.

Interesting new format - and a new pic at the top of the group to boot! Cool!

I was very interested to read your review of Raven's Gate because my son, for whom it is VERY difficult to find reading material, really likes the Alex Rider series. Too bad that it didn't equate, but thanks for the review.

I wish there were a local farmer's market here in Sherman. I love visiting those places!

>139 chinquapin: I have a son (now 24) for whom it was hard to provide good books. I certainly understand.

>140 alcottacre: Stasia, maybe the Texans will wake up and smell the broccoli someday and open one for you!

Well, it had to happen. I had a meeting this morning with the principal and they are cutting my hours from 8 to 6 and from 10.5 months to 9 months. Ouch!

The good news is that they aren't closing the library, I guess.

As of now, I will be the only person manning the library in a high school with 2200 students!

Wow, that is one big high school! Hooray for the good news, the world needs as many libraries as they can get.

Wow, Mamzel, that's insane! I was a library director at a public / school library a few years ago. The school had 830 kids and there were 4 FTEs there. I can't imagine what your year's going to be like. Best of luck!

Ouch, It's happening all over. Every time there's a wave of bad news about schools and school libraries I find it hard to motivate myself to stay up late finishing library school papers. Good luck to you.

I am sorry to hear the news. I hope you get plenty of help from your students!

I know that others on this thread have had similar tribulations thanks to current financial situations and I appreciate the support from everyone. It's nice to have a group that shares their woes and receives back pats. Thanks, everyone!
As Monsieur said, at least I still have a job. I hope that I have enough seniority that anyone else who got cut won't try and bump me out of my position.



59. His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Temeraire #1

I knew I would probably enjoy this series. I loved reading the Hornblower series which is a seafaring fictional series that takes place in the era of Napoleon and Nelson. This series starts on one of His Majesty's ships which takes over a French ship without much resistance since they were low on food and water. On board was a dragon's egg which seemed to be about to hatch. Ordinarily a dragon's pilot would be chosen at a very young age and trained and raised around dragons, however, this dragon had his own ideas and carefully made his choice from the ship's crew upon hatching. The ship's captain, Will Laurence, was his choice and thus we have the beginning of a great friendship.

This will be a series I will catch up on over the summer. Indeed I will go immediately to my library's website to check on availability of the next books!

Who else might enjoy this book? The dialogue is similar to what one hears on the swashbuckling movies starring Errol Flynn and the aerial battle scenes are a challenge and joy to imagine. It is not the sort of magic and wizard story that might feature a dragon.

OK - next three on the way to my hands - oh joy!

Great review, I like your description of the mix of swashbuckling dialogue and aerial battle scenes. I haven't read any Novik yet but I keep seeing her books in the shops everywhere I go.

#147: I loved the first book in the series too but have not managed to read any of her others yet. I hope you enjoy them as much as you did the first one!

>147 mamzel: His Majesty's Dragon is the first book I read this year, and loved it. I need to make a proper review for it, because ever since then, my reviewing style has changed dramatically. And the dragons physically talked. Not telepathy as italics, but actual quotes around their words. Now how come other books aren't like that?

Kiwi - If the price is right, I say give them a go.

Stasia - Please stay tuned to see how the series progresses!

D.F. - I am still mulling over how the dragons are born able to speak the King's English and like being read to, even complicated math texts, but are still content to be glorified battle steeds. I hope this will be revealed as I continue with the series. Very intriguing!

>152 mamzel: I made a list of all the books I plan to buy, and I think there was 8 or 9, and Black Powder War is on that list.

But I really like how human the dragons are also. To me, they have very little animalistic instincts and super-human intellegnce, so that would be my guess.

His Majesty's Dragon sounds like a fun read!

>154 Whisper1: It is, and also the author is a LibraryThing author too! But she's probably not on here anymore. Reason why I know: she has a section in her library of "books I wrote", and it's not that updated at all. But that was a long time ago when I checked....

Glad you're enjoying the Temeraire books -- they're some of my recent favorites!

#152: *Staying tuned*

Wow.. I had a lot to catch up on here..

52. The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny was my favorite Penny so far..

The Horowitz books sound fun! And, I liked The Thirteenth Tale !

Reading has suffered this week since I am working in the textbook room. I have been so tired when I get home that I can't pick up another book, even for pleasure. I have the next three Temeraire books waiting for me at the library and I hope to remember to pick them up this afternoon.

