kerryth's attempt at 75 in 2011

Hi, thought I would tidy up my previous thread and post my attempt at 75 in 2011 here instead!!

Hi new to LT and the 75-ers challenge but will give it a go!!

A little bit about me here

Books I've read so far

Feb/March 2011

1. Eat, Pray, Love - gilbertelizabeth::Elizabeth Gilbert mine - new purchase
2. Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage - Elizabeth Gilbert mine - new purchase
3. The Boy in the striped pyjamas - John Boyne daughter's
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson mine - ebay
April 2011

5. The Girl who played with fire - Stieg Larsson mine - ebay
6. Fashion Babylon - Imogen Edwards-Jones mine - free magazine copy
7. The Girl who kicked the Hornets Nest - Stieg Larsson mine - ebay
8. Life of Pi - Yann Martel mine - ebay
9. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. mine - free magazine copy
May 2011



10.Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte retold by Anna Claybourne TIOLI May #13 (E) mine
11.A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines TIOLI May #16 Title mine
12.Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne TIOLO May #9 - 28.5cms family copy
13. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd TIOLI May #13 (E) mine - bookswap
14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows mine - bookswap
15. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon mine - bookswap
16. Room by Emma Donoghue TIOLI May #12 mine - new purchase
17. Beautiful by Katie Piper TIOLI May #12 mine - new purchase
18. Yu-Gi-Oh Vol:1 by Kazuki Takahashi TIOLI May #8 son's copy
19. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini borrowed from a friend
20. Annie May's Black Book by Debby Holt mine - bookswap
21. Charlotte's Web by E B White TIOLI May #13 (E) family copy
22. Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott TIOLI May #4 eBook
23. Fireworks by Elizabeth H Winthrop TIOLI May#12 mine - bookswap

June 2011



24. I before E by Judy Parkinson TIOLI June #12 mine
25. The Queen's English: An A-Z Guide to the English in Their Own Words by C J Moore TIOLI June #12 mine
26. Only Darkness by Danuta Reah - TIOLI June #4 mine - bookswap
27. Casper the Commuting Cat by Susan Finden - TIOLI June #23 library
28. My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson - Audio Book library
29. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - TIOLI June #17 mine - bookswap
30. You've Gone Too Far this Time, Sir! by Danny Bent - TIOLI June #14 eBook
31.Pomegranate Sky by Louise Soraya Black - library
32.Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding by Elaine Lemm - TIOLI June #9 mine - new purchase
33. Dancing with Mr Darcy Various Authors - TIOLI June #21 library
34. One Day by David Nicholls - TIOLI June #18 library
35. Bleak Water by Danuta Reah - TIOLI June #13 mine - bookswap
36. Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach #21 short story free audio download

July 2011



37. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - ??TIOLI July #1 if I can get it fitted in library
38. When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman - TIOLI July #14 - 2 timezones mine - bookswap
39. Hospital Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones - TIOLI July #?? - borrowed from a friend
40. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - TIOLI July #?? - library
41.The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht - TIOLI July
42. The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society - Various

August 2011



43. 26a by Diana Evans
44. Silent Playgrounds by Danuta Reah

Currently readingLadies Night? - Short stories - Various

April


9. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult.
A family full of secrets and lies. Daniel is escaping from his past as the only white kid in an eskimo village, Trixie is a 14 yr old growing up too fast and Laura is a college professor who had an affair with a student. I enjoyed the different view points of father, mother and daughter, and the addition of the comic strip illustrations was an interesting touch, but thought that the ending was rather quick and more explanation to how the crime was committed was needed. The thread of Dante's inferno and how this linked to the story gave the novel a different dimension. Still trying to solve the puzzle tho!! ***

May

10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte retold by Anna Claybourne
Mode;rn retelling of a classic story, quite a short story retold for the younger reader, missed reading this story at school so thought I would try this one for starters in the hope of reading the full version one day. ***

May

11. A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines
Another one I missed at school, seen the film a few times, well we had to, living in the 'northern' town the book is based in and the author coming from the local area it was kind of compulsory! just started....

... well completed Kestrel for a Knave, very descriptive and glad to say the film Kes is very true to the book, but it does leave you wondering what becomes of Billy Casper. Just glad that I know the dialect or it could have been rather difficult to read in places. but loved it ****

May

12. Just completed another TIOLI May challenge #9 It won't fit. mine was a children's book Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh measured 28.5cms, read some of it aloud to my youngest, then finished the rest off to myself, was a nice pleasant read and he's loving that I'm reading more to him.

May

13. The Secret Life of Bees really enjoyed reading this book.

Lily's struggle with her mother's tragic accidental death when she was a child, and how she copes with her abusive father on a peach farm in South Carolina was page turning for me. I enjoyed how she relates to Rosaleen her black housekeeper and the journey she undergoes with her trying to find a connection to her mother's past. The description, plot and characters were very beliveable. How race issues tensions and inequalities of the early 1960's and female sprituality are dealt with very well too.

May

14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I loved Guernsey too! just finished the book and can't believe I have completed it so soon!! but I think it will be another I will re-read again, I enjoyed the afterword by Annie Barrows about how readers of the book become members of the Society through their shared views and love of reading - a lot like here on LT, sharing veiws etc with other book lovers from all across the world and thier interests in different books that you might not have considered before.

May
onto my next book, another bookswap!!

15. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, fast reading so far, very different from anything I've read before.
just completed, what can I say, very very different to anything I've read before, I felt so much for Christopher, the narrator of the story who also has Asperger's Syndrome and how he deals with day to day life and his interactions with those around him. I found this a very interesting story that gave me a very brief insight into one person's account of living with Asperger's Syndrome. ****

Hi Kerry! Welcome to LT. :)

I just wanted to say I did exactly the same thing as you. I started a thread and then about a week later I realized I didn't like my title so I started a whole new thread. :) You've read some really great books recently and I took a peek at your TBR pile and some GREAT books there as well. I read A Thousand Splendid Suns earlier this year and it was a very powerful book!
Happy Reading and hopefully will catch you around LT.

Welcome!

Found you again, Kerry!

I found you too :) I am about halfway thru The Secret Life of Bees and loving it so far. It really captures the sense of place and time well.

I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time a couple of months ago, and thought that it was very good also. I'll be curious to see what you think of it.

hey! glad you found me again!! he he, been having a look at other peoples threads and how nice they look, so thought that I would tidy mine up and try and add a few book covers too!! (oh my, how long has it taken me to do that!! lots of web pages open and about 3 hours of huffing and puffing, but finally managed it as you can see) he he!
now just need to learn how to put one of those nice ticker thingys on, then I can get back to some reading!!!

Some great books you've been reading. I especially liked Guernsey as well.

Hi Kerry --

I was reading your thread and it struck me how many versions of Jane Eyre I've come across lately.

In addition to the one you mention, I've read Jenna Starborn by Sharon Shinn which is a science fiction based retelling.

I also picked up Jane Eyre: The Graphic Novel from the library which I may read for TIOLI #8.

I guess I never though about how many other versions are out there. I have to say, though, that I don't think any of them can touch the original. Give it a shot!

Jane Eyre really is worth a read. I've loved it ever since I first read it years ago. I picked up a retelling last year but they just don't capture the atmosphere and darkness of the original.

>16 Dejah_Thoris: + 17, I agree with you both, I do have a copy of the original version of Jane Eyre and promise myself that one day I will read it.

oo!! what to read next?? not sure what to tackle next, either Room or Beautiful, both TIOLI challenge books, not sure will have a brief read of both and see which one grabs me.

Just wanted to say that your thread looks very spiffy now :)

I had no idea that there was a graphic novel for Jane Eyre. I am going to have to check that one out as the original is definitely one of my all time favorites.

#19: Room is terrific, so I vote for that one!

#18 I know I never realised that there was soooo many either!! but think I will have to dig my copy of the original version out and give it a go!!

Thanks for your comments too! took me long enough to get the book covers sorted tho!! he he ;-D

Think I'm leaning towards reading Room next too, so will probably go with that one!

Oo another bookswap arrived today The Missing Person's Guide to Love just looked at the blurb but will add it to the TBR pile and get on with some reading!

16.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Oh my, just finished Room, couldn't put it down - what a story and to be told through Jack, the boy who has only know Room all his life is harrowing at times, something that I think will stay with me for a long time.

#23: Glad to see you liked it!

#24. Yes, thanks for the vote, couldn't put it down all day. first a bit of gardening with the youngest, promised to plant out some seeds we've been growing, then lunch, then maybe I can get round to some more reading this afternoon. Hope you have a good day too.

Thanks! Sounds like you have a full day ahead of you :)

yep a very busy day, but also managed to fit in some reading too, I managed to complete 3 books this weekend!! and all TIOLI challenges too!!

one was Room as above, and the others were Beautiful - Katie Piper, an autobiography and also a manga book.

17.

Beautiful by Katie Piper TIOLI #12
A heart wrenching account of a young woman, who did a bit of modeling and tv presenting only for a so-called boyfriend of only 3 weeks to firstly rape, then get someone else to throw acid into her face. The book narrated by Katie, tells of her first 2 years of recovery and finally getting justice for those who attacked her. Very quick reading.

18.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Vol ! by Kazuki Takahashi TIOLO #8
First manga book I've read, this one was my eldest son's once I got the hang of it wasn't a bad read, not sure I would repeat it though and for a child's book it had a few swear words in it!!!

I love the directions in many of these books showing the reader how to navigate when reading from back to front, right to left!

#28 he he! I was very glad of the arrows,kept forgetting and reading it left to right!!

Almost half-way to my own personal challenge of reading 40 books before I reach the BIG 4-0 !!! only 2 1/2 months to read another 22 books!, hopefully I'll be able to make it.
Onto the next book ....

Good luck with your personal challenge, Kerry!

#30 Thanks Stasia, hopefully I'll be able to complete it - fingers crossed.

Now just trying to decide between, fireworks, a thousand splendid suns, map of the invisible world or easy reading annie may's black book, read the 1st chapter or so of each and still can't decide!

how do others manage to read more than one book at once??

oo, what's happened to LT too??

#31: I am constantly reading more than one book at a time - I generally average anywhere between 15-20 at any given time - but I have been doing it for such a long time now it is second nature.

The only book in your list that I have read is A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I liked even better than I did The Kite Runner.

#32 oh my! I'd never be able to do 15-20 books at a time, knowing me I would get them all mixed up. not really getting on with Fireworks, just not grabbing me at the mo, so think it will go back on the TBR pile, same with A map of the invisible world so think I will just stick with the other two, Annie May's Black Book (easy reading) that I'll take to work to read on my very short tea and lunch breaks! and A Thousand Splendid Suns to read at home, I borrowed it from a friend so need to look after it well!! he he!

Day off tomorrow so after a few jobs/errands I might be able to manage a couple of hours uninterrupted reading!! wahoo!!!

I hope you get the reading done that you want tomorrow!

19.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - by Khaled Hosseini
Took me a few pages or so to get into this book but after that it was very quick reading. A very moving story about the lifes of two Afghan women and the ordeals they have to suffer daily. 4*

#35: Have you read Hosseini's The Kite Runner yet? I actually preferred A Thousand Splendid Suns to that one, but a lot of people are the other way around.

#36: No, I've not had chance to read The Kite Runner yet, will have to look out for that one and add it to my wishlist.

20.

Annie May's Black Book by Debby Holt (bookswap via Readitswapit)
A quick chick-lit read, easy reading after my previous book, started and finished in one day!
Annie May has a black book that she writes down all the wrong's that people have done to her, the main one being that she was jilted on her wedding day over 17 year ago when she was 20 by Ben the love of her life. This caused Annie to leave her job and family and move briefly to France. In due course Annie moves to Bath, where she teaches English and Drama. At a dinner party held by her friends she bumps into Ben again and he's moving into a house just round the corner from her. A few twists and turns involving her friends and family and how she and Ben eventually clear the air etc etc. A predictable ending but a nice lighthearted read. 3*

Finally, completing reading out aloud to my youngest!!
21.

Charlotte's Web by E.B.White.
Loved reading this to my son, think he enjoyed it too.

Just added a challenge to June's TIOLI, you can find it here #13 Bookswaps if anyone interested.

I've also add a thread here to talk about your swaps.

Thank you

#39: I still own my original copy of Charlotte's Web, Kerry. It was the first book I ever purchased for myself (at age 8.)

#31 Wow, that's good. Unfortunately our copy is the movie tie-in copy, although it was bought it Australia, whilst visiting my sister a few years ago! I think parts of the film where filmed there.
The first book I ever bought myself was The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter, on a holiday visit to The Lake District, I even got it from Hill Top, Potter's home in the Lakes, still have it too. National Trust Website - Hill Top

#42: I got Charlotte from the Scholastic Bookmobile. I still remember it.

Think I've got my reading list sorted for the June TIOLI's, not sure I'll get them all completed but here goes:

#1 - Low Book- Dewey - Vicki Myron - 0.0in/daughter's bedroom floor
#5 - Oscar nominated adapted screenplay - The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- Thomas Harris
#8 - Fathers/Grandfather's name - Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (John)
#12 - Fiction/Non-fiction - I before E (Except after C) - Judy Parkinson (non-fiction) COMPLETED
#13 - Bookswap - The Missing Person's Guide to Love by Susanna Jones
#13 - Bookswap - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
#14 - ! - You've gone too far this time, Sir! by Danny Bent e-COMPLETED
#15 - this or that - this book will save your life by A M Homes
#15 - this or that - By the Time You Read This Book by Lola Jaye
#17 - unseemly occupation - The Book Thief - Markus Zusak COMPLETED
#18 - equal words in title - The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

some are re-reads but not read them for well over a year so hopefully it will be a good reading month

NOT PLANNED READS

#12 The Queen's English: An A-Z Guide to the English in Their Own Words by C J Moore
#4 Only Darkness by Danuta Reah
#23Casper the Commuting Cat by Susan Finden
My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson
Pomegranate Sky by Louise Soraya Black
#9 Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding by Elaine Lemm
#21 (Dancing with Mr Darcy Various Authors (short stories)
#18 One Day by David Nicholls
#13 Bleak Water by Danuta Reah
#21 Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach

#44: Looks like an ambitious list, Kerry! Good luck with it!

I'm definitely rooting for The Book Thief, Kerry. I thought it was a wonderful book.

22. Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott
was going to save this one for a June TIOLI but then read/listen to it via Internet Archive today, found it a very interesting account of an Army nurse's duties during the American Civil War, some of which could still apply to modern nursing today. 4*

Read via Internet Archive through Stbalbach's review - thank you

My first e-book too!! ok for this short read/listen, but still hanging on to the old books at the mo

#47: I am glad you enjoyed that one, Kerry. I enjoyed it on my recent read of it too.

Congrats on reading your first e-book!

23. Fireworks by Elizabeth H. Winthrop

Didn't really connected with this novel, a debut from Winthrop, I found the main character Hollis to be annoying and he irritated me. Just not for me. 1*

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

#50, me too, just couldn't get on with it, was a struggle at times. The next book I'm thinking of reading is The Book Thief hopefully it will be a better read.

wahoo!! finally managed to get a Ticker onto my page!! lol !!

JUNE READS 2011
24. I before E by Judy Parkinson - TIOLI #12 fact/non-fiction

A great little book to help learn facts and info from a variety of subjects including spellings, geography, chemistry, the human body, just lots of mnemonics to remember!!

oo, 2 more bookswaps agreed, both books by Danuta Reah, crime writer, novels set in my local area so could fit #12 locale, or author new to me. looking forward to receiving them in the post soon.

I received 2 more books from PBS today, but I doubt I will be able to work them into June's TIOLI challenge. I am already overcommitted, I fear.

couple of days off from LT, busy days at work!! - but a nice surprise in the post one of my book swaps arrived today, Ony Darkness by Danuta Reah, (touchstones not working!!) her first crime novel, the story is set in Sheffield, S Yorks, UK so a local story for me - hopefully I will be able to ft it in before the end of the month as it will fit into one of the TIOLI challenges.

Currently reading a non-fiction book The Queen's English, an interesting little book about all the odd and peculiar sayings that the fellow folks of my home country say!!!

#56: I will be interested in seeing what you think of the Reah book - when you have a chance to read it.

25. The Queen's English by C.J. Moore



Enjoyed reading this little book of some of the quirky things that we English say eg: Doolally, flummox, lollipop lady, mmm, mucky, on the pull, rigmarole, spend a penny, Valentine's Day, wellies, yuck and zany, to list just a few. Where possible Moore gave the origins and examples of how the word has become part of the English language as spoken by the English - an nice insight into everyday spoken words.

The Queen's English sounds like one I would enjoy. I just found and ordered a used copy on Amazon.

#59 I hope you like the book when it arrives - I enjoyed reading this little book and found that the English language has acquired a lot of words from other nations.

26. Only Darkness by Danuta Reah - TIOLI June #4


Really enjoyed reading this crime thriller, read it for the June TIOLI - book set in your locale.
Reah kept your attention and the suspense up all way through the book. The story focuses around Deborah a college lecturer who waiting at the train station one night on her way home notices that the woman who normally stands waiting for the train on the opposite side is not there, however on the ramp towards the platform there is standing a shadow of a huge man watching her, he starts walking towards her, just in time her train arrives. However the next day it is reported that a local woman has been found murdered and her body dumped by the railway lines. 'The Strangler' has struck again. On reading the newspaper article Deborah realises that she recognises the woman from the train station, she mentions this to a colleague who is also a freelance journalist and he reports her account of what she saw that night in the local paper. Deborah's life is now at risk; will she be 'The Strangler' next victim?? I enjoyed reading this novel, as it was set in my local area I could relate to it quite easily, however I was a bit baffled as to why Reah decided to re-name the local town of Rotherham to Moreham, whilst all the other towns and villages kept their names, as it was easy to recognise that she was describing areas of Rotherham town centre?? The story also focuses on the police investigation into what connection the victims may all have and their suspicions that Deborah could be at risk. Another plot line is about a possible romance between Deborah and Rob Neave (an ex-policeman now security officer at the college) also keeps the story interesting. Accounts from the killer also appear throughout the story giving you an insight into how he's planning his next victim - chilling, not in a rush to travel by train anytime soon now!!

oo, had a good book day today, re-acquainted myself with my local library, my it has changed since the last time I went there but managed to buy 4 new books, (The Cat who saw Red, Remembering the Bones, The Haven Home for Delinquent Girls and Second Chance Tuesday to be added to my evergrowing TBR pile and I also took out 4 books!! (My best friend's girl, the bookseller of kabul, Pomegranate sky and Casper, the commuting cat!! eek!!! luckily I've got a few days off, so inbetween the usual housework chores and a bit of decorating I will hopefully be able to get a few books read - that's the plan anyway!!

27. Casper the Commuting Cat by Susan Finden - TIOLI June #23


Opps, didn't mean to start reading this so soon, but read a couple of chapters this morning and kind of got carried away with it. A very endearing true story mainily about Casper - a rescue cat - and his travels around Plymouth on the No 3 bus. Minden also gives accounts of other cats that are in her care, and also about the worldwide attention that she and Casper gained once the story of his bus travels became known, sadly Casper was run over by a taxi in January 2010 and did not survive the incident. The driver never stopped to help. Minden provides snippets of letters and emails that she has recieved from around the globe of sympathy and support and how the death of other pet cats has also affected many other people. A heartwarming story of how an ordinary pet cat came to achieve extraordinary public affection. Makes me wonder what my own pet cat - Bertie - gets up to on his travels around and about!


Bertie - after a night on the tiles - maybe??

Some nice recent reads, Kerry! I am particularly interested in the Reah book. Off to check my local library's online catalog to see if they have a copy. . .

#64 Hi Stasia, hope you manage to get hold of a copy. I managed to get this one through ReadItSwapIt. If you don't manage to get hold of the book, let me know and I can always send you the copy I have. Only Darkness was Reah first novel, I'm just waiting for a copy of Bleak Water to arrive and luckily my library has copies of her other books too so should be able to get those out in the near future.

28. My Best Friend's Girl - Audio Book



This story deals with a lot of big issues, death, child abuse, betrayl, guilt, adoption, racial issues. A different chick-lit novel to others that I've read before. I listen to the audio version of this book and found the narrator very good, although her attempt at an American accent didn't sound quite right at times.

Listened to this whilst doing the housework!

At last, finally made a proper start on The Book Thief, very good so far. Also another good bookswap day, 3 books have arrived in the last couple of days, Bleak Water, When God was a Rabbit and Her Fearful Symmetry all to be added to the TBR stack!!

#65: I sent you a PM.

#67: Congrats on the haul from your bookswap!

29. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


Read this quicker than I thought I would, (after a slow start and interruptions from other books). Enjoyed the different viewpoint of WWII Germany, narrated by Death about four years or so of a young German girl Liesel and some of people and events that mark her life including stealing books!. I particularly liked Rudy her best friend, his antics brought laughter and tears. Would recommend. One book I will definitely re-read again. 4*

#69: I liked The Book Thief so much I purchased a copy for myself. If you are in the mood for more of Zusak, try his I Am the Messenger. It is more of a young adult book though.

#70 thanks for the recommendation, will have a look out for it at the library on my next visit.

#71: I hope you can find it!

30. You've Gone Too Far This Time, Sir! by Danny Bent - eBook (free download from Amazon) TIOLI June #14



Really enjoyed reading this account of Bent's epic 15000km (9000m) journey across 16 countries from England to India. Bent is a Junior school teacher who wanted to challenge himself and decided that cycling for charity (ActionAid) was just the challenge he needed. He cycles across Europe, the Former Soviet Republic, Russia, China, Pakistan and finally through India to Chembakolli, a tribal village in Southern India. Truly inspiring to think that one person alone could take on this mammouth journey. Great insights and accounts from Bent of the variety of people he meet and the places he saw on his travels. 4* Check out his great photos http://www.dannybent.com/

#73: Sounds like one I would like. Thanks for the recommendation, Kerry!

#74, I hope you enjoy it, if you get the chance to read it someday.

31. Pomegranate Sky by Louise Soraya Black


Set in Tehran, Iran between 1989 and 2001, this novel focuses on Layla, a 24 year old Iranian woman in 2001, she lives with her parents and teaches English in a Girls School. Much like today Tehran in 2001 is ruled by ayatollahs, women have to cover their hair in public and wear hejabs. Layla's mother is trying to find her a suitable husband, unaware that Layla has begun an illicit affair with her art teacher, meeting in secret and going to his apartment, Layla risks the wrath of the Komiteh (the morality police). Unfortunately Layla's uncle, a journalist who doesn't always argee with how Iran is now govern suddenly dies. The novel goes back and forward in time, detailing how Iran used to be in the 80's and told through Layla's mother, English aunt and Iranian aunt, thro to 2001, where accounts are given by Layla, her American born cousin Sara and her English educated cousin Roxy. When Sara is arrested by the Komiteh, lots of family secrets are revealed that turn Layla's future plans and dreams upside-down. I enjoy this story even though I thought the ending was rather quick after the detailed accounts of various female family members it came across as a little rushed and predictale. A useful glossary of Iranian terms used throughout the novel is also provided. 3*

Unexpected day off work, (on-call duty), so after catching up on some sleep, took myself off to the library, swapped my library books for the following
- While Martha Told the Hours by S.M. Ottley (local history book), Dancing with Mr Darcy - collection of short stories inspired by Jane Austen, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, One Day, all library books, also managed to buy some discarded library books at only 30p each (bargain) these were The Ship of Brides, Sweetness in the Belly and March and also recieved a couple of bookswaps through the post, Night Angels and Born to Run.

so lots to books to read and lots more to add to my ever increasing TBR book stack!!

Nice haul! Congrats on the unexpected day off work too!

Yes the extra day off was nice, although I did have to go into work from 2am till 5am (emergency op) to get the day off, so hence cathing up on a bit of sleep first!

but the good book haul made up for it though!! he he!! and I'm not really sure when I will ever get round to reading them all too - he he!!

#79: I'm not really sure when I will ever get round to reading them all

I suffer from the problem too!

#80 The more threads I read the more books I find that I would like to read, my TBR stack is growing by the day and my wishlist of books to find and read is forever increasing, then I ones I just come across and like the look of somehow find the way into the house too!! will have to learn your trick of reading lots of books together! most I'm managing at the moment is 2 or 3 books!!

#81: The more threads I read the more books I find that I would like to read

Exactly my problem!

32. Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding by Elaine Lemm (TIOLI June #9)



An interesting little book about the 'Yorkshire Pudding', Lemm a Yorkshire lass, is a food writer-editor of the New York Times website on British and Irish food www.britishfood.about.com, the section on Yorkshire Pudding is the most visited page. The book gives accounts about the history of the Yorkshire Pudding, as well as what it takes to make the perfect Yorkshires (many might disagree!), however most would agree that the correct combination of flour,eggs, milk and a touch of salt, together with a hot oven and lard, beef dripping or oil and the correct timing in the oven can produce the right blend of the crisy and soft golden wonder that is the Yorkshire Pudding - this little book also contains poems and accounts from a few celebs about their own experiences of Yorkshire Pudding, myths and tips and ways to ensure that your Yorkshires rise every time! The latter half of the book contains recipes from different chefs including using Yorkshires for starters, mains, desserts, leftovers and parties!! even Yorkshire Pudding Ice Cream - gravy flavoured ice-cream with bits of Yorkshire Pudding in it!! mmm not sure about that one - I might be a bit bias on this one being a Yorkshire lass too, but found it a very enjoyable read 4*

Just re-found this thread again. I love your reading list--so many books on it that I've loved.

Thanks for the visit Anne, think we have similar tastes, as your library is in the top 10 of matched books with my library!!

33. Dancing with Mr Darcy introduced by Sarah Waters
A collection of short stories inspired by Jane Austen and Chawton House - TIOLI June #21
(counts as 20 separate short stories!! wahoo!!)


A collection of short stories inspired by Jane Austen and Chawton House, that were submitted to the Chawton House Library competition 2009. I've not managed to finish reading all these yet, but so far my favourites have been Jayne, Tears fall On Orkney, and Cleverclogs.

day off tomorrow so hopefully will have chance to complete the rest!!

I received Dancing with Mr. Darcy for Christmas and read it earlier this year. Tears Fall on Orkney and Cleverclogs were also among my favorites!

#87 oo what a nice gift to receive, I just stumbled across it in the library the other day, so unfortunately have to give the copy I'm reading back, but enjoying the short stories so far, and I like how they've all put what inspired them to write the story in the first place, hopefully will be able to complete the rest of the book today.

Day off work and managed to finish One Day by David Nicholls and a couple more short stories from Dancing with Mr Darcy, so 3 more books to add to my TIOLI count - wahoo!!

34. One Day by David Nicholls - TIOLI June #18



15th July 1988 Emma and Dexter have just graduated from University, they hook up at a party and spend the night together, most of the time is spent talking and finding out about one another. This story takes place from 1988 thro to 2006 and explains what is happening to both of them on the 15th July (St Swithen's Day) each year, Dexter's travels, tv career and latest girlfriend to Emma's attempt at becoming an author, working in a mexican themed restaurant, teacher training, and failed romances. Although they don't see each other all the time, Emma and Dexter are best friends and go through adulthoods trials and tribulances together. Not the ending that I expected but a very enjoyable read, I felt that I knew these people and was always hoping for the best for both of them. 4*

35. Bleak Water by Danuta Reah TIOLI June #13 book swap


Finally managed to get this completed, bit slower going than I thought it would be, but was also reading 33 and 34 at the same time!!!

Enjoyed reading this story, I've read the first of Reah's book, and although they do not follow, she certainly knows how to keep the suspense going thoughout the book. This story is mainly set in Sheffield, but also features flashbacks to Madrid. The main character is Eliza Eliot, a curator at a new art gallery, in a regenerated warehouse next to the canal. The year before Eliza had been working in Madrid at the Prado where she met Daniel Flynn an artist, he is now exhibiting his own reworking of Brueghel's The Triumph of Death and the new gallery where Eliza now works is the perfect setting. However, images from the collection are beginning to spill out into the real world. Eliza is drawn into the violence and terror that surrounds the exhibition and the gallery. Is a psychopath at work and is there a link between a tragedy that struck four years ago and new crimes that are now happening?? 4*

Very much enjoyed reading this story, kept me guessing all through the story who was involved in the crimes and who wasn't. look forward to reading the other books that I now have by Reah. (Night Angels and Silent Playgrounds).

36. Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach (Audio read by Samuel L Jackson



Very funny and very short, listened to the audio version available on free download from Audible. Very good reading from Samuel L Jackson, could easily relate to the adult bedtime story and how exasperated and tired you sometimes get when trying to get your little darlings to sleep at the end of a long day. Although I personally have never utter these words out loud I must confess that I have sometimes felt like saying them!!
A bit of light humour and certainly not to be read out loud to any little ones. 4*

Thank you also to Smiler69 for the info about the free download.

My husband played that last week and it was very funny. I actually felt like Samuel L Jackson was about to launch into that bible verse he quotes from Pulp Fiction at any moment through the book, his orator skills are very good.

I found it very funny too, played it again for my husband and he thought it was hilarious - although I have seen on some forums people calling for it to be banned!! seriously it's not s'posed to be played/read to children - adult humour for adult ears/eyes only.

oh no I've had to remove 5 books from the TIOLI June Challenge!! didn't get round to reading some of my planned reads but managed to read lots of different unplanned ones instead, still got one to finish,hopefully will be able to get it finished before the end of tomorrow!!

#1 - Low Book- Dewey - Vicki Myron - 0.0in/daughter's bedroom floor
#5 - Oscar nominated adapted screenplay - The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- Thomas Harris
#8 - Fathers/Grandfather's name - Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (John)
#12 - Fiction/Non-fiction - I before E (Except after C) - Judy Parkinson (non-fiction) COMPLETED
#13 - Bookswap - The Missing Person's Guide to Love by Susanna Jones
#13 - Bookswap - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
#14 - ! - You've gone too far this time, Sir! by Danny Bent e-COMPLETED
#15 - this or that - this book will save your life by A M Homes
#15 - this or that - By the Time You Read This Book by Lola Jaye
#17 - unseemly occupation - The Book Thief - Markus Zusak COMPLETED
#18 - equal words in title - The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

NOT PLANNED READS

#12 The Queen's English: An A-Z Guide to the English in Their Own Words by C J Moore
#4 Only Darkness by Danuta Reah
#23Casper the Commuting Cat by Susan Finden
My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson
Pomegranate Sky by Louise Soraya Black
#9 Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding by Elaine Lemm
#21 (Dancing with Mr Darcy Various Authors (short stories) counted as 19!!! all different authors
#18 One Day by David Nicholls
#13 Bleak Water by Danuta Reah
#21 Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach

29 TIOLI reads!! PB

so much for planning my reads!! I read more unplanned than planned, so although I like making lists, it looks like I don't keep to them much!! opps!!

JULY TIOLI - up and runnng already!!

See if I do better with this month's planned reads

#1 increading number of words in title - trying to fit one of my current reading into that one (6 words)
#2 book title ending with the first letter of your middle name - STARGIRL
#3 double double letters - title or author - SWEETNESS IN THE BELLY (EE/SS)
-Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey NIFFENEGGER (FF/GG)
#16 woman authored prize nominated - THE TIGER'S WIFE by Tea Obreht (Orange Prize Winner 2011) reading
#19 Luck of the die - rolled a 1 - book about books - hopefully 84, Charing Cross Road COMPLETED
#20 Book 'borrowed' from person below (Morphidae) - THE HELP another library find - I hope
#21 re-read a book you first read before age 21 - THE HOBBIT

Think that will keep me going for July, not sure if I will stick to it but will try my best!

EXTRAS
#14 - 2 timezones - When God was a Rabbit - COMPLETED

I think you'll love The Help!

thanks I hoping to get it on my next visit to the library!

37. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (Trying to list it for TIOLI July #1 - but keep missing 6 word slot!!)


A story of 2 women living in a time of strict rules and ancient customs in China. Lily is the 2nd daughter of a farmer, whilst Snow Flower is the daughter of a more wealthy family in another village. At age 6 Lily is told by a local matchmaker that with the right binding her feet are flawless and could become the perfect 'golden lilies', this is considered extraordinary good luck and could change the future for Lily and her family. Snow Flower is the same age as Lily and they match perfectly and are to become 'old sames'. This relationship is as serious as any marriage. Snow Flower is more refined and educated than Lily and helps with teaching her fine embroidery, and nu shu - secret women's writing that is painted on fans or embroidered on hankerchiefs etc. Both girls go through the agony of footbinding together, although they don't see each other often they develop a very close bond and share the burden of being girls in feudal China, when they are due to be married Lily is promised to a wealthy family, whilst Snow Flowere is promised to a butcher (her family have lost their wealth), however due to a misunderstanding between the yound women, their future happiness as 'old sames' is at risk. A very charming read that gave an insight into the life of these 2 girls and what it would have been like to live as a girl in those times. would like to read more of See's novels in the future. 4*

38. When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman - TIOLI July #14 - 2 timezones



This book is set in 2 parts - part 1 is the late 60's and 70's and focuses on the early life of Ell and her brother Joe, who is 5 years older and their life together growing up in Essex and some of the pleasant and not so pleasant aspects they encounter during their childhood, including a not so nice older neighbour and the friendships they both develop during this time and the addition of a pet rabbit called god, who magically talks to Ell, a win on the Football pools enables the family to move to the Cornwall coast, where her family set up a b&b business. In part 2 of the novel, the story skips forward to the mid 90's and brings you upto to date with Ell and Joe's life. Ell is struggling to hold down a job, whilst Joe is now working as a trader in New York. As a reader I could connect with the story and some of the events that occured during Ell's life, as I'm around the same age as the character, I almost felt like a fly on the wall during the retelling of her childhood observations, some laugh out loud moments, during the 2nd part it was a little darker and dealt with issues including Princess Di's death and sadly 9/11 (the account of what Ell was doing that day, is an actual account of what Winman was doing that unfortunate day). This books deals with the relationship between siblings and all the secrets that can involve, plus the tradgies of life that occur to all of us during our lifetime, although ultimately this book is about family, relationships, 2nd chances and being able to start again. A few tears where shed in this part. Would recommend to others. 5*

39. Hospital Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones - borrowed from a friend



This book is a finctionalised account of 24hrs in a typical NHS A&E department, Edwards-Jones tells of the highs and lows, drugs, excesses, waste, sadness and insanity of a day in A&E. Some of the accounts are hard to believe (all the sexual encounters!!) but for someone who works in a hospital I could relate to some of the tamer stories. The medical information was accurate too. A quick fun read. 4*

40. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - library book


Wow! what a great little book, was sad to finish it so quick, loved all the letters and correspondence between Hanff and Doel and other members of staff and his family. So sad that they never got to meet in person and that the bookstore no longer exists, as I would love to have visited it. 5*

Wahoo!! achieved my own personal goal of reading 40 books before I reach the B I G 40!! in August, so happy that book 40 was this one.

wahoo!! collected my copy of The Tiger's Wife from the library today, managed to read the 1st chapter already and enjoying it so far!! Have also joined the Orange January/July group, as alot of my wishlist books are Orange Prize nominees and I would like to read a lot more of these books too.

#103: I love 84, Charing Cross Road. I hope you get a chance to enjoy then film version of the book too, Kerry. It was very well done.

Congratulations on making your 40 before 40 goal!

Thanks Stasia! I can remember seeing the film some time ago, but now I've read the book would love to see the film again.

I actually learned about the book from the film version, unusual for me. I own both versions now.

LT and Stasia were instrumental in introducing me to Helene Hanff and I'm now a devoted fan as well.

Hi KiwiNyx, still need to get my own copy of 84 Charing Cross, need to take the one I've got back to the library, also need to look out for more books by Helene Hanff too!!

slow reading this week for me, but day off tomorrow so hopefully will be able to get a few more pages read of The Tiger's Wife!!!

I hope you have a nice reading day on your day off, Kerry!

Argh!! what a busy month July has turned out to be, lots of work, birthdays and I even graduated again. This time got my full Bachelor of Medical Science Degree with full cap and gown ceremony, so not had much time for reading!!! at the mo I'm quickly trying to finish The Tiger's Wife as its due back at the library and somebody else has got it on hold so I can't renew it!! boohoo.

Me - in all My BMedSci Graduation Robes!!
Me and the family
My pround Dad and me!!

Congratulations, Kerry!

Congratulations! Love the pictures.

Congrats!

Congratulations! Did you get to throw your mortar boards in the air?

Congratulations, Kerry! Wonderful pictures!

Thank you everyone,
Had a lovely day, but unfortunately didn't get to throw my motar board, however it was a wonderful end to a year of hard work, (being a mum, working full-time and trying to do the work needed to complete my full nursing degree) - but I did it!! wahoo!!!

Congratulations!

Wow! I'm very impressed. Congratulations and the photos are gorgeous.

thank you

41. The Tiger's Wife

he he! managed to get it finished before I had to return it to the library.
Loved it!

42.
The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society

A collection of short stories by well known authors.
A book I've picked up and put down all month long, full of short stories so could easily read one or two a day. A nice little treat at the end of a busy day.

Don't think I will manage to get many books read throughout August, so just going to see what takes my fancy and read what I can when I can.

I hope you are enjoying your summer, whatever you are managing to read!

*waving* at Kerry

*waves* backs!!
Oh my!! August has been so busy!!! holidays and birthdays!!!
managed a weekend in Durham with hubby, a weekend on the Norfolk Broads with the family and a music festival weekend with my friends, then a Spa day with more friends!!! all to celebrate my BIG 4 0 birthday!!! eeekkk!!!! Also my youngest turned 7 and he had a lovely birthday party to finish August off. So unfortunately I've only managed to read two books in all that time!!!



me on board 'Gracious Girl', Shelley, Me and Kim at 'V', Alex and his birthday cake!! The Cake!!

43. 26a by Diana Evan

44. Silent Playgrounds by Danuta Reah
Spooky murder mystery novel set in my home town - gave me the shivers and kept me guessing to the end, bit of a love story as well with a couple of the characters too

#126: Great pics! Love the 'Cars' theme on Alex's cake.

thank you Stasia, can't take the credit for the cake tho!! a work colleague's wife made it!! it was lovely tho, well decorated and chocolate sponge too - hehe!

missed the TIOLI last month so think I will try and complete a few this month, got a stack of books I would love to read, and could be just what I need to get back on track again!

off to find the September TIOLI.....

.... a few hours later!!! oh dear!! think I've overbooked myself but will have a go here's my list for September !!!

1. less than 5 words in first sentence - The Bones Left Behind - Jeffery Deaver
5. never read author on TIOLI - The Secret Life of Husbands - Kirsty Crawford
6. primary colour - The Cat Who Saw Red - Lilian Jackson Braun
7. 9 letter in title - Born to Run - Michael Morpurgo
14. 5 senses - The Last Time I Saw You - Elizabeth Berg
21. German speaking country or orginally written in German - The Book of Words Jenny Erpenbeck
21 Schindler's Ark - Thomas Keneally

others that I would like to read this month include

Ladies Night - collection of short stories - Various authors
Ape House - Sara Gruen

how many of those I read is anyone's guess - good intentions - but I don't always stick to my list!!!!!

#130: think I've overbooked myself

I always do! The nice thing about TIOLI is that it is guilt-free if you do not make it :)

hehe!! hopefully this month i might be able to stick to most of the list!!

45. The Secret Life of Husbands by Kirsty Crawford
After a whirlwind romance, Ned and Ruth plan to get married only Ruth has yet to meet Ned's family and friend!! that's when the fun begins, his mother is a depressive alcoholic who switches from friendly to manic!! his friends are very close and have lots of shared experiences that makes Ruth feel left out a lot of the time, especially Erin the only woman in the group, however the do get married but that's when the challenges of married life begin! A nice read 3*

Welcome back! sounds like a busy, happy August.

I hope you enjoy Born to Run if you do get to that one this month. It's the only one on your list that I've read - a Christmas present from my goddaughter because I own a greyhound. It's a fairly quick read so hopefully easy to fit in!

Hi thanks Genny! yes August was very busy and lots of good memories made too!!
I'm looking forward to Born to Run had it on my tbr pile for a while now so hopefully will be able to fit it in this month!

46.The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

A very quick read that I managed to finish in one day! it tells the story of 5 people, 40 years after they have left high school and what their lives are like today and also about the run up to the last high school reunion!! Lot of wrongs put right and a few home truths told! a nice easy read got you cheering for the underdogs that had done right in their lives. 3*

47. Ape House by Sara Gruen

Well didn't quite make it to 75, the end of 2011 got very busy indeed and unfortunately my reading fell by the wayside - boohoo!!

hopefully 2012 will be much better with my reading challenge!! he he x

All the best to all for 2012 - hope its a good year for you all x