Smiler: Speedier than Lightning in 2011. Part Huit.

Illustration by Benjamin Lacombe from his recently published book, Rossignol. Notice the figure walking on stilts in the background.

Currently Reading:
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Les Contes Macabres by Edgar Allan Poe & Benjamin Lacombe
Grimoire de Sorcières by Benjamin Lacombe
☀ La faute de l'abbé Mouret / The Sin of Father Mouret by Émile Zola
☀♫ Watership Down by Richard Adams
☀ To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

My Threads
Part Un (Books 1-5)
Part Deux (Books 6-29)
Part Trois (Books 30-54)
Part Quatre (Books 55-72)
Part Cinq (Books 73-99)
Part Six (Books 100-110)
Part Sept (Books 111-128)

11 in 11 Challenge:
Category #1: The Classics 7/11
Category #2: Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart Series 4/11
Category #3: Mysteries & Crime Fiction 7/11
Category #4: Visual Arts 5/11
Category #5: Books Published Since 2009 8/11
Category #6: New To Me Authors 7/11
Category #7: Big and Scary: books over 400 pages 5/11
Category #8: The Two World Wars and the Time In-Between 7/11
Category #9: En Français 7/11
Category #10: Sooner Than Later: Recent Acquisitions 7/11
Category #11: The Film Might Be Good But the Book is Better 6/11

Books completed in July
122. Blanche Neige by Benjamin Lacombe ★★★★¾ (review) ☀
123. The Old Child by Jenny Erpenbeck ★★★½ (review)
124. ♫ Black Beauty by Anna Sewell ★★★½ (review) ☀
125. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo ★★★½ (review) ☀
126. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin ★★★★ (review) ☀
127. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes ★★★★ (review) ☀
128. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo ★★★★★ (review)
129. ♫ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ★★★★ (review) ☀
130. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame ★★★★ (review) ☀
131. L'enfant silence by by Cécile Roumiguière & Benjamin Lacombe ★★★★⅓ (review)
132. Le petit chaperon rouge (Little Red Riding Hood) by Benjamin Lacombe ★★★★ (review) ☀
133. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan ★★★★ (review) ☀
134. Le Carnet Rouge by Benjamin Lacombe illustrated by Agata Kawa ★★★★¾ (review)
135. ♫ Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris ★★★★ (review) ☀
136. ♫ The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites by Dr. Seuss ★★★★ (review) ☀
137. ♫ The Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection by Roald Dahl ★★★★⅓ (review) ☀
138. Le chat du rabbin 5: Jérusalem d'Afrique by Joann Sfar ★★★★⅓ (review)
139. Flotsam by David Wiesner ★★★★½ (review) ☀
140. The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo ★★★★⅓ (review)
141. Le bois de Klara / Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck ★★★½ (review) ☀
142. ♫ Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson ★★★ (review) ☀
143. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman ★★★★⅓ (review) ☀
144. Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones ★★★½ (review) ☀
145. La funeste nuit d'Ernest by Sébastien Perez, Illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe ★★★ (review) ☀
146. Longs Cheveux by Benjamin Lacombe (rating & review on the way)
147. Blues Bayou by Benjamin Lacombe illustrated by Daniela Cytryn (rating & review on the way)
148. Cerise Griotte by Benjamin Lacombe (rating & review on the way)
149. Pourquoi la carapace de la tortue... ? by Mimi Barthélémy illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe (rating & review on the way)
150. Les Amants Papillons by Benjamin Lacombe (rating & review on the way)
151. La grande journée du petit Lin Yi / Lin Yi's Lantern by Benjamin Lacombe (rating & review on the way)
152. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (rating & review on the way) ☀

☁☉☼☀♥❤☛⌚

My rating system:
★ - hated it (suffered through 100+ pages & listing it for the trouble)
★★ - it was just ok
★★★ - enjoyed it (good)
★★★★ - loved it! (very good)
★★★★★ - all-time favourite (blew me away—will read again)

⅛ ¼ ⅓ ½ ¾ ⅞

♫ = audiobook
✔ = off the shelf
☛☀ = TIOLI

Books I'd like to read in July

*♫ Watership Down by Richard Adams - (group read, Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
*A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan - (library book, TIOLI #8: Hot)
*Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones - (library book, Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
*Cart & Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones - (library book, Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
*Le bois de Klara / Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck - (library book, TIOLI #2)
*The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin - (ER book received May 5th, TIOLI #6)
*L'enfant sans âge / The Old Child by Jenny Erpenbeck - (Library Book, TIOLI #1)
*I Am the Great Horse by Katherine Roberts - (library book, Children's & YA)
*The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - (library book, Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
*When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (library book, Children's & YA, TIOLI #22: Newbery)
*The Hundred Dresses Eleanor Estes (library book, Children's & YA, TIOLI #22: Newbery)
*To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (library book, Children's & YA,)
✔ Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer - ( Children's & YA, TIOLI #1)
✔ The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman - (Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
✔ War Horse by Michael Morpurgo - (Children's & YA)
♫ A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith - (Children's & YA)
♫ Black Beauty by Anna Sewell - (Children's & YA)
♫ Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson - (Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
♫ The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites by Dr. Seuss - (Children's & YA)
♫ The Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection by Roald Dahl - (Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)
♫ The Scarecrow And His Servant by Philip Pullman - (Children's & YA, TIOLI #17: fantasy)

July: Juvenile & Young Adult additional suggested reading:
♫ Once Upon A Time In The North by Philip Pullman (TIOLI #17: fantasty)
✔ The Shadow in the North: A Sally Lockhart Mystery by Philip Pullman (TIOLI #12: direction)
✔ Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (TIOLI #17: fantasty)
✔ Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett (TIOLI #3)
✔ The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant
✔ The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood (TIOLI #17: fantasty)
✔ The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (TIOLI #17: fantasty)
✔ Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (TIOLI #17: fantasty)
✔ Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
✔ The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
✔ The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (TIOLI #3)
✔ The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
✔ Complete Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde by Oscar Wilde

Optional TIOLI reads
✔ The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman (TIOLI #8: Hot)
✔ Queenpin by Megan Abbot (TIOLI #10: Edgar)
✔ Christine Falls by Benjamin Black (TIOLI #10: Edgar)
♫ Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin (TIOLI #10: Edgar)
♫ In the Woods by Tana French (TIOLI #10: Edgar)
♫ The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin (TIOLI #10: Edgar)
♫ Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (TIOLI #10: Edgar)

* = must read
♫ = audiobook
✔ = off the shelf

Books I'd like to read in August
☛*♫ Watership Down by Richard Adams - (group read, TIOLI #1: under a 'w' adjective tag)
☛* La vie mode d'emploi / Life A User's Manual by Georges Perec - (group read, library book, TIOLI #23: initially written in French)
☛✔ The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck - (read before ER book, TIOLI #16: equal syllables)
☛* Pearl of China by Anchee Min - (ER book, TIOLI #4: Three words with 'of' in the middle)
☛✔ The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher (TIOLI #1)
* Sweet Tooth: Out of the Woods by Jeff Lemire
☛* Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (library book, TIOLI #17: biography of a 19th century figure)

Also continuing with Children & YA reads:
☛* Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo - (library book, TIOLI #16)
☛* The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling - (library book, TIOLI #1)
☛* The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (library book, TIOLI #1)
☛* Cart & Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones - (library book, TIOLI #14: author born in August)
☛* I Am the Great Horse by Katherine Roberts - (library book, TIOLI #22: Uncommon Main Character Name - Bucephalus!)
☛* To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (library book, TIOLI# 1)
☛* Destins de Chiens by Benjamin Lacombe - (library book, TIOLI #23)
* Kite flier by Dennis Haseley - (library book)
* Tigre le Dévoué by Qifeng Shen illustrated by Agata Kawa - (library book)
* Hurricane by David Wiesner - (library book)
☛* From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg - (library book, TIOLI #11)
☛* L'Esprit du temps, tome 1 by Benjamin Lacombe - (library book, TIOLI #23)
☛* L'Esprit du temps, tome 2 by Benjamin Lacombe - (library book, TIOLI #23)
☛* La mélodie des tuyaux by Benjamin Lacombe - (library book, TIOLI #18)
☛♫ A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (TIOLI #1)
♫ The Scarecrow And His Servant by Philip Pullman
♫ Once Upon A Time In The North by Philip Pullman
☛♫ Charlotte's Web by E. B. White - (library book, TIOLI #11)
☛✔ Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer (TIOLI #7: acquired in an unusual location)
☛✔ The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I by M.T. Anderson (TIOLI #11)
☛✔ Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett - (TIOLI #16)
☛✔ The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood (TIOLI #1)
☛✔ Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger - (TIOLI #11)
☛✔ The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (TIOLI #15: Food Item in the Title)
☛✔ The Red Pony by John Steinbeck (TIOLI #7)

* = must read
♫ = audiobook
✔ = off the shelf
☛ = TIOLI

Books I've read so far:

January:
1. Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler (TIOLI) ★★★★ (review)
2. La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty) by Tahar Ben Jelloun (TIOLI) ★★★★ (review)
3. Regeneration - 1st of the Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker (TIOLI) ★★★★★ (review)
4. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane ★★★ (review)
5. Sanderson: The Essence of English Decoration by Mary Schoeser ★★★★½ (review)
6. Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart (TIOLI) ★★★ (review)
7. Doors Open by Ian Rankin (TIOLI) ★★★ (review)
8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson ★★★★ (review)
9. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon ★★★★ (review)
10. The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt (TIOLI) ★★★★ (review)
11. Egon Schiele: The Leopold Collection by Rudolf Leopold (TIOLI) ★★★½ (review)
12. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (TIOLI, Group Read) ★★★ (review)
13. The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket ★★★ (review)
14. The Arrival by Shaun Tan ★★★★★ (review)
15. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak ★★★★ (review)
16. The Bells by Richard Harvell ★★★★ (review)
17. Black and Blue by Ian Rankin ★★½ (TIOLI) (review)
18. ♫ Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens ★★★ (TIOLI) (review)
19. ♫ Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney ★★★★ (review)
20. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom ★★★★ (review)

February:
21. Through a Glass Darkly by Donna Leon ★★★ (review)
22. ♫ Skellig by David Almond ★★★ (review)
23. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman ★★★★★ (review)
24. Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe ★★★½ (review)
25. ♫ The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman ★★★★★ (review)
26. ♫ The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West ★★★★½ (review)
27. ♫ The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ★★★★⅓ (review)
28. ♫ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll ★★★★½ (notes on the audiobook)
29. Three Seconds by Roslund & Hellström ★★★ (review)
30. The Turn of the Screw and The Aspern Papers by Henry James ★★★★ (review)
31. ♫ The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie ★★★½ (review)
32. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski ★★★★ (review)
33. ♫ Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman ★★★★¼ (review)
34. La Fortune des Rougons by Émile Zola ★★★★ (review)
35. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ★★★★ (review)
36. ♫ The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton ★★★★ (review)
37. The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker ★★★⅘ (review)