If you will indulge a little moaning and groaning, we are checking in over 13,000 textbooks which average 10 pounds each for a grand total of 130,000 pounds or 65 tons!!! We are about half way through

ouch! Sorry to hear that..

Are you off during the summer?

Three Pines--sounds like a wonderful place to live (except too cold for my taste). I've read a few of these and quite enjoy them. Trying to get my 11-year-old to read Horowitz. Perhaps after he finishes the Wolf Brother series.

My last day will be June 23rd and then I go back Aug. 17. Almost two months. I should be able to get a lot read. The only thing I have scheduled to do is see the last Harry Potter movie. I have plenty of yard work and I am hoping it won't be too hot this summer. We're still getting rain which is very unusual here.

I hope once your textbook project is over that you even want to look at another book!

I've added His Majesty's Dragon to my TBR pile it sounds like a book my son would enjoy. I can't even imagine having one person man a library for 2200 High school students. Our entire school district (K-12) has only about 500 students we have only have one librarian that mans both the Elementary and High School. Good Luck nex year.

It's still raining! Yesterday it was blowing like crazy. The vineyards must be a mess. It is around this time that they would be in bloom. The streets were littered with leaves and branches blown off of trees.

I have read at least the first part of the second Temeraire book, Throne of Jade, and finding it an excellent continuation. Temeraire must return to China along with Capt. Laurence. The dragon and the aviator struggle with the similarities and differences between their situations in service to the King and the African slaves they see loaded on to a slave ship. Very interesting.

Oops! I forgot to put this book on my list!



60. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Two books I've read recently have dealt with the complications of interracial relationships (or at least intercultural). Major Pettigrew, a retiree and a widower, becomes friends with a Pakistani woman who operates a convenience store in a small English village.

This book has a wonderfully varied cast of village locals, American visitors, Pakistani families, and members of the Major's family. The plot develops when the relationships between the various ethnicities and generations clash and show their bigotries and selfish motives.

It's a story that is at once cozily gentle and uncomfortably edgy, quiet and boisterous, with family knots being tied and untied and retied. It's a very satisfying story.

60 books so far, well done. And a timely reminder as that one should have been put on my wishlist long ago.

Hello to you!

I loved Pettigrew as well. So did my 75 year old mom. So did her entire 25-member book group. Wish there were more books like that one.

Kiwi - As with me - I read so many positive reviews until I was finally persuaded to read it.

Linda - Bonjour to you!

Alaska - Did they read The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet? They might really like that book as well.

I loved Major Pettigrew! I am glad to see you enjoyed it.

I love your description of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - cozily gentle and uncomfortably edgy! That captures it nicely. Glad you enjoyed it!

Things are finally slowing down a little at work. Thursday was the last day of school and graduation. Out of 14,000 textbooks we got most back but still have over 900 unaccounted for. This is the first year of our automated system so we are not sure if this is good or not. Most of them are still in the hands of students, some were returned without barcodes and are impossible to track, and some are still in classrooms, somewhere. My thumb joints ache from handling them. Now I have two weeks left to work in the library. The librarian has retired and since my time will been cut back next year, I will take this opportunity to inventory the collection and make sure they are in perfect order. If I have time I will make a welcome back bulletin board and book marks.



61. Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
Temeraire Book No. 3

While still mulling over the sticky question of whether his dragon's situation could be considered slavery, Capt. Laurence is ordered to take Temeraire to China. Will he have to return to England without him? Does Temeraire "belong" to England? Will Temeraire let Will leave him in China? And why would Temeraire want to return when he finds he is a highly esteemed breed of dragons in a country where they are loved and catered to. Even the cities have streets wide enough for the largest of dragons to walk comfortably and the citizens treasure them.

I found the process of building a ship to accommodate Temeraire and his support team very interesting as the relationship between him and Will grows and strengthens. I have started the next one, Black Powder War, and Empire of Ivory patiently waiting for its turn. (Have I mentioned how much I love ILL?)

900 books unaccounted for? Wow. Good luck on the cataloguing over the next fortnight. You'll need a well-earned rest after that I think.

I agree with Leonie - you will need a well-deserved rest!

>172 mamzel: Agh! You're starting Black Powder War already? I should get it from a ILL, but I want to own it you see.

The Chinese have always been so kind to their precious dragons.

Nathan, do you have some good used book stores near you or do you order from Amazon to get older books? I was not surprised to see the three books I got from ILL were from the same library. I hoped they could be frugal like that.

At work, I have inventoried about 75% of the fiction collection. I have been fanatic about organizing them so the titles as well as the authors are in alpha order. I don't know if they'll hire a librarian next year and in any case, I'd like to have them in perfect order to start out with.

They are tearing up the parking lot in front of our building all the way to the street. It runs between our buildings and the main drag. There is a little c-shaped courtyard between the library and the front office, with the copy room being the joining section. When they came in with the jack hammers and bulldozers, that was my cue to go home for the day! Besides the point they turned off the AC and it was closing in on 90 deg. I've been told they are planning on some day enclosing the courtyard with most of the space coming to the library.

This morning at 2 a.m. the birds were confused by the huge moon and started chirping up a storm. Really?????

I took home to finish the last in the Alex Rider series, Scorpia Rising and I have almost finished Black Powder War. I'll write up my notes this weekend.

I hope everyone is well. I miss catching up on everyone's posts. I was doing so well. Well, I'll have plenty of time this summer...

You like your books sub-sorted by title? I prefer mine by publication date.
But then again, that is my personal library and no one else goes through there but me. (Or else!)

Hooray for more library space!

Some books I do in story order (like Harry Potter or Cirque du Freak) and some in title order (like Nicholas Sparks or Ann Rinaldi) if the books aren't related. Some series I'm not familiar enough with (like Alex Rider) and they don't put an order number on the spine so I put them in alpha order and let the kids figure it out. It doesn't matter much, anyway, since the order will only stay until August when the kids get back! Hah!

My library is ordered by whatever size book fits into that last remaining gap on the shelf, just there. Sometimes it is also ordered by bigger size books holding down the floor at the end of the shelves.

Last year I placed all my books in alpha order, cramming them in the shelves. Then, I realized my mistake when I added more and did not leave room........................

How to store books is always challenging. I have a separate shelf for those most important to me, namely my Pre-Raphaelite art books and then a separate few shelves for Tudor history fiction and non-fiction books.

I am trying to shelve my books by the author's position in the alphabet but as Linda says, I no sooner get finished that I buy some more and have to try to squeeze them in. This is how I ended up with a couple of piles on the floor in front of my shelves.

I put all of my read books and books I don't plan to read anytime soon (like later books in a series when I haven't read the earlier ones) on the shelf, in author order. Then I have a second row in front of those with the books I want to read soon, grouped with their authors.

At one point I took the time to look up the LofC classification number for all of my books and stored them in order. I didn't like it much. And then I lost 75% of the collection to a water leak. After that I grouped histories in chronological order, biiography and autobiography by subject's last name, psychology books together by theoretical foundation, poetry on one shelf and religion/ philosophy/ politics on another, and fiction by subgroup (fantasy, sci-fi, general) and then alphabetical by author's last name. Cookbooks are in the order I last used them, most recent on the left. Right now, though, most everything is in boxes as I work to repaint the house and have shelves put up in every room.

You guys are much more organized than I am. I don't have much of a system for my personal books at home. Whatever pile looks like it won't fall over is usually where I place a new book. I try to keep series in the same general location. I think that's one of the reasons I like working in a library because I have order here even though I can't get a handle on it at home.

I finished an inventory of the library's fiction collection yesterday so they all sit on nice clean shelves like little soldiers shoulder to shoulder. They look so pretty! It's so hard to avoid stopping when I find an interesting book. I struggle to avoid taking it home with me. I have a stack next to me including The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials by James Dashner, The Hunchback Assignments and The Dark Deeps by Arthur Slade, and The Throne of Fire which I started but didn't finish. I've been neglectful of YA books so I'll take them home for the summer.

Today I am working on a display to put up on a wall in our computer section (the only blank wall we have). I dug around quotes about reading and libraries and decided on a quote by Confucius, "You cannot open a book without learning something." We have a die cut machine to cut out 4-in. high letters so I have them laid out on a table to tape them on a strip of paper and then I'll decorate it with pieces of paper in various colors and shapes. The hard part will be climbing up to put it up on the wall. I'll try to find a skinny, agile person to help me.

I don't have a system either.. it is a shelf size issue..
I have shelves in my living room.. built in on either side of the Fireplace..
Some shelves are taller than others.. so.. the go in the shelves where they will fit.

For the most part, LR books are my tbr pile..
and a few are keepers. My keep shelves in my bedroom are very small.. and
I don't keep books on the top of it, because I have a goddess altar there

I need to move some keepers to my headboard and move the tbr books from there to my living room.
I have given away about 150 or more books from my upstairs shelves.. in addition to the ones I donated to the staff library I set up where I used to work. Then there are those I have donated to the humane society book sale.. or just handed off or released... So.. over the last three years, I have probably given away 500 books.

That makes me both proud and anxious :P

Well done on finishing the inventory and good luck with the display. It's good to know I'm not the only one that simply has piles of books spread throughout the house, wherever they can fit. And oddly enough, I know exactly where any book will be in my chaos if you ask.

I, too, can find most..
Each set of shelves has a sort of genre specific theme.. kinda sorta.. usually.

>176 mamzel: Currently, I'm about two hours from a major bookstore with a small library, but that will change very soon. I bought His Majesty's Dragon from a Boarders, and bought the second from...EBay, which I like more than Amazon, if they have it. The Pern books I bought from EBay, all except three, and they were pretty cheap, so not much with Amazon.

Kiwi & Kathleen, I know what you mean. As a visual person I can come up with a picture of an item to remember where I last saw it. This 'talent' helps me with word spelling, too.

Nathan, I've never bought anything on Ebay. I've been pretty lucky buying used books (especially textbooks) from Amazon.



62. Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider #9

The last of the Alex Rider series, this book dishes up yet more action and adventure. All through the series Alex was unsure about following in his spy uncle's footsteps. After a year of action, he really wants to be done with it. MI6, the British CIA knows that using a teenager is not exactly ethical but it doesn't stop them. Alex's age and abilities are too much of a good package.

Alex is tired of waking up in hospitals and seeing his friends in danger and wants out. However, a group of bad guys that was seen in an earlier book, is back with a vengeance and want to not only kill Alex but make sure that his name is dirt as well.

Readers of the series have confidence that Alex will prevail but Horowitz throws a couple of curve balls to make this last book the most memorable of the series.



63. Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
Temeraire #3

SPOILERS FOR #2 - In order to comply with the Chinese tradition where Imperial dragons may only be paired with members of the Emperor's family, Laurence was 'adopted' by the Emperor at the end of Throne of Jade.

Now that Laurence and Temeraire can leave China, they get an urgent message that takes them to Turkey to pick up three dragon eggs and deliver them to England. With the help of a guide they fly through China and the Middle East, run into a flock (?) of feral dragons, and make it to Istanbul where they get less than a warm reception, find the British ambassador dead and his assistant missing. The gold that was to pay for the eggs is also missing and the Turks do not want to give up the eggs.

I found this book a little more tedious because of the scope of the battle scenes. After finally managing to sneak into the seraglio and snatch the eggs, they take off to Prussia and end up being involved in the war with Napoleon. More battles. Ugh! I had to push myself to get through this one.

I already had the next in the series, Empire of Ivory, which I have since almost finished and I'm back to loving the series.

Glad to see you had time to sneak a couple of good reads in!

A nice couple of reads there, and I know what you mean about spelling as I think I'm the same. If you see a new word just once it is enough to remember it the next time you need to spell it. Perhaps it's a certain part of the memory in the brain that we activate a lot more.

>189 mamzel: Well I mostly buy used books at EBay, but only if it's Buy It Now, I wouldn't buy books any other way, because then I'll lose.

Two books that I want to read in that message too. I would say, good reviews on both of them!

Hi, Stasia & Kiwi, good ones, indeed!

Memory is so funny. Like you say, once I see a word I can remember how it's spelled. Same with names. But ... try and connect a name to a face and I'm toast. I can much easier connect an author to a title! After working in this school for five years, there are still teachers I have to ask their name (especially PE and Math who rarely step foot into the library).



64. Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik
Temeraire #4

One of the things I love about this series is how intelligent the dragons are and how sensitive Temeraire is. A continuing story line is how he is trying to better the life of dragons who, in England, are treated no better than work horses. They sleep outside, eat their meals on-the-hoof instead of seasoned and cooked, and when they are too old for battle, are relegated to breeding stations. Having seen the treatment and regard of dragons in other countries, particularly China, Temeraire has taken it upon himself to spread the word.

When he was taken around Cape Horn to China Temeraire came down with a cold. The Chinese cook that prepared his meals treated him with a concoction that knocked the bug right out of him. When Temeraire returns to England he finds that all of the dragons are down with a devastating bug, they are losing weight, unable to fly, and are leaving England defenseless. Temeraire and Laurence return to Capetown to try and find what ingredient is the cure and find a stinky mushroom to be helpful. They come upon a cave full of the mushrooms and as they are harvesting them, the cultivators find them taking off with their crop. They have discovered an unknown African civilization with dragons. Action ensues!

When they finally return to England they find that a French dragon managed to slip into a dragon covert. Instead of taking it prisoner, the Admiralty sent it back to France hoping that it was infected and would spread the disease through the French dragons. Temeraire realizes that this could mean the demise of the world's population of dragons unless he lets them know about the mushrooms. He and Laurence take a very bold and risky step to stop the spread of the disease.

I liked this book the most of the series. I have to return the past three to the library and then wait for the next ones to come in. Well, it's not like I don't have anything else on hand to read. I can wait. *fingers tapping on armrest*

Again, really nice review. You know, I've looked up some fan art about Temeraire, and there's this one picture that really captures Temeraires nature perfectly.

Nathan, Is this the one you found? I love the comparison of his size with the ships. I really hope Peter Jackson can bring this series to the screen. He would be able to do a fantastic job.



I went to place a hold on the next Temeraire and found the next one, Victory of Eagles. I actually have Tongues of Serpents so I will be all caught up until... next March!?!?!?
Ouch!

The good news is that I checked on my hold for the latest Sookie Stackhouse and found I'm up to No. 79. Maybe I'll get it before the summer is over.

#185 Kath, I share your feeling of pride and anxiousness when I downsize the books.

>195 mamzel: OK, I'll post it immediantly.

This one I love. This is the scene where Laurence gives Temeaire the necklace. Kind of cartoony though.



Or there is this one that makes him a lot more scary looking.



I heard once that Peter Jackson will make these books into movies after he does The Hobbit. Oh God, please make sure that happens! And with the Pern books also! Nothing will make me happier. Oh, but you knew that already. Yeah, that picture is good up there! Except I think he's too blue.

Oh, and another edit, I'm a big fan of huge pictures.

Nathan, Please note that I edited my earlier message and added a picture there. I so agree about the movies. Do you think he'll just do one or several?

WOW! Look at the artistry in those prints! The way in which the light and shadows play on the figures...incredible!

>198 mamzel: Yes, I noted that afterwards. I hope he does them all, but if he does one, I think I'll be OK as long as the plot is right.

>199 Whisper1: Yes I know, much better than what I can do. I should travel back in time where stick figures were worth tons of meat.

Great pictures! I love Dragons..

Nathan - Yum! Mastadons!

All this talk of Temeraire and I had to go and check I've got the first book wishlisted (which I do), so phew. Love the images and especially the light.

I wishlisted the first book in the series also. I do love a good dragon story.

Kiwi & Chinquapin - For a person who isn't a huge fantasy fan, these books have been a real treat and may entice me into more of this kind of fantasy.

I had to laugh at myself. I watched the season finale of The Game of Thrones on HBO last night which ended with the Kalheesi (sp?) walking into the funeral pyre for her husband and dragon eggs and lo, the next morning, there she be, with baby dragons festooned around her nude body. But they couldn't speak, only squeak! Bah! Temeraire rules!!

Happy Summer Solstice, all!

It's going to be a scorcher here today so I'm glad to be in the AC. Being all caught up I decided to do some more inventory and go through the graphic novel section. Well, darn if the second book I came across was 9-11, Artists Respond. As I went through it I realized it will be the 10th anniversary this year and I now have a plan for our first display when school opens again in August.



65. 9-11: Artists Respond by Will Eisner

Various artists contributed stories to this graphic novel. Some were in black and white, some in color. Some were only one page, some several. They were all moving.

That book looks good but what a great idea for your display, I'm sure it will be a stunning and moving way to welcome back the students.

>205 mamzel: Yes Temeraire does rule. And what I like is that he actually speaks, not some italicized thoughts, but actual open mouth human language.

Dany is one of my favorite chracters, although, it's only out of pity...sort of...

I told Monsieur about my display plan and he said it would be too depressing. I've been rethinking my idea and would appreciate comments.

Incoming freshman would have been three years old at the time and seniors seven. Would they have as deep a memory as we have? I can remember the day Kennedy was shot, I was 9 but I think that what I was feeling was more from the reactions of the adults than how it related to me.

I am sure that there will be all sorts of stuff on TV related to this anniversary of 9/11. My thought is that having a display up when school opens shows the library is aware of events and is current. After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we put up a display but I felt it was too after-the-fact, a reaction.

Would I be feeding into the fear that 9/11 has saddled our nation with by dragging up this horrible event or can it be viewed as more of a memorial for those who died? I initially intended to include books about Al Qaeda and BinLaden but if I leave them out would that lessen that fear? I could use books about firemen and heroes instead.

Children who were 3-7 will indeed most remember the emotional reactions of the adults around them. They would have been shaken by their parents' sense of fear, horror, and helplessness. These children haven't known a country that wasn't influenced by its reaction to 9/11. So I do think that the focus of the display will be important: a memorial, a focus on heroes, US foreign policy, or perhaps all the ways the world has changed in their lifetimes with 9/11 being just one aspect of that change.

I also think that the display is still a good idea and children today have heard of the event, usually through their parents, so they will be aware. It may be a heavy subject but also an important one.

Could you perhaps find some books about the history of New York to show how much the city has changed and use that as your angle? I'm sure there are other massive changes in the city design, other old buildings that are no longer there, and prominent people in New York history that you would find books on.

It just also happens to be the 10yr anniversary of the twin towers collapsing but that could just be one event in a display of many significant events that have shaped the city today. That way you could lesson the 'depressing' atmosphere that your monsieur was worried about.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be a great display.

Hey Mamzel,
I don't live in the U.S. so take my suggestions with a grain of salt. I wouldn't just focus on the heroes, I'd give the student an opportunity to learn about the whole story, with U.S. foreign policy and the heroes, and the Taliban, etc.

Wow - is it 10 years already? We'd just been in NYC for a month, at the start of our 2 year stint.

As a non-US too, I was going to suggest something similar to Deedledee and Kiwi.

Don't focus on the fear; what inspired me at that age (oh, alright, so I'm old...er) was Bob Geldof's & Midge Ure's Band Aid's Feed the World campaign.

>189 mamzel: re visual memory, I do that, too. And I have problems putting names to faces. They say you either remember names or faces but not both; I seem to remember neither. After having two kids, my personal memory has got worse (pregnancy brain, memory didn't come back, especially the 2nd time), so I have to borrow theirs. Of course, sometimes I wondernif they're 'remembering' things slightly to their own advantage!

When does school start? Our schools start ridiculously early (August 18, and even earlier in some districts). If you're as early as we are, maybe a different display to start the year, then change to 9/11.

I imagine there will be massive coverage of this event in all media, and renewed focus on the heroes and causes. There might be a presidential address. If anything, your display will be responsive librarianship, as was your display of Japan. When there are major events happening in the world, people naturally want to learn more, and good teachers can use those opportunities effectively to help students learn, question, and consider big, complicated issues. Students who were young and have only sad, scary memories of 9/11 may want to learn more from their more mature perspectives. Do you know if other teachers/departments are planning for this anniversary? If it will become a part of social studies/history/civics curriculum, for example, then your display will support classroom programming. I think coverage of this event will be wide and comprehensive, so I think books about firefighters and Al-Qaeda and New York and bin Laden and heroes would all be relevant. Let us know what you decide.

Just got back from my trip last night, not able to catch up on everyone.. so I am just scanning and saying

Thanks so much for all your opinions. I found out that there will be a part time librarian so I will discuss it with her. She gets paid the big bucks and should have a say in whether to display or not. Being on the west coast we don't have much on the history of New York City. I wish I had kept the newspapers from that day! We open very early, too, so I'll have time to come up with a plan.

Kathleen, welcome back. I'll head over to your thread to read about your trip.



66. Medicus: A Novel of the Roman Empire by Ruth Downie

This was from my box of books I had ordered from Bookcloseouts.com last summer. Sometimes I get lucky! Either that or the fact that I have really enjoyed the historical mystery subgenre made this one a winner. In any case, I loved this book originally published in 2006. Gaius Petreius Ruso is a doctor for a military outpost in the Roman colony of Brittania and is a sort of a sad sack. Divorced and trying to help his brother keep hold of the family property in Gaul, he cuts back on any expenses he can and borrows against his salary. He shares a room in a building slated for demolition with another doctor and eats left overs from the hospital kitchen. What he doesn't need is to feel sorry for a mistreated slave girl with a broken arm and no cooking skills. Poking his nose into the case of a couple of dead or missing girls from a local brothel probably isn't good for his situation either. But he can't help himself.

I loved this book and will try to see if there are more of the series at my library. Speaking of which, they just went through a pretty big remodel. One of the things they did was move the YA section back to a corner of the room. They have all sorts of cool stuff in there now. They put in more computers and nice new furniture. One of the things they did was put up a shelf for the FOL folks with used books for sale right near the front door. I looked through them and found two of the Maisie Dobbs series. I read the first one years ago and have read positive reviews on this thread so I succumbed and bought them. It's for a good cause, right?

Well Medicus looks like a winner, you just can't beat a good historical fiction. Your new library design sounds cool and I'm sure it is a great excuse to spend more time there so you can truly discover all the new things.

67. Victory of Eagles by Naomi Novik
Temeraire #5

This series just gets better and better. The dragons have so much personality and are such great characters. Temeraire is very regal and truly is involved in bettering the condition of dragons in England.

Because of events from the previous book, Laurence has been convicted of treason and Temeraire has been sent to a breeding colony. However, when Bonaparte finally lands in England and moves on London things are looking bleak. With the dragon population doubled, the supply of cattle and sheep for their food is threatened. Temeraire is devastated to be separated from Laurence and is worried that he has already been executed for his crimes. He decides, again, to take things into his own hands. If he cannot participate in battles directly against the French he can try to cut off their supplies. He organizes the dragons and the handlers left to take care of them into a raiding party and pounce on the French troops trying to round up feed for their army and dragons. With amazing results!

Eventually Laurence and Temeraire are reunited and join the fight to oust Bonaparte from England. Temeraire agrees to rejoin the effort after he is offered a salary, a great leap forward in dragon rights. However, even with a rousing success, the verdict of treason still stands and the book ends by the two of them being 'transported' to the prison colony of New South Wales. The little fire-breather, Iskierka, joins up with them after their ship is too far from land to return. Her mission is to breed with Temeraire and have a dragon that perform the devastating Imperial Wind with the added danger of fire.

What I love about these dragons is that one minute they are in a pitched battle defending their country and then the next they are pining over the condition of their captain, and then the next they are casting a covetous eye on another dragon's bling. They display dedication, ingenuity, impatience, recklessness, boredom, and laziness, the same as their human counterparts.

Another kudo I would like to give this series is the lack of bad language. Considering that many of the characters are sailors and military types, the 'f' bomb only makes an first appearance in this book.

This is the first time I've answered questions like this on my thread!

Favorite childhood book? Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight - I never forgave my brother for ripping out the last page!

Reading right now? Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik - I have really enjoyed this series!

Bad book habit? Like many others here - I have a hard time walking past books for sale without buying one even though I have so many already at home.

Do you have an e-reader? No. Next year my school will have 30 Kindles for classes who are reading a novel and I will be in charge of them. Will this contact change my mind? We'll see...

One book at a time or several? During school I usually have one book going at work and one book at home. When my daughter was in 4-H I would also have one going in the car to read while she was in a meeting.

Reading changes since joining LibraryThing? Yes. Many new series have been introduced to me and I am more conscious of reading challenging books, fiction and non-fiction.

Least favorite book this year (so far)? Pig Island by Hayder Mo - Yuk!

Favorite book (so far) this year? Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Reading comfort zone? Mysteries, historical fiction

How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Several times a year. I have to screw myself up to tackle a big one. I usually have my eye on a challenge for a while before taking it on. I don't have one in mind at this time.

Can you read on the bus? I could if I was listening to it. I'm too distracted by scenery.

Favorite place to read? These days, it's in my bed in the early morning before anyone is up and the birds are waking up outside.

Book-lending policy? I love to lend books. Many times while I read a book I have someone come to mind who might enjoy it. I guess that's an occupational hazard since I work in a library.

Do you ever dog-ear books? No. I have a collection of book marks or will use any handy scrap of paper to mark a page.

Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Of course not. Isn't that why they invented sticky-notes?

What makes you love a book? A new location, time, character - something different from anything else I've read. Last year I was blown away by The Windup Girl for that reason.

Favorite genre? At this moment it's historical mystery. I've been through different phases of historical fiction, science fiction, and cozy mysteries. Who knows what will be next?

Favorite reading snack? Popcorn or sunflower seeds. In the morning there's nothing like that first cup of coffee! Except maybe a second cup.

How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I'm not a professional reviewer, I only comment on how a book makes me feel. If I don't like it, I'll say so and state my reasons. If it dissuades someone from wasting their time and going somewhere else instead, I feel it's a favor repaid from avoiding books others didn't like and said so. It's as helpful as a favorable review.

Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? War and Peace, Les Miserables, any book of poetry

Favorite Poet? See previous answer. Poetry has never been my thing.

Favorite fictional character? Precious Ramotswe from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith

Favorite fictional villain? Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris *shiver*

Books most likely to take on vacation? I like to take action thrillers on a plane - something that keeps my attention, allows time to pass quickly, and does not demand much concentration - something I won't mind leaving behind when I come home

Longest time gone without reading? Since I learned how to read I don't think there was ever a time when I didn't have a book at hand.

Last book/s abandoned? The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood - I gave up after reading 2/3s of the book - I left the page marked and may go back

What distracts you easily when you’re reading? TV, easily

Do you keep your books organized? No. They're all over the place.

Keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I call it my 'catch-and-release' program. After I read a book I decide if there's any chance I'll reread it. Otherwise I loan it to a friend who might enjoy it, send it to my dad, donate it to my library, or donate it to the FOL of the local library.

Book that made you angry? The last book I read by James Patterson, Witch and Wizard. I felt absolutely ripped off when I read it. What a waste of a tree! I have since titled him King of White Space. And I'm sure that my dissatisfaction will wound him all the way to the bank!

Book that made you cry? I can't read the book or see the movie and not tear up at the scene in To Kill a Mockingbird where the folks in the balcony silently rose as Atticus walks out of the courtroom. These days, however, I avoid tear jerkers since I just end up with puffy eyes and a headache.

I found The Blind Assassin to be a hard slog as well. I was able to get through it, but only because I usually love anything Atwood writes.

I'm curious to tackle The Blind Assassin now, just to see if I'll like it or not.

I felt the same way about The Blind Assassin! It took me months and months to finish. I thought I was all alone!

Oh no, I've always wanted to read The Blind Assassin. Now I'm nervous...:P

Loved the review on Victory of Eagles, although I think it'll spoil the earlier plots for me. Oh well, I'll just have to trust my brain to forget it like 75% of anything else.

I have read other books by Atwood and enjoyed them. It sure isn't that I didn't try. I just checked and I made it to page 324 of 500+ pages in BA. I'll get back to it someday. I have The Year of the Flood waiting for me, too.

Nathan, I never remember what people say about books. Only a positive or negative feeling. I've tried hard not to give much away, nonetheless. Any luck on finding more of the series? I received the last book from the publisher quite a while back, signed by Ms Novik! That was so cool! I'm so glad I've been able to rave about the series.

225: The Year of the Flood is awesome! Have you read Oryx and Crake?

I did, a long time ago.

>225 mamzel: Oh I can find them, the problem is, I'm cutting back on the books I buy for quite a while, well I can order it, but I'll eventually want to buy it. But if I do do that, I won't do it this summer, or very late this summer at the earliest.

Oryx and Crake is on my Wishlist. Totally forgot why, only that it was a dsytopian book and that it was good...I see what you mean now.

Just trying to read and catch up!

68. Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Temeraire #6

Temeraire and Laurence have been exiled to New South Wales, as Australia was known then, a penal colony. I guess they thought if they were out of sight they would also be out of mind. Hah! Isierka, our feisty little fire-breather, is along for the ride and hopes that Temeraire will give her an egg. Tharkay, their guide from China and rescuer, is with them, too.

The gang tries to find a way through the mountains to allow travel from Sydney to the rest of the continent and they end up chasing some smugglers who steal one of the eggs they brought with them from England. Along the way they face the waterless expanse of the outback and discover some interesting creatures. When they finally meet up with the smugglers at Larrakia on the opposite side of the landmass, they find the Chinese are trying to establish a colony of their own and now a new question nags at Temeraire and Laurence. Why does England feel they have to rule every piece of land not already under a flag? Laurence's loyalty is being sorely tested.

So now I am all caught up with the series until next March. I think I will use the July YA challenge to catch up on some ERs and read some books I brought home from my library to read. One series that intrigues me starts with The Hunchback Assignments.

Second quarter roundup:

19 adult, 12 YA

1 graphic novel, 1 ER

7 fantasy, 4 historical fiction, 10 mystery, 9 action, 2 fiction (books may fall into more than one genre)

Favorite - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford with Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny right up there

Caught up on three series - Alex Rider, Three Pines, and Temeraire - whew!

NEW THREAD HERE

I love the questionnaire in post #219. I copied and completed it also. Where did you find it?