March:
38. ♫ Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood ★★★⅘ (review)
39. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot ★★★★¼ (review)
40. ♫ The Help by Kathryn Stockett ★★★★⅓ (review)
41. Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman ★★★¾ (review)
42. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko ★★★¾ (review)
43. ♫ The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie ★★★ (review)
44. Coraline by Neil Gaiman ★★★★ (review)
45. Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan ★★★★ (review)
46. Dead Souls by Ian Rankin ★★½ (review)
47. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney ★★½ (review)
48. ♫ Already Dead by Charlie Huston ★★★¾ (review)
49. ♫ The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman ★★★★⅓ (review)
50. ♫ Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene ★★★½ (review)
51. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman ★★★¾ (review)
52. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ★★⅚ (review)
53. My Reading Life by Pat Conroy ★★⅚ (review)
54. ♫ Tripwire by Lee Child ★★★★ (review)
55. The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri ★★★½ (review)
56. ♫ Matilda by Roald Dahl ★★★★ (review)
57. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James ★★★★½ (review)

April:
58. ♫ Three Men in a Boat (to say nothing of the dog) by Jerome K. Jerome ★★★★ (review)
59. Sandman: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman ★★½ (review)
60. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón ★★★★⅝ (review)
61. ♫ Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain ★★★★ (review)
62. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick ★★★★ (review)
63. Invisible River by Helena McEwen ★ (Read for Early Reviewers) (review)
64. ♫ Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn ★★★★⅓ (review)
65. ♫ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson ★★★★⅞ (review)
66. ♫ Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh ★★★★⅓ (review)
67. La Curée (The Kill) by Émile Zola ★★★★⅓ (review)
68. ♫ The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse ★★⅘ (review)
69. The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton ★★½ (review)
70. Mockingjay (Hunger Games 3) by Suzanne Collins ★★★★ (review)
71. ♫ Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë ★★★★⅞ (review)
72. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman ★★★★½ (review)
73. Apollo's Angels : A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans ★★★★½ (review)
74. ♫ Grass for His Pillow (Tales of the Otori: Book 2) by Lian Hearn ★★★½ (review)
75. ♫ The Fall of the House of Usher: The Pit and the Pendulum and Other Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe ★★★⅝ (review)
76. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway ★★★★ (review)
77. ♫ The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino ★★★⅓ (review)
78. Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) by Émile Zola ★★★★⅓ (review)

May:
79. ♫ Animal Farm by George Orwell ★★★★★ (review)
80. Playback: A Graphic Novel by Raymond Chandler ★★¼ (review)
81. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys ★★★★¼ (review)
82. ♫ Dubliners by James Joyce ★★★★ (review)
83. ♫ The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht ★★★★★ (review)
84. ♫ Gros-Câlin by Romain Gary ★★★★⅓ (review)
85. L'argent facile (Easy Money) - Stockholm Noir 1, by Jens Lapidus ★½ (review)
86. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo ★★★★ (review)
87. ♫ And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie ★★★★ (review)
88. Emma, Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori ★★½ (review)
89. ♫ La petite fille de monsieur Linh (Monsieur Linh and His Child) by Philippe Claudel ★★★★½ (review)
90. Lost & Found by Shaun Tan ★★★★★ (review)
91. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain ★★★★ (review)
92. Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen ★★★ (review)
93. ♫ Mansfield Park by Jane Austen ★★★¾ (review)
94. The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva ★★★¾ (review)
95. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger ★★½ (review)
96. Daytripper by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba ★★★½ (review)
97. ♫ Killing Floor by Lee Child ★★★½ (review)
98. ♫ Flying Too High : a Phryne Fisher Mystery by Kerry Greenwood ★★★½ (review)
99. Silas Marner by George Eliot ★★★★ (review)
100. ♫ An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin ★★★★⅓ (review)

June
101. Le Chat du Rabbin: La Bar-Mitsva (The Rabbi's Cat, Book 1) ★★★★⅓ (review)
102. ♫ Les âmes grises (By a Slow River) by Philippe Claudel ★★★★½ (review)
103. Monstres Malades by Emmanuelle Houdart ★★★★ (review)
104. Le Chat du Rabbin: Le Malka des Lions (The Rabbi's Cat, Book 2) ★★★★ (review)
105. The Haunted Playground by Shaun Tan ★★★½ (review)
106. In Search of Klingsor by Jorge Volpi ★★½ (review)
107. ♫ The Prestige by Christopher Priest ★★★⅞ (review)
108. Le Chat du Rabbin: L'Exode (The Rabbi's Cat, Book 3) ★★★★ (review)
109. ♫ Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant ★★★★½ (review)
110. ♫ The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey ★★★★ (review)
111. The Tiger : A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vaillant ★★★★ (review)
112. ♫ The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell ★★★¾ (review)
113. The Deadly Doll by Janine Burke ★★★★ (review)
114. ♫ Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach, read by Samuel L. Jackson ★★★★½ (review)
115. La Conquête de Plassans / The Conquest of Plassans by Émile Zola ★★★★⅓ (review)
116. The Art of Asking Your Boss for a Raise by Georges Perec ★★★ (review)
117. ♫ Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller ★★★½ (review)
118. Trapped by James Moloney ★★½ (review)
119. L'apprentissage amoureux by Laetitia Bourget ★★★★⅓ (review)
120. ♫ The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (BBC Radio Collection) by Douglas Adams ★★★★★ (review)
121. Le Chat du Rabbin: Le Paradis terrestre (The Rabbi's Cat, Book 4) ★★★½ (review)

Books I'd like to read this year (the short list)

1. ✔ Prodigal Summer and/or The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
2. ✔ Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky
3. ✔ Of Mice and Men and Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
4. ✔ The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
5. ✔ Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
6. ✔ Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
7. ✔ A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
8. ✔ The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
9. ✔ La Fortune des Rougons by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 1)
10. ♫ Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
11. ♫ Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
12. ✔ The Moment of Seeing by Stephanie Comer
13. ✔ The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
14. ✔ The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
15. ✔ The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
16. ✔ The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
17. ✔ Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
18. ✔ Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
19. ✔ A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
20. ✔ The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
21. ✔ The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
22. Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky
23. ✔ Samarcande by Amin Maalouf
24. ✔ La vie devant soi (The Life Before Us) by Romain Gary
25. ✔ Stupeurs et tremblements (Fear and Trembling) by Amélie Nothomb
26. ✔ L'enfant de sable (The Sand Child) by Tahar Ben Jelloun
27. ✔ The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
28. ✔ Crete by Barry Unsworth
29. ✔ Blindness by José Saramago
30. ✔ Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey
31. ✔ Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
32. ✔ The Difference Engine by William Gibson
33. ✔ The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
34. ✔ One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
35. ✔ The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
36. ✔ The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
37. The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
38. ✔ La Curée by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 2)
39. Le Ventre de Paris by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 3)
40. La Conquête de Plassans by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 4)
41. La Faute de l'Abbé Mouret by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 5)
42. Son Excellence Eugène Rougon by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 6)
43. ✔ L'Assomoir by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 7)
44. Une Page d'Amour by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 8)
45. ✔ Nana by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 9)
46. ✔ Pot-Bouille by Émile Zola (Rougon-Macquart 10)
47. ✔ Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
48. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
49. Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans
50. Cleopatra : A Life by Stacy Schiff
51. ✔ The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
52. ✔ The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
53. ✔ The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman
54. ✔ L'élégance du hérisson by Muriel Barbery
55. ✔ La forme de l'eau by Andrea Camilleri
56. ✔ l'Excursion à Tindari by Andrea Camilleri
57. ✔ L'enfant de Noé by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt
58. La reine Margot by Alexandre Dumas
59. ✔ Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
60. ✔ The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
61. ♫ ❉ A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen
62. ♫ An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
63. ♫ Animal Farm by George Orwell
64. ♫ Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
65. ♫ ❉ As You Like It by Shakespeare
66. ♫ Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières
67. ♫ Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
68. ♫ Coraline by Neil Gaiman
69. ✔ American Gods by Neil Gaiman
70. ♫ ❉ Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
71. ♫ Dubliners by James Joyce
72. ♫ Gros-câlin by Romain Gary
73. ♫ Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
74. ♫ No Dominion by Charlie Huston (unfinished)
75. ♫ Passing by Nella Larsen
76. ♫ Tales Of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe
77. ♫ Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
78. ♫ The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde (unfinished)
79. ♫ The Blue Notebook by James Levine
80. ♫ ❉ The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
81. ♫ The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark
82. ♫ Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
83. ♫ Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
84. ♫ When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
85. ✔ The Tenant by Javier Cercas
86. ✔ Possession by A.S. Byatt
87. ✔ The War of the End of the World by Mario Vargas Llosa
88. ✔ Miss Hargreaves by Frank Baker
89. ✔ There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
90. ✔ Queenpin by Megan Abbott
91. ✔ The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing Traitor to the Nation by M. T. Anderson
92. ✔ The Cavalier of the Apocalypse by Susanne Alleyn
93. ✔ Howard's End is on the Landing by Susan Hill
94. ✔ The Blind Contessa's New Machine by Carey Wallace
95. ✔ The World of Gloria Vanderbilt by Wendy Goodman
96. ✔ Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 by Carol Squiers

✔ = off the shelf
♫ = audiobook (off the shelf)
❉ = performance

(ongoing editing)

Wow Ilana! Such an impressive list - all of them! Even more amazing - I am first to christen your new thread - got you starred now!

Ilana, you are my hero. Your lists are treasure-troves.

(What is a "treasure trove???)

#7 Welcome Prue, make yourself right at home. Piece of cake maybe?

#8 LOL, you made me laugh. Not least because that's a very good question. And of course I had to look it up on m-w.com:

Main Entry: trove
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): -s
Etymology: short for treasure trove
1 : a thing found <I was pleased by one of my troves -- Christopher Morley>
2 : a collection of objects <a modest trove of earrings -- New Yorker>; usually : one deliberately concealed, previously lost sight of or not appreciated at its real value, or consciously assembled <assembled a rich trove of Chinese porcelain> <a trove of new family letters ... were made available to the biographer -- New York Herald Tribune Book Review>

There. Now we both know. :-)

I brought back a whole whackload of books from the library today (well, 8 actually, but it sure felt like a big bunch), and just spent the last hour entering them here on LT and tagging, etc. Now it's late and I want to actually read a couple of them before bed (hint: a bunch of them are by Benjamin Lacombe. Big surprise I know.) Possibly maybe even finish A Visit from the Goon Squad, which would be awesome as I can't wait to get started on Visitation. Not sure what that's saying about AVftGS, but whatever.

Happy belated Birthday wishes Ilana!

I made it through you previous thread and quite happy that I am now all caught up..... for probably just the next 2 minutes!

New thread starred. ;-)

Maybe the guy on stilts is trying to catch the birds overhead?

Ilana- I love the New Thread! The illustration is gorgeous! I'm a big fan of Goon Squad, so I'm anxious to see your thoughts. I know opinion on this one has been mixed.

I love the illustration too. Are Lacombe's books only in French?

I'll be very interested in what you think of A Visit from the Goon Squad. That was my pick for our book group this year and I haven't read it yet.

Ooooh - a Lacombe illustration! Love it! It reminds me of an island where I spent many, many holidays.

Figure on stilts??? I must be blind cuz I don't see anything on stilts. I see three or four little birdies, but no stilts.

#11 Hi Lori, thanks for the wishes. Not belated, since the celebrations are still ongoing. :-)

#12 You could be right Stasia, I haven't read the story or seen the actual book, but that's what it looks like, doesn't it?

#13 Glad you like the illustration. I'm currently trying to get my hands on everything Benjamin Lacombe has worked on since he's such a talented artist.

I finished A Visit from the Goon Squad last night and must say it was an interesting experience. It's one of those books I'll have to mull on for a bit before I can give any sort of feedback on it since it's so different from anything I've experienced before that I don't really know how to react to it right now.

#14 Hi Pat, I just had a quick look at Lacombe's website, and it looks like a couple of his books are in English, he's got Spanish and German, and other language editions as well. How accessible they are might be a different story.

As for Goon Squad, see my comments to Mark above. In other words, I'll be interested to find out what I think of that book too! :-)

#15 Nathalie, with this thread, I knew I had to pick a Lacombe illustration for my header since I'm currently so obsessed with his work. I've given myself a format restriction, which limits the options somewhat, but when I saw this one, it so made me think of summer holidays in various places I've been to, like Maine and Australian beaches that I thought it was just perfect for August. Glad you love it too.

#16 Charlotte, I knew when I mentioned the stilts that this would prove to be a puzzle for some people. If you look just under where the seagulls are gathered, you should see him there. The figure is not much bigger than the birds above him, which is why he's not that easy to detect.

Love the illustration at the top of your thread Ilana and I would NEVER have seen the man walking on stilts if you didn't point that out...very cool!

I am curious to see what you think of The Amber Spyglass once you were done with it because I remember wanting to chuck the book across the room when I finished with that one even though I really enjoyed the first two books in the series.

The illustration instantly brought a smile to my face. Love the little guy on stilts.

#18 I hadn't seen the little guy when I first came upon this illustration either Valerie, which is why I thought I should probably point him out. I think that image is gorgeous with or without him, but it just add another interest factor. He's probably there in connection to the text, but I'll only know that once I get my hands on the book, which, I don't know when that'll happen since the book was just released at the beginning of the month and isn't likely to be at the library any time soon. Though you never know... (fingers crossed)

I remember wanting to chuck the book across the room

That sounds pretty ominous! lol. I'm really trying to keep my expectations in check with that one and just enjoy the genius of Pullman's writing. We'll see how I do with that towards the end, since of course I can't be completely impartial now that I've come along this far with the trilogy...

#19 I'm glad it made you smile Cindy, that was definitely part of the desired effect! :-)

Ilana, have you read Lacombe's Cherry and Olive? It's the only one I see on Amazon in English.

Very cute!
However, I had to go to the website to see it - guess it must be my work computer - it only shows the extreme left hand side of the picture!

I am totally loving this guy's illustrations and am not sure that I care that I can't read French enough to know what the story is about.

#21 I haven't read it, no, and unfortunately, it's one of the few books of his that they don't carry at the library here.

#22 This is another one of his books that I might be tempted to purchase sight unseen... but I'll sit with that thought for a month or two before acting on it.

Strange business about just having the left hand side of the picture, but now I understand why you said you could only see four birds. Interestingly enough, when I was deciding on my header visual, I almost chose to go with a composite of two different details of images from that book (with only a few of the birds visible) as you can see here:

Lovely illustrations Ilana - glad you told us where to look for the man on stilts!

#24 Prue, I'd known about Benjamin Lacombe for several years, but had never really looked into him until Kerry (avatiakh) posted a video which was a promo for his recent pop-up book which I am obsessed with. I'm all too glad to share the work of this incredibly talented young man with others.

*****

So here is the haul from yesterday's trek to the library (Lacombe features heavily, wouldn't you know):

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - can't wait to read this great classic

L'enfant silence by Cécile Roumiguière - another book illustrated by Lacombe, which I've read & will review soon.

Le carnet rouge by Benjamin Lacombe - This one, is NOT illustrated by Lacombe as I had first thought, but he wrote the story, which is about William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement, which just happen to be among my interests.

Le petit chaperon rouge by Benjamin Lacombe - can't say this is my favourite of his, all things being relative of course.

L'esprit du temps, Tome 2 by Benjamin Lacombe - have to wait to get book 1 so I can get started on this Japanese saga.

La mélodie des tuyaux (1CD audio) by Benjamin Lacombe - this book is accompanied by a CD for not only a read-along experience, but also some Spanish and Latin rhythms to set the mood for this story about music.

Grimoire de sorcières by Benjamin Lacombe - can't wait to read this one. More GORGEOUS illustration. It's about witches and contains a warning NOT TO READ THE BOOK as a first page! I may have to buy it, so beautiful is the layout and design I've gleaned so far.

Finally

Cyrano by Taï-Marc Le Thanh - this little book is by a different illustrator which Kerry pointed me towards (she's very dangerous that way), Rébecca Dautremer. Many many books illustrated by her at the library, most of which are for the very young set, which I'm not necessarily that keen on, but thought I'd start with a little nibble. The story is an Asian interpretation of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Hello, my dear..

if you don't stop posting Lacombe's illustrations...i might have to hop a broom to Montreal and.....i don't know...give you a hug or summat

The books from Amazon.fr are...well...quite dear. might have to forgo food for a bit if i bought some.....perish that thought..

I'm scoping out used book stores in the Pacific Northwest....maybe i could hie up there and catch me a Mountie!!!

Gorgeous picture at top of your thread. Along with so many that start their threads with artwork, you are doing a great job of teaching me art appreciation. I love Lacombe's illustrations!

#26 OMG, I just finished another Lacombe book about William Morris and the birth of his sense of aesthetics, and just kept leafing back through the pages over and over again. Started yet another, which is basically a compendium of witches throughout the ages, and barely got past the 3rd page and though "I MUST BUY THIS BOOK!!!" Excuse my French, but it's so fucking brilliant and masterfully done that it's completely blowing my mind. This is a whole new sub-addiction. Heeeelppppp!!!!

#27 Judy, Lacombe is undoubtedly a master in his genre. Most make a clear distinction between Fine Arts, and Applied Arts. All of Lacombe's work that I've seen and shown so far belong to the second category (though for all I know, he may very likely be a fine artist as well). The major difference between the two being—in a very pithy nutshell since many tomes could be, are, and have been written on the subject—that the first is a pursuit of art for it's own sake, while the second has practical, and usually commercial applications. As an art director of a magazine, I had the opportunity to work with many masterful illustrators (applied arts), though never with Lacombe, which I deeply regret. But you just never know...

#28 I can't fucking help you...you're my pusher...remember???

I just added the entire list of works by Lacombe to my TBR pile. I don't even know any French! (Well, just a long list of food nouns that I've picked up through food blogs and cookbooks. Nothing really useful.)

#29 LOLOLOLOLOLOL

#25: Congratulations on the haul!

Morning Ilana, I decided to put whatever Lacombe book you're posting on my amazon.fr wishlist. When my financial situation improves a bit I'll chose 3 of them, which will cost me something between 50 and 80 EUR depending on my selection. I can't get all of them anyway (not enough coffee table space, and those books shouldn't be hidden on a shelf).

Maybe you could post your top-5 list once you are through your actual stack?

To Kill a Mockingbird stands true to its reputation, I hope you will have a good time reading it.

See, I learn something every day. I can see the difference, but I can also see that the definition can blur as well. An artist like Norman Rockwell would probably be an example of someone having a foot in either camp.

#35 Yes, the line definitely get blurred. There are many artists, like Norman Rockwell as you say, who have produced works in both categories, which makes it even harder to make a clear distinction between the two.

In the end, I don't stop to think about this distinction very much when I look at art, because it doesn't influence my appreciation of a visual one way or the other. But as someone who's always wanted to be an artist, but chose to go into applied arts to make a living, I can say that from the point of view of the artist (or many of them, anyway), there can be a world of difference between producing a work of art for you own satisfaction and doing so for a client.

#29 Wow, I didn't realize my obsession with Lacombe would take on quite these proportions. I guess we're all in the same boat now, huh?

#30 Maybe I'll try to give a few of his books bad reviews just to spare you from feeling like you're missing out too much. Kidding aside though, I didn't think Le petit chaperon rouge was all that great, so there's at least one of them you can skip. ;-)

#32 thanks Stasia, I thought it was a pretty good one too.

#33 Nathalie, I think I'll do something similar, i.e. narrow down my selection from Amazon and just order 2-3 of his books. And of course I'll gladly post my top-5 Lacombe hits. Mind you, I may have to order those books from Amazon first to give an accurate picture...

#34 I do really look forward to reading To Kill a Mockingbird Piyush. It's much overdue.

*****

I started listening to Juliet Stevenson narrating Emma today, and even though I love Stevenson, I just... don't want to be reading (listening, whatever) that book right now. I was going to take advantage of the fact that it's a group read and everything, but why should I force myself if I'm not up to it, right? Right.

Yup! No need to force yourself. Books don't have feelings so you can move right along. :)

Val, I was just saying over on Pat's thread that from the few Jane Austen books I've read so far, it seems I need to be in a certain kind of headspace to appreciate her novels. Unfortunately, that's a space my head doesn't seem to be in all that often.

I think I am in the same boat as you. For the most part, I read them because I think I should read them not because I'm jumping to read them. :)

Yep. That just doesn't seem right, does it? It's weird too, because there are so many classics I read because I feel like I need to add them to my general repertory, and as I'm reading them I discover I'm really enjoying and sometimes very much LOVING them, but Austen so far... well, let's just say "Love" is too strong a word.

I think I read all of the Austen repertoire while I was living in London and - perhaps because of being saturated by all those complementary historical and cultural references - just fell in love with them. I would never be brazen enough to suggest that these books cannot easily cross cultural boundaries, and that their microcosm does not fit within a global macrocosm, BUT there is a certain 'Englishness' about Austen's works (how could there not be!). Because of the 'English-ness' of my own background, maybe I am more inclined to an affectionate response from the get-go?

Ilana, just catching up on threads and things...superb illustration at the top; had to hunt up the man on stilts for a minute or two.

We need to start a movement to get lacombe's work translated to English!

Austen is a hard author, I think. It would be a rare day if I said, "Wow! I'm in the mood for some Austen!" Emma is, I think, a good novel, but she as a character is one very great pill, although she grows up quite a bit.

And may this be the very best year of your life.

#43 Prue, I don't know what it is about Austen in particular, because I've read many many English authors in my life and have absolutely loved the 'Englishness' of the works, as you say. As a Canadian, I fell quite influenced by English culture, at least as much, if not more so than American culture, so that can't be it. Now, I haven't given Emma a fighting chance as didn't even finish the second chapter before I decided to forego it.

I just didn't feel like entering her particular world right now. It's nothing I can quite put my finger on, because every time I try to find a way to explain my resistance to Austen, I realize there are plenty of other books I've read that had similar qualities which quite appealed to me. Maybe it's just that the fact that she's so immensely popular, which in turn makes me feel a pressure to read and appreciate her, is enough to turn me off the whole experience? I tend to be contrary that way sometimes. Even I don't fully understand it. The funny thing is I DO want to read Emma, but right now it's feeling more like 'compulsory reading' than anything else, so I'll just let it go until I come to it of my own volition. Mind you, I've never read other female British authors from the early 19th, much less from the 18th century, so it could have something to do with the mentality of the times. Obviously this issue niggles at me quite a lot, otherwise I wouldn't be wasting so much breath on trying to explain to others (and to myself) why this resistance to begin with!

#44 Wow Gail, that's quite the birthday wish, thank you very much.

Re: Lacombe in English, that has in fact been at the forefront of my mind these past couple of weeks, as I see all the enthusiasm that my posting about him has garnered. I have half a mind to contact him directly to let him know how many new fans he's got on this site alone.

I don't know if you read my long long rambling answer to Prue above, but I would be very curious and grateful if you would try to explain here what it is about Austen that makes you say she's a hard author. Maybe by doing so you might hit on an explanation that still eludes me.

*****

I see I'm now 7 reviews behind, and that's just unacceptable. I don't mind falling behind a little, but I'm always afraid that there'll be a tipping point beyond which I won't be able to catch up, so even though I was really looking forward to doing some reading in my nice, comfortably cool apartment (outside is much too hot to my liking), I think I'll force myself to crank out some reviews first.

As I went for a walk with my little sweetie (that would be Coco of course), I started listening to the absolutely delightful The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites audiobook. It's narrated by a bevy of wonderful actors and really is a whole lot of fun. Dr. Seuss definitely knew how to write for children big and small and hearing him now as an adult, I can recognize where some of my deepest held beliefs about right and wrong, fairness and equality, animal advocacy and even democracy were first put into words. If anyone has ever come across interesting articles about Dr. Seuss' writing on the net, I'd be interest to read them.

Re Austen: Maybe it's just that the fact that she's so immensely popular, which in turn makes me feel a pressure to read and appreciate her, is enough to turn me off the whole experience?

I think that is part of my problem with Austen too, Ilana. So many people have read and loved her books that my expectations are extremely high and I find that is never a good way to start a book.

Avoid "compulsory reading" at all costs!

I would never have thought of listening to an audio of The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites but that sounds like an inspired idea.

Too much going on here...my old brain is in a tizzy

so, I'll just say Hello...and exit, stage left

;-}

129. ♫ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ★★★★
Narrated by Elija Wood
Published by Audible, Inc.
(Read for July: Juvenile & Young Adult & TIOLI: Read a book with the word "blue" or "berry" in the title)

"Gentlemen," says the young man, very solemn, "I will reveal it to you, for I feel I may have confidence in you. By rights I am a duke!" [...]

Jim pitied him ever so much, and so did I. We tried to comfort him, but he said it warn't much use, he couldn't be much comforted; said if we was a mind to acknowledge him, that would do him more good than most anything else; so we said we would, if he would tell us how. He said we ought to bow when we spoke to him, and say "Your Grace," or "My Lord," or "Your Lordship"—and he wouldn't mind it if we called him plain "Bridgewater," which, he said, was a title anyway, and not a name; and one of us ought to wait on him at dinner, and do any little thing for him he wanted done.



Well, that was all easy, so we done it. All through dinner Jim stood around and waited on him, and says, "Will yo' Grace have some o' dis or some o' dat?" and so on, and a body could see it was mighty pleasing to him.

Huck Finn, finding himself stuck between the prospect of staying locked up with his drunken, abusive father indefinitely or being taken under the wing of the Widow Douglas and her sister Miss Watson who want to educate "sivilize" [sic] him, decides to fake his own murder so he can roam free instead. He takes off on a raft and soon runs into Jim, the Miss Watson's recently escaped slave, and together they go on a long adventure down the Mississippi river. I liked the beginning of the story where Finn describes his wretched father's ill treatment of him and his subsequent clever escape, but then wasn't much taken with the rest of the first half of the book about their times on the raft. But I'm glad I didn't follow my first impulse to give up, because the action that follows picks up considerably, when the two are joined by the "Duke" and "King".

"It didn't take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn't no kings nor dukes at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds. But I never said nothing, never let on; kept it to myself; it's the best way; then you don't have no quarrels, and don't get into no trouble. If they wanted us to call them kings and dukes, I hadn't no objections, 'long as it would keep peace in the family; and it warn't no use to tell Jim, so I didn't tell him. If I never learnt nothing else out of pap, I learnt that the best way to get along with his kind of people is to let them have their own way.

This section of the book was filled with one hilarious mad caper after another, and the last section, where Finn and Tom devise plans to free Jim, who has meanwhile been taken prisoner by *well-meaning* folk who intend to return him to his 'rightful owners', is just delightful. I laughed out loud at Tom Swayer's insistence on coming up with the most complicated schemes he could think of so that Jim's escape would be most in keeping with the romantic heroes he's read about in books, to Huck Finn's utter bewilderment:

I says:

"What do we want of a moat when we're going to snake him out from under the cabin?"

But he never heard me. He had forgot me and everything else. He had his chin in his hand, thinking. Pretty soon he sighs and shakes his head; then sighs again, and says:

"No, it wouldn't do—there ain't necessity enough for it."

"For what?" I says.

"Why, to saw Jim's leg off," he says.

"Good land!" I says; "why, there ain't NO necessity for it. And what would you want to saw his leg off for, anyway?"

"Well, some of the best authorities has done it. They couldn't get the chain off, so they just cut their hand off and shoved. And a leg would be better still. But we got to let that go. There ain't necessity enough in this case; and, besides, Jim's a nigger, and wouldn't understand the reasons for it, and how it's the custom in Europe; so we'll let it go. But there's one thing—he can have a rope ladder; we can tear up our sheets and make him a rope ladder easy enough. And we can send it to him in a pie; it's mostly done that way. And I've et worse pies."

By the end of the novel, I wanted nothing more than to read Tom Sawyer again, as it's been so many years since I read the first book that I'd completely forgotten what a funny little fellow he was. I should mention that while the repeated use of the "N" word and references to slavery at first disturbed me, this is one of those books where the historical context which it refers to and Twain's obvious abolitionist stance made them tolerable in the circumstances. Elija Wood's narration in this audiobook version brought the colorful dialects to life and was generally wonderful—definitely recommended. This book is also available for free via the Gutenberg Project, which also features illustrations from from an old print edition. Find it here.

#45 Avoid "compulsory reading" at all costs

I guess that's what it all boils down too, right?

#46 my old brain is in a tizzy

Silly Jude! :-P
Be sure to come back now, y'hear?!

I'm very tired today and thus visiting your thread is such a joy for my spirit. I love the illustrations, your comments, your lists....

I'm ever so sorry to have missed wishing you happy birthday.

All the best,

Thumb from me on your review of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I have an illustrated copy of this book waiting to be read and now I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for including the quotes.

Good to see you loved HF, I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and loved it too.
Regarding Dr Seuss - my children's favourite was The Butter Battle Book. I had The Art of Dr Seuss on my wishlist for a long while but still haven't got hold of a copy.
Articles that might be interesting: NY Times one and a New Yorker one

130. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame ★★★★
(Read for July: Juvenile & Young Adult & TIOLI: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month)

I'm sure I've read this book as a child, but thanks to my faulty memory, I couldn't say for sure. What's certain is I didn't expect I'd be as surprised by this old classic as I was. I was expecting a quiet pastoral affair with plenty of cute little animals cavorting about, and was almost shocked when the story deviated from the script, which up till a certain point included pleasant trips boating up and down a river and visits between friends Mole, River Rat, Toad, Badger and Otter, and what could have been a scary trip into the woods, had I been a young child. But then, WHAM! Toad getting arrested and sent to jail and the great escape that ensues complete with train chase, all this involving a whole slew of human beings who don't seem to find it the least bit strange that a toad should have stolen a car and driven recklessly, or been mistaken for a washerwoman once having donned the clothing of one such person, well... I never thought this innocent book would shake me up as much as it did. Blame it on the fact that I was sleepy and expecting a variation on Beatrix Potter maybe? But now I think of it, is Beatrix Potter anything like what I think I remember? I'm almost scared to find out!

All kidding aside, I loved this story and was glad to take the opportunity to finally read this 50th anniversary edition of this book with original colour illustrations by Shepard which has been in my keep for close to 30 years, and am now looking forward to poring over other versions I've reserved at the library illustrated by Arthur Rackham, Michael Hague and Michael Foreman.

131. L'enfant silence by by Cécile Roumiguière & Benjamin Lacombe ★★★★⅓
(Read for July: Juvenile & Young Adult)

A gripping little book illustrated by none other than Benjamin Lacombe in dark tones of red and brown about a little girl "The Child of Silence", who dares not speak, but instead only murmurs a little ditty to herself, even though her teacher and the lady at school who "smells of toast and banana" wish she'd talk to them. But the girl doesn't know how to explain the house of wolves she lives in, with the painful red days when she knows she is to blame for the anger of the beasts, and then the soft and loving calm blue days filled with cuddles and lots of love. The French prose reads like poetry and the ending is hopeful, but this is one book that probably requires plenty of explaining and reassurances for the young readership it is geared toward.

#49 Glad your visit gave you a little respite Linda.

Since I haven't finished my birthday cake yet, your birthday wishes are still right on time! :-)

#50 Pat, I'll look forward to you comments on Huck Finn when you get around to it.

#51 Kerry, thanks for the links. I should have known I could count on your to come through!

132. Le petit chaperon rouge (Little Red Riding Hood) by Benjamin Lacombe ★★★★

The story of Little Red Riding Hood here as told and illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe, is based on the 17th century Charles Perrault version, who apparently was the first to introduce the hood as being of a red colour (the Brothers Grimm version came later in the 19th century). The illustration style is very good of course, but quite different from the much more sophisticated approach taken in such works as Blanche Neige, for example. Recommended for those who like me, seek out to get their hands on everything Lacombe has produced so far, but I can't say this one is among my absolute favourites. That being said, I may change my mind about that yet.

133. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan ★★★★
(Read for TIOLI & 11 in 11 Category #5: Books Published Since 2009)

Somehow, I don't think saying that this book is about the music industry is doing it any justice, because is seems to be about so much more than that. But then, it's as much about music as anything else that is about time and voice and melody.

We meet Sasha in the first chapter when she steps into the women's restroom at a hotel and is taken by the urge to steal the wallet from the handbag of an occupant of one of the stalls. We learn this incident took place on a date with a young man she met via the internet as she is retelling the incident to her therapist, who is trying to help her come to grips with her compulsion to steal things. We also learn that she used to be the assistant of one Bennie Salazar, a big player in the music industry. In the next chapter, we meet Bennie who is working through a series of shameful memories. He's sitting in a meeting, when his assistant Sasha appears and hands him a cup of coffee into which he mixes some gold flakes, an Aztec concoction to ensure sexual potency. "So this is going to be a story about this Sasha and this Bennie characters working through their issues", I think. Then by chapter three, we move to a first person narrative. This part of the story takes place in 1979. Our narrator is a teenager called Rhea, and she and a bunch of friends are part of a punk rock band trying to make it on the music scene; other than her there's also Scottie, Jocelyn, Alice, and a young Bennie Salazar, who Rhea happens to have a crush on. Her best friend Jocelyn is having an affair with a fortysomething year-old called Lou, which all makes for plenty of sex, drugs and rock'n roll. "We've got multiple points of view and we keep going back in time", I now think. By chapter 12, which is told by one Alison Blake via powerpoint slides sometime in the future, I think: "multiple perspectives through time with characters related by causality. An interesting exploration into storytelling approaches." Then, with the thirteenth and last chapter I think—not for the first time—that this novel is just too gimmicky for me and that those Pulitzer prize people really are off on a very high literary cloud that most regular folk can never hope to come close to, including me. But then, something happens because I haven't quite gotten to the end yet, and I catch myself wishing I wasn't so overbooked again this month, because I really wouldn't mind reading this one all over again, maybe a couple of times even, to figure out just what it is that Egan has done to somehow get this strange brew to actually work the way it does. So she must have done something right, right?

#53: I love the look of those illustrations, Ilana! Thanks so much for sharing them!

Lovely reviews AND illustrations, Ilana!

How I wish I could speak or understand french. The illustrations of these books are incredible!

I am glad I read my first three Austens before learning she was that big. I watched the "Emma" movie during my stay in London in 1996 and was so charmed that I bought a Complete Novels Edition. Emma was in fact the first Austen I read and I enjoyed it so much that I read P&P and S&S next. Then came a long break (during which I learned how famous the author is) and maybe as a result I later had real problems finishing Mansfield Park and Persuasion. I'll join the group read again for Northanger Abbey which I haven't read so far.

I like about Emma that she is a heroine with flaws. For once not responsible and considerate at a young age, and not in a financial situation that forces her to marry or depend on wealthier relatives. Emma is good-hearted, but spoiled, and she is wealthy herself - which gives her the right to say "I don't need a man". She meddles with other peoples lives, but in the best romantic intentions. She makes real mistakes and actually hurts the feelings of others, but she learns from it.

Apart from that - I added L'enfant silence to my "liste d'envies" which somehow sounds nicer than wish list, Huckleberry Finn to my to-be-reread list (but this time in English, thanks for the link!), and of The Wind in the Willows I already have the nicely illustrated test chapter on my Kindle.

Ilana- Good review of Goon Squad. As you know, I loved that book and I'm glad you ended up giving it 4 stars.

Just drifting through, quietly drooling over the pictures (L'enfant silence must be produced in English at once!) and distributing a few thumbs...Great work as always, Ilana.

I'll send a p.m. to you re: Austen, as I don't want to hijack your thread.

Love the illustrations!

I just thumbed your review of A Visit from the Goon Squad Ilana. I'm hoping my book group likes it in December since I picked it. I'll probably wait until closer to the meeting to read it but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it at least.

#57 Stasia, I've always been a big fan of illustration and it's one of my great pleasures to share them. There's more on the way too!

#58 Thanks Roni!

#59 Linda, the beauty of illustrations as you know is that they cross all language barriers. :-)

#60 The funny thing about Emma Nathalie, is I have this funny feeling that I'd actually quite enjoy this novel. I also quite enjoyed Mansfield Park in fact. There are just so many books this month on my planned reading that I can't wait to read and this one just didn't happen to be one of them.

You're right that "listes d'envies" sounds quite lovely. My only "regret" about Huckleberry Finn (if you can call it that) is that I felt like I should maybe have started with Tom Sawyer first since I can't remember that book at all. Regardless, I was quite impressed when I saw how well illustrated the Guttenberg edition of Huck Finn was, and I see now that TS has gotten a similar treatment so I'll eventually go with that version probably. This is when I wish I had an e-reader though because with all the time I spend on my laptop, the last thing I feel like doing is reading books on it too!

#61 Mark, I had started out with a lower rating, but there are some books—and this is one of them—that I realize after I've finished writing my reviews that I actually appreciate more than I realized before. I don't quite understand how that works, but so be it! :-)

#62 Gail, by all means DO hijack my thread, especially since I find this whole business about JA to be quite an interesting interesting conversation topic. But if you're more comfortable with PM, that's fine too of course.

#63 Glad you like them Darryl. I thought they were too good not to share.

#64 Thanks for the thumb Pat. I think you picked a good book for a group read, as I'm sure people will find plenty to talk about. In fact, if there's a group read of it here on LT next year, I might just join in myself.

Gail, I'd love to hear your comments on Jane Austen too.

Yes Gail, I got your PM, won't answer right away in case you decide you're willing to share it out in the open after all. Pat here just expressed her interest and so that makes three of us here who are on the fence about JA... we might even start our own thread! LOL

*Waves* Sorry I'm late to your thread, Ilana. I was having trouble loading the last one and it fell off my radar before I ever got around to searching for a link, and then I forgot. :(

You're here now Stephen, that's all that matters to me!

I did think about you often with the last thread since it was so graphics heavy and I did figure you'd have a bit of a hard time with it, which is why I didn't waste time starting up another this time! :-)

Ilana- You currently have 3 Hot Reviews! Wow! You are tearing 'em up!

Three Hot Reviews?! Wow! We bow down. . .

#70 Mark, my mum would be so proud... but then she'd say "three? why not six?" ;-)

#71 LOL! Funny Stasia. :-D

*****

I'm just 30 pages away from finishing Le bois de Klara / Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck and I hate to say this, but I just can't wait to finish it. I don't know if it's just that I'm not in the right frame of mind or what, because I know intellectually that it's a great book, but I'm not enjoying it one bit. Actually, that's not fair, because yes, I do enjoy some part of the experience, after all, it's so well written, but overall the story is just too grim for me, and as we know, I don't do very well with depressing books these days.

On the other hand, I'm quite enjoying the Roald Dahl audio collection read by the author. I remember clearly reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child and all the images that story brought to mind and the excitement of the golden tickets and whatnot. Then when the movie version with Johnny Depp came out, I was so confused because it was nothing like the story I remembered... what happened to those golden tickets?? Anyway, this has me thinking that maybe I'd best stick to children's stories for now.

Well, I did send Ilana the message, but I'll just briefly say here that to me, Austen's books are too much about only one topic: marriage. Other authors of the same era are concerned with the same subject, of course, yet somehow they manage to include more social or historical change, or more character development, or subordinate plotlines to relieve the (forgive me, please, all Austen fans) tedium of 300- or 400-page romances. Thackeray's Vanity Fair is much more complex, for example; the Brontes have bizarre and/or gothic elements, psychological explorations, and some social commentary; Dickens has all of the preceding plus that enormous Rogue's Gallery of characters to offer; and Trollope, whose work is often about marriage, includes plenty of contemporary issues. Just look at Middlemarch, a book about appropriate and inappropriate marriages if ever there was one. It's miles above Austen's work--again, my opinion only, and I hope that the Austen fans won't breathe fire upon me. I know there has been some work done to try to turn these books into something that they're not, but all the commentary in the world can't erase the fact that they are, first and foremost, ironic domestic romances...and note the endings of each.

This is all based on three of her books. Oddly, a second reading of Pride and Prejudice greatly improved my opinion of that book, while a second reading of Emma is having precisely the opposite effect. While I certainly don't have Twain's opinion of her work, she never would be my go-to author.

ETA: I will now step off my soap box...

I am sorry you don't like Visitation, but I understand what you mean. It is certainly not "enjoyable". For me it was a haunting book, and I am still not 'over' it. And in this sense it was one of my best reads this year.
But nothing you should ever read when depressed. It compresses Holocaust, displacement, 2 dictatorships with dispossessions und finally decay into just 100 pages. I was often glad when a chapter ended and the gardener turned up again.

I hope the Roald Dahl collection will lighten up your mood. Which reminds me that I also still have to read 2 books from my own RD collection ( The BFG and something that might be called "Witches"? - "Streghe" in Italian). But I am quite sure the movie version had the golden tickets. Need to rewatch...

#73 Gail, I'm glad you came out and shared your point of view in public, so to speak. I don't think you have anything to fear here, since I've often voiced my own reservations about Jane Austen's work on my threads. Besides, I've been pleasantly surprised on several opportunities to find my controversial opinions about diverse topics received with open minds and understanding on LT.

Of course there have been plenty of books written on the topic of marriage and romance over the ages, but as you say, when this is accompanied by a larger social commentary and/or interesting character development, the romantic aspect of the novels become secondary. What disturbs me most in Austen is the prevailing attitudes. I understand and appreciate that she intended her works to be satirical commentaries on the conventions of her day, but I can't help but feel that her own point of view wasn't so far removed from that of the moral majority. As some people have pointed out to me before, since she chose to write domestic dramas about the well to do, there was a limited range as to how far left of centre she could take her characters, but I agree that the lack of range in her work is part of the problem.

I haven't read any other women authors from the early 19th century, much less so from earlier periods still, so I had assumed that perhaps my difficulty was with the moral attitudes of the times, and the limitation put on women as far as what they were permitted to express.

All this being said, having only read three of her novels so far (S&S, P&P and MP), it's very probably that I don't have a complete enough picture to have a truly informed opinion about her writing, but I've found there were so many similarities in the first three novels that I can't really imagine that I would find the others radically different. I guess the thing that has bothered me most so far has been the utterly conservative stance of most of her characters, which when it comes right down to it, haven't changed that much in some circles to this day. Somehow, this makes me feel like I'm an intruder and would no doubt be judged severely in that world, something that I have never felt while reading any other author, ever. I can't seem to shake the feeling that her books were written for others. Maybe this will change some day, maybe not.

#74 Nathalie, as you say Visitation compresses a lot of difficult events and realities of life into a concentrated brew. And I too always find the arrival of the gardener to be a relief. No doubt Erpenbeck intended it as such.

Listening to Roald Dahl is a lot of fun... as if my own grandfather was reading to me. Both my granddads passed away before I had a chance to meet them, so it's a very soothing kind of experience.

As for the golden tickets, they are no doubt featured in the movie, but it's just that in the book they are such a pivotal point of the story and take up quite a bit of space, whereas the movie, for obvious reasons is more focused on the action, from what I remember anyway.

I don't think I've ever read The BFG, since when it came out I would have been 13 and therefore "too old" for children's stories, so I guess I'll have to add it to the wishlist. I do have The Best of Roald Dahl waiting on my shelves, though that one is most certainly not geared towards children.

Well... I'll be off to finish Visitation shortly. Best roam around the threads for a bit first. And then I'll sandwich it between that and The Amber Spyglass, or maybe another Lacombe book as an extra treat... and I also intend to come back to review Le Carnet Rouge with plenty of visual support as a treat for my visitors. ;-)

Looking forward to another review with "visual support" Ilana.

And Gail, I was happy to read your comments on Austen. I read Middlemarch with the GR in November and December and loved it and then picked up Sense and Sensibility for the January GR. In comparison to Middlemarch, it didn't seem like much of a story to me and I couldn't muster any affection for the characters. As a result I never finished it and have yet to try anything else by Austen. I will someday but it wasn't a good start. It's good to hear that not everyone loves Austen because then I can stop worrying that I'm missing something.

134. Le Carnet Rouge by Benjamin Lacombe illustrated by Agata Kawa ★★★★¾
Read for TIOLI: Read a book by a "hot" author & 11 in 11 Category #4: Visual Arts

Who better than Benjamin Lacombe himself to talk about the genesis of this book—which he explains on his blog (in French and English too!)—for which he put aside his paintbrushes and picked up a pen because he wanted to give illustrator Agata Kawa a project to showcase her personal style. In his own words:

"I really wanted [this project] to be made for Agata so she could fully express her talent and love of nature, of the Arts & Crafts movement, patterns, etc. The original idea (Agata’s) was to work on the Arts & Crafts movement and its creator, the emblematic William Morris. So I made up a story which is a kind of imaginary (though well-documented) portrait of this pope of modern design. [...] Indeed, rather than just pilling up dates and facts, the point was to focus on what made William Morris an artist: his background, his love of nature and shapes. It’s a book about the mystery of drawing, of creation."

Click on the images to view them larger (including cover)









All images © Agata Kawa

I should mention that I borrowed this book from the public library, but now see myself in the obligation to obtain my very own copy so I can pore over it at leisure whenever the mood strikes, as I am not only a newly minted fan of Agata Kawa's thanks to Lacombe (you will have understood by now that I am a HUGE fan of this young man already), but have always held a fascination for the Arts & Crafts (also known as Art Nouveau), the Pre-Raphaëlites, and William Morris in particular.

This post from Lacombe's blog features a good sampling of Agata Kawa's range.

then I can stop worrying that I'm missing something

... or that something is very wrong with me. Which might indeed be true, but at least it won't be because I don't *get* Jane Austen!

Hope you enjoy the *visual supports* Pat! :-)

I loved the visuals Ilana! And I don't often wish that I could read French but all these books by Lacombe are making me regret that I don't.

Pat, I have just now sent Lacombe an email explaining to him that my little "Benjamin Lacombe Festival" has garnered many English speaking fans who would like nothing better than to see his books printed in English. Don't know if that'll have any effect at all, or even if he'll read it, but hey, can't hurt, right?

No it definitely can't hurt. I hope it works!

Enough with the Lacombe, already! It's hot & miserable here today...i go to check out my friend's thread...and find more illustrations "to die for"....i'd weep, but have been so sweaty today, have no tears...Alas!!

The Jennifer Egan i have not read, that one...however, i do love Look at Me.....which i highly recommend

.........i head for the swooning couch...praying for rain

;-}

#82 Me too. I always feel a little bit cruel posting about his books. But then it would be wrong NOT to as well.

#83 I'm wishing for rain for your sake too. Actually, off to put the AC on, since it's pretty well unbearable here too.

With the surreal authority of a David Lynch, Jennifer Egan threads Charlotte’s narrative with those of other casualties of our infatuation with the image.

You're right, Look at Me sounds like something I would likely quite be into. Adding it to the wishlist right away (crossing fingers they have it at the library too.) I've always been infatuated with image myself, and spent over a quarter century obsessing about fashion models and trying to live up to impossible beauty standards. I became a designer and art director precisely because of my infatuation with image and wanting to create beautiful images that I could put my stamp to, and look where it's gotten me. Actually, it's gotten me in a pretty good place, hasn't it? All this reading surely is some kind of valid form of therapy, not to mention a wonderful school of life!

*****

I finished Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck today, and must say I'm glad I'm done with it. Don't get me wrong, I can see objectively that it's a great book, and I'm actually very glad I've read it because it was an enriching experience, but INTENSE and quite depressing. I do all this reading to get away from my own depressing thoughts, so I'm not keen on putting more of them into my head, but at the same time, there is so much magic in sharing stories about real life, in all it's splendour... and it's decay as well.

Also finished listening to the Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection, performed by the author, which was quite a treat. There was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Enormous Crocodile and The Magic Finger. The stories were all abridged, which is something I usually avoid like the plague, but I made an exception since Dahl himself edited the stories to the abridged versions, so I thought that might be acceptable.

As far as audios go, I think I'll move on to Treasure Island, which I can fit in before starting on Watership Down on the 22nd.

#47 Ah, I am reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn too! And I did read Adventures of Tom Sawyer just before starting this one.

I like Austen's work decent enough, but I will never mistake her for someone like say Dickens, my liking for whom increases with each passing book, they belong in different leagues altogether.

The only Dahl book I have read and liked is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I do have his entire short story collection somewhere I believe, quite a voluminous book, I may read a couple of novels of his before I tackle that one I think.

Treasure Island is a delightful book, Long John Silver is a once in a lifetime character!

Another Lacombe.... and I thought I had my top three books. Thanks for the link to the blog and for posting those beautiful illustrations.

I feel I have to add something about Austen. As I was unaware of her popularity (she isn't a must-read in my country and only gained higher popularity through the movies in the last years), I just read the first books for fun. And I found them to be easy and enjoyable reads. Like the prototype for chick-lit, well written, well observed romance novels, ending in happy marriages, like a fairy-tale. With some good bits of irony added which make for much better reading than most modern chick-lit does. And that's fine with me. I don't expect anything real 'deep' from an Austen book.
I don't know if you have to 'get' her writing in any way. You either like it or you don't. And if you don't - no need to worry about it, and no need to force yourself through all her books.

Hi Ilana, I have decided to stop lurking on your thread because of the Jane Austen conversation...

I'm afraid I really like Austen's books, not so much because they're romances but because of the satire and humour. I agree that unlike Dickens or George Eliot in Middlemarch she doesn't have a social agenda on top of the satire and humour but I'm ok with that. Having said that, I think Emma is my least favourite of her books and I'm struggling a bit with it at the moment.

I would gently disagree with Gail, however about the other authors she mentions being in the same era as Jane Austen. JA died in 1817 and although her first book was published in 1811 the majority of them were written before 1800 making her (in my eyes) an 18th century author rather than a 19th century one. Charlotte Bronte was born in 1816, Dickens in 1812, Thackery in 1811 and Eliot in 1819. I think JA's contemporary authors are more likely to be Walter Scott , James Boswell and Fanny Burney of which I've only read Ivanhoe by Scott but would like to try Evelina or Cecilia by Fanny Burney once we've finished the Austenathon. It would be interesting to compare the attitudes to marriage etc in Burney's books as a contemporary female author.

From what I know of the period JA lived in, marriage was the only option available to women at the time and the consequences of not marrying could be grim. JA chose not to marry but she had a very understanding and supporting family which included lots of brothers who could financially support her, her sister and their mother after their father died. Compare this with the Bennett sisters in P&P - once their father died they would have no home and no close male relations to support them. I don't really see it as surprising that Mrs Bennett would be obsessed with marrying them off. Even with JA's supportive family, she found the period after her father died very hard; she, her sister and her mother were constantly moved around staying with Jane's different brothers and were powerless to get a permanent residence for themselves until one of the brothers decided to offer them a small cottage.

I also don't think most people at the end of the 18th century viewed marriage as romantic in the same way we do; it was more like a business transaction. I wonder if we have a tendancy to read the modern world's obsession with romance into JA's novels.

And I should finish by saying that it is of course completely ok to not like JA and her books. I can't stand Thomas Hardy although I know lots of people like his books, they're just not for me.

(And sorry for wittering on at length and please forgive if any of the above offended. I just wanted to elaborate on a different view)

I just 'liked' Lacombe's facebook site and from there got to his other website http://www.benjaminlacombe.com/. It has a video ad for a beautiful new pop-up book "Il était une fois", with a cute animated white rabbit (I want that rabbit!!).
If you enter the site it gives you a list of all the books and you can click through some sample pages. Now I am really interested in "Destins de Chiens", though it will probably break my heart.

Heather, how could anyone take offense?

You make a valid point about Austen's timeframe. Mary Wollstonecraft (not a novelist, I know) would be a better choice that those I use, although Scott (hmm...not the best choice for my point of view; he's pretty boring in anything but small doses) certainly included a variety of topics, and scenes in his work.

That said, the choices for women well into the Victorian era were marriage or very unfortunate alternatives. What I dislike about her work is its narrowness. I've read 4 of her books now, and the plots and characters are remarkably similar. I know she has a wide audience who love her work; I appreciate her satire. Of course we can agree to disagree--I like Hardy, depressing as he is.

Running off to the Lacombe link.

#89 Fair enough about the plots and characters being similar I think. I'm still struggling to find anyone I care about in Emma at the moment but will stop hijacking Ilana's thread and go and find the group read thread to complain in (sorry Ilana).

I agree with Heather. I, too, like Austen, but I disagree with Gail that all of the books are about the same thing. S&S is about money and how it affects every aspect of life. P&P is about sex. Think about how the attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth started with physical attraction and how that plays out. The A&E version emphasizes that -- we see a shirtless Darcy... Persuasion, my favorite, is about family. Northanger Abbey is about the dangers of novel reading -- also a satire of the gothic novels so popular at the time. They all seem to follow a formula but each focuses on a different social aspect. Like Heather and some others, I love Austen's irony and sly sense of humor.

She does write domestic fiction but I would argue that her work stands up to any of her contemporaries. She gives us what is probably a very accurate picture of 18th century life.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox and admit that I am a champion of women writers. I think too often they are not given the credit they deserve. I, for one, have never been able to understand what people find to love about Moby Dick :)

#85 Hi Piyush, I admit that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was my favourite story, though I quite like the message of The Magic Finger which takes a strong stance against hunting in a most imaginative way. Can't say I loved James and the Giant Peach, though Fantastic Mr Fox, while it at first didn't grab me, found me cheering for the animals midway through. Ok. I should stop because I won't have anything left to say when comes time to write my review!

I definitely plan on reading Tom Sawyer again. Maybe this year, maybe next, and I might be tempted with the Guttenberg version with it's numerous reproductions of original illustrations.

#86 Nathalie: Another Lacombe, yes. Did I mention I also reserved the other book by Agata Kawa at the library? It's called Tigre le dévoué, though I believe it is a translation from an original Chinese text.

I thought I had already posted the video here for Il était une fois? I know I've been going on and on about that book, it's just a matter of time before I get it. I'm afraid you'll be hearing about Lacombe—and seeing more visuals—here on my thread for a while still. So far, every time I had visited Lacombe's site, I had gone on the English site for some reason, and today prompted by your comment I visited the French site and checked the books I saw there against those available at the library. It seems they have them all save one, so I've reserved everything they had:

Longs cheveux
La grande journée du petit Lin Yi (actually originally written in English as Lin Yi's Lantern
Blues bayou
La funeste nuit d'Ernest
Destins de chiens (snif!)
Cerise Griotte
Pourquoi la carapace de la tortue

Other than Destins de chiens, I hadn't reserved the others at first because they are geared to a much younger readership, but... so what? and besides, it wouldn't be a proper Benjamin Lacombe festival if I didn't try to get my hands on all his books, right?

#87 Heather, I'm glad you've come out of hiding to share you point of view. I just thought my own thread was probably a better place to air my reservations about Jane Austen's work because I didn't want to offend her fans. Doing so on the Austenathon threads was probably inappropriate, all though I did get many interesting responses that helped me appreciate aspects of her writing I may not have appreciated before. I also encouraged Gail (not to say coerced) to share her views on this topic here, because I know there are a few of us who have not found all that much satisfaction in her books and who feel a bit afraid to come out publicly to say so for fear of offending anyone.

I haven't read many authors from the 18th century, whether men or women, if any, so I can't make any comparisons with other writers and contemporaries of hers, and though I understand why she wrote about marriage so extensively, I've just found it's a topic I don't particularly enjoy reading about. It is possible that this has something to do with my own issues around marriage. After all, I am an old maid, even though I very much wanted to be married well into my 30s, and now that I've all but given up on the notion, that topic is just not something I really want to be reading about at length, from any author. But then again, every time I try to find a reason for why I haven't fallen in love with JA's novels so far, it doesn't ever seem to quite convey what I can't quite find words to express properly.

#90 I don't find you're hijacking my thread in the least. I was the one who brought up this topic for discussion in the first place, and I enjoy healthy exchanges, even when we end up agreeing to disagree. It's all part of the pleasure of being a member of this group of passionate readers!

#91 Beth, of course you're right that Austen approached different topics with each book, and I don't think that Gail was suggesting otherwise. Personally, I just find that her writing tends to be somewhat formulaic and to use Gail's word, her perspective does seem to be somewhat *narrow* in the sense that she chose to focus on a particular class of people with a particular set of views, morals and circumstances. This makes for a kind of reading experience that can bring great comfort to readers who appreciate reading about those kinds of experiences in that particular time in history.

Personally, I think the mistake I made was trying to read all her major works within a limited time. I thought that joining the Austenathon would give me a good excuse to stop putting off reading her books, but in the process made the whole thing seem like more of a chore than a pleasurable experience. In other words, it's quite possible that I'll enjoy her books more in small doses when I approach them knowing what to expect, when I'm in the mood for them as opposed to trying to follow an agenda.

I think it's wonderful that you champion female authors. Goodness knows that for too long, women who tried their hand at any kind of creative expression other than bearing children were all too often discouraged from doing so, and it only seems right to recognise their talent and efforts. For the record, I don't plan on reading Moby Dick any time soon, though no doubt Melville has plenty of fans too. :-)

#93 Thanks for your response Ilana, what you've said about marriage makes a lot of sense. I can particularly relate to what you said about reading seeming like a chore. I love making plans for which books I'll read (and I can see from your enthusiasm for lists and the monthly themed reads that you do too) but too often I then find I don't want to read the books I planned to read right now. And then it starts to feel like a chore when reading is/should be/needs to be what I do to relax/escape from all the other things that really are chores.

It definitely sounds sensible to give JA a break if you're not enjoying her books at the moment.

And I will try and delurk more often and on less contentious issues. I love the way you appreciate art so much in books and I wish my local libraries had some books by Benjamin Lacombe. As they don't I am just going to enjoy all the pictures you post.

Wow, almost 100 messages behind and far too much to comment on so I will just stick to the first thought I had and that is that you have definitely made another Benjamin Lacombe fan here, his work is gorgeous.

>94 souloftherose:: ...too often I then find I don't want to read the books I planned to read right now. And then it starts to feel like a chore...

Man, I hear ya, Heather. I seem to have an extremely low tolerance for the idea of "I should be reading such and such" and yet I keep on overcommitting and making myself unhappy by cutting out to some other, shinier read. Silly for me and kind of self-defeating as well.

Although I'll finish my re-read of Emma just to see if by the end of the book my opinion of it changes, the way my opinion of P and P did.

93: This is what is great about book discussions. People all come to books with different ideas, different likes and dislikes. You certainly started an interesting discussion.

>97 BLBera:: I certainly agree with that. It's always stimulating to see another's opinion, whether we agree or not; gets the brain cells working.

#94 I like planning my reads only because it seems like there's an infinity of books to choose from, and narrowing down the selection seems reassuring to me somehow. When I make my lists, I try to include lots of different options of genres and so on. But I definitely have a "take it or leave it" attitude about them too.

I most definitely encourage you to delurk and speak your mind about whatever inspires you here!

#95 I'm thinking of getting a petition going so they'll publish his books in English!

#96 Gail, you take part in TIOLI, right? I systematically overcommit, because I figure if I set the bar high, then I'll get at least half those books read. And if not... no big deal.

... But really, I say that and I always feel badly about not getting all my books read by the end of the month, no matter how unrealistic my lists are.

I'm watching Master Chef, which is kind of funny because I hardly cook... EVER, but I just love seeing all these great cooks battling it out with these scary judges. Yikes!

#99: I will sign the petition for Lacombe's books to be published in English. I am loving the illustrations! Thanks for continuing to share them, Ilana.

I'll try and wait patiently for your reviews. Maybe it's a good thing that my financial situation doesn't allow for a big Lacombe shopping spree right now. But I am quite sure "Destins de chiens" will be among my top-three in the end. That picture of "Bichon"(?) almost broke my heart. And then that black book with the illustrations of the Poe stories (more pages for my money).
Thinking about it, there's no way I'll only have three books in the end...

My hair stylist is at home on maternity leave, and watching the cooking channels non-stop! I had her cut my mop at home last month, and I was "treated" to two of these -- a bit scary, actually.

The one show I've watched & enjoyed is Project Runway -- not the backbiting but just watching how creative everyone is in creating something from nearly nothing. OK, much of it I'd never even contemplate wearing, but it's still fun.

Re Austen -- I'm about to get from the library a book called A Jane Austen Education whose author apparently found a lot more than he expected in Austen. I agree that it's there to be found; the problem is that we're filtering it through our own expectations and the prism of television shows that emphasize romance. I def. agree that romance was a luxury in Austen's day and marriages were pragmatic (hence the emphasis on Charlotte's contentment with her marriage to Mr. Collins in P&P, and for that matter Wickham's approach to marrying Lydia); I wonder whether the love matches with Bingley & Darcy were seen as a kind of wish fulfillment in her own time?

#102 It might be a little while until ALL my reviews on Lacombe's books are out, which should give you time to save up for your purchases. I'm taking my time on Contes macabres, since they're only so much I want to creep myself out at a time. Then there are a bunch that might take a while to get from the library, and finally, I'll need to purchase the 2-3 books I really want which aren't available otherwise, and since my finances are somewhat dire at the moment (a meeting with my accountant just confirmed that: he was shocked at how much I spend on clothes and shoes... but then... he's a man) not sure when I'll get them, but considering how I'm itching to get them, well... may not take all that long actually.

#103 The funny thing Linda is I hardly ever watch any TV at all, and I would definitely not watch the cooking channel all day long even if I did. I go through phases with what I feel like watching, though I'm quite faithful to some series (mostly from HBO or Showtime). When the new series of True Blood and Dexter come out, I never miss a show, and I watched all of Six Feet Under too (of course. albeit after they ran on tv). At one point, I watched The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, much in the same way one is compelled to slow down to watch car crashes on the highway, though most of the time all the bitching and whining is just more than I can stand. There, now you know all my embarrassing secrets.

The thing about Austen for me is that there are just so many classic novels I enjoy without having to do a bunch of mental gymnastics, since I usually find no trouble in taking historical difference into consideration, that I really don't see why I should redouble my efforts for her. I spent the better part of my therapy session yesterday discussing "why I'm not in love with Jane Austen" because I've been really bothered about the extent to which her novels have gotten under my skin (in a not good way) so far, not to mention the fact that keep thinking there must be something wrong with me because of that and what came out is that a) I don't come from a conventional background and was raised outside of most traditions (to say the least) b) I've always had a rebel streak, maybe as a consequence of that, and c) I've always been envious of people who can take traditions and strict morals for granted since... well the grass is always greener and all that. So basically... right now, at this period in my life, she just gets on my nerves and it seems like no amount of discussion is going to sway me for now, which is why I'm now firm in my resolve than that it's best if Austen and I spend a little time apart for now. No hard feelings, and I'm sure we'll get along much better when I'm done feeling so threatened by her.

*****

Now... I've been preparing my next post for much longer than I care to admit, so I'll put the finishing touches on it so I can share something with you guys which I really do enjoy a whole lot, which is illustrated novels.

#101 I don't know how effective an actual petition would be... after all it would have to garner a most impressive number of signatures to be effective, and a dozen or so just wouldn't cut it I fear.

HOWEVER, If you want to contact Benjamin Lacombe to tell him you want to see his books published in English, why not write to him directly at contact@benjaminlacombe.com? You can write to him in English as it seems he manages just fine. I told him in my own email that I was with a group on LT and that I'd made many converts here, so you might want to mention LT as well.

*****

I brought back a few books from the library yesterday:

Flotsam David Wiesner, which was recommended by Pat (phebj) who posted one image which completely sold me.
Charlotte's Web - the audiobook narrated by the author. As a general rule, I find authors aren't that great at reading their own material, so we'll see about this one (Roald Dahl was an exception, he just sounded so kindly and grandfathery!)

Then two versions of The Wind in the Willows, which I got for the illustrations and which I wanted to comment on here, but my post got so ridiculously long that I decided to hold off until I get the third (Arthur Rackham) edition as well, at which point I'll post about all of that on my blog and provide a link for those interested.

Will have to come back after work today and read your last message again properly, I am keen to get his works in english.

135. ♫ Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris ★★★★ (Edgar Nominee 2007)
(Read for TIOLI: Read an Edgar Nominated novel from between the years 2002 and 2011 in honor of Edgar the cat & 11 in 11Category #3: Mysteries & Crime Fiction)
Narrated by Steven Pacey
Publisher: Harper Audio

A fun and clever thriller set at St. Oswald's, a venerable exclusive private school for boys with a long history and a solid reputation. There are two narrators relating the story, the first being Roy Straitley, the Classics teacher with the heart of gold who is looking forward to his "century", i.e. his 100th term at the school, and the second by the now grown child of the school's former caretaker who had developed an unhealthy fixation on the institution and one of it's students in pre-pubescence, and is now out to bring down St. Oswald's in a chaos of carefully orchestrated scandals and meticulously planned murders. We know from the very beginning that people will get killed, though we don't know who, why, how nor when, nor whether Straitley will end up as the hero who saves the day, or as one of the killer's victims, or possibly both?

Loved Steven Pacey's performance and will be on the lookout for more audiobooks narrated by him.

Never read Gentlemen and Players but love Holy Fools.....reminded me of...something that I can't recall, now......The Devils of Loudon....that's it....

It's late, I'm tired...and some damn fool must have run over a skunk...down on the State Route...cause everything is very smelly all of a sudden...it's not me, i swear!!! I have showered so often today my skin is wrinkly...

Lacombe is to die for, as an illustrator....saving my pennies..

;-}

136. ♫ The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites by Dr. Seuss ★★★★
(Read for Children's & YA July & TIOLI: Re-read a book that you first read before age 21)

This collection, read by a bevy of talented actors, comprises the following:
The Cat in the Hat and The Cat in the Hat Comes Back read by Kelsey Grammer
Horton Hears a Who read by Dustin Hoffman
How the Grinch Stole Christmas read by Walter Matthau
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? read by John Cleese
The Lorax read by Ted Danson
Yertle the Turtle, Gertrude McFuzz, and The Big Brag read by John Lithgow
Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose read by Mercedes McCambridge
Horton Hatches the Egg read by Billy Crystal

I won't write a review for each of the stories, but will just say that I had never before experienced Dr. Seuss this way before, having always read the physical book with those wonderful illustrations as a child, and must say that I was amazed by how entertaining I found this collection, though it must be said that it helps that the narration is conducted by professional actors who have all proved their worth as comic talents.

As I mentioned on another thread, hearing him now as an adult, I can recognize where some of my deepest held beliefs about right and wrong, fairness and equality, animal advocacy and even democracy were first put into words.

My absolute favourites were probably The Cat in the Hat and The Cat in the Hat Comes Back (no big surprise there), and this was closely followed by Yertle the Turtle, Gertrude McFuzz and The Big Brag and Horton Hears a Who.






137. ♫ The Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection by Roald Dahl ★★★★⅓
(Read for Children's & YA July, TIOLI: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month & 11 in 11 Category #11: The Film Might Be Good But the Book is Better)

Another great collection, this time narrated by the author which includes
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
James and the Giant Peach
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Enormous Crocodile
The Magic Finger

Hearing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reminded me how much I had enjoyed this book when I first read it as a child. When the movie version with Johnny Depp came out in the cinema I rushed out to see it and was very disappointed to find it didn't at all fit with my fond memories of the story. So it felt like an extra treat to find this tale was just as I'd remembered it, with the chocolates concoctions which had made me salivate when I'd read about them originally, and all about those golden tickets and the wicked children who had won them, which later made the horrible fates the children eventually met with seem wholly justified.

Another reviewer here on LT said that she found Dahl's gruesome sense of humour disturbing, and I suppose it was, but I find that's part of what makes Dahl's stories so unique and enduring, aside from which, what he inflicts on some of his characters is no worse than the horrors that were met by countless protagonists in the fairytale stories we were told as children, which again, is part of the reason they stayed so long in the collective consciousness before Disney and political correctness changed them beyond recognition.

Loved loved loved The Magic Finger too, which taught a family unforgettable lessons about the evils of hunting in a terrifying, yet (to this animal lover) absolutely delightful way.

138. Le chat du rabbin 5: Jérusalem d'Afrique by Joann Sfar ★★★★⅓

When the rabbi's son-in-law discovers a man in a crate containing a shipment of books from Russia he's been expecting, everyone fears the worst—is the man dead? It turns out the man is alive, but perhaps worse for the Rabbi, he's a Russian Jew who is an artist and talks (Russian) incessantly. Only one person understands him, and that is the cat (cats are people too, of course). The artist is dismayed to find out that he hasn't landed in Ethiopia where he thought his container was headed to, as he has his heart set on going to an obscure little place called Jerusalem, where a tribe of black Jews has been living in seclusion since time immemorial. A great finish to this series, but did it really have to end?

139. Flotsam by David Wiesner ★★★★½
(Read for Children's & YA July & TIOLI: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month)

A visually stunning wordless book about a young boy who discovers an underwater camera which has just been thrown up on the beach by a wave. When he hurries to the store to get one hour photo processing for the film he's found inside, he discovers some pretty fantastic images. My thanks to Pat (phebj) for suggesting this book.

140. The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo ★★★★⅓
(Read for Children's & YA July)

A heartbreaking story about a young boy, Rob, who is amazed to discover a caged tiger in the middle of the woods close to the motel he's living at with his father. Rob has recently lost his mother to cancer, and ever since his father punished him for crying over her loss, Rob hasn't allowed himself to feel anything:

Rob had a way of not-thinking about things. He imagined himself as a suitcase that was too full, like the one that he had packed when they left Jacksonville after the funeral. He made all his feelings go inside the suitcase; he stuffed them in tight and then sat on the suitcase and locked it shut. That was the way he not-thought about things.

But on the same day that he makes this amazing discovery, he also meets Sistine (like the chapel), a young girl with a serious chip on her shoulder who inspires him—when she downright doesn't force him—to speak out. Sistine is adamant that the tiger must be set free, but Rob isn't so sure it's a good idea.

#111: I enjoyed my recent 'read' of Flotsam too, Ilana. I am glad to see you enjoyed it.

I really must get to The Tiger Rising soon. Linda recommended the book a while back but I keep forgetting about it!

Ilana- Wow, that is an impressive list of children & YA books. I like the way, both Flotsam & The Tiger Rising sound. Have a great day, my friend!

I'm loving this discussion of Jane Austen. I read the four Austen books (5 if you count Lady Susan) that I had never read before a few years ago and haven't had the urge to pick any of them up again for a reread. Maybe I overdid it? I do feel like I should read Pride and Prejudice again someday just to see if it maintains my high opinion of it - which was formed in high school.

>107 Smiler69:: Your review of Gentlemen and Players was spot on. I enjoyed it when I read it a few years ago. It was not what I was expecting after reading Chocolat.

I should probably be reading children's books these days. They look like fun... and my brain needs a rest from some of the heavy books I've been reading.

#108 I hadn't read anything by Joanne Harris before and didn't realize it was the author of Chocolat fame until I thought to look her up here on LT. I've added Holy Fools and The Devils of Loudon to the list that will keep me forever reading as they both sound like I'd enjoy them a lot.

Hope the skunk got away and you feel clean again. It's somewhere around 110 degrees here right now, and is due to go up another 5 degrees or so amidst thunderstorms. I wish Coco would agree with me that we're much better off staying indoors than stepping out into the oven, but I'm not counting on that.

#113 Flotsam definitely lived up to expectations, and in fact, I'll pore over it a couple more times before returning it to the library, just in case I've missed anything the first time around.

You really must get your hands on The Tiger Rising Stasia, it's a haunting story that I'm sure won't leave you indifferent.

#114 Hi Mark, a great day for me today will mean staying indoors as much as possible and getting lots of reading done. But wait... that sounds like the way I spend most of my days!

It's not too late to join us for a bit of Children's & YA reading in July Mark... I'm surprised we haven't had at least one or two visits from you on our thread!

#115 The good thing for me about Jane Austen Donna is that things can only get better. In the sense that either I'll never read her books again, and won't have to suffer for lack of proper appreciation, or, knowing what to expect, may eventually reach out to her for comfort reading, at which point I'll probably end up feeling like I've finally *gotten it*.

Gentlemen and Players was my first books by Joanne Harris. She definitely seems like a very diversified writer and I'll be looking out for more of her work.

It's definitely not too late to join us for Children's & YA July Donna! In fact, some of us will be continuing with this theme into August. For my part, I've got such a terrific pile of books to read from that I'll be far from done when the end of this month rolls around. I just thought it was the perfect "light" summer reading, even though children's books are far from automatically light in content.

Great review of Gentlemen and Players, a book I found riveting. I haven't picked up anything else of hers, but like you, I'm on the look-out.

Tiger Rising sounds good as well, and those pictures from Flotsam--oh my! I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only adult who can spend quite a bit of time just musing over complex book illustrations.

I like your idea of setting a high standard for books to read; but I'm soooo easily distracted and led off the path; perhaps I was Little Red Riding Hood in a previous life...

I didn't realize the author of Gentlemen and Players was that of Chocolat fame. Thanks for reading (purr) and reviewing it, Ilana. I won't get to it this month (like you, I overcommit for TIOLI) but I'll add it to my wishlist. It sounds like a great read.

I love your thread - the pictures of covers and illustrations really add to my enjoyment of your reviews.

I'm also less enthusiastic about Jane Austen's work than many. But I admit, when I'm really in a funk, watching the A&E production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, with a glass of wine in hand, is just what the doctor ordered.

#117 You know Gail, it was really funny to me when I joined this group because here I was thinking I needed to be informed about all the best "quality" literature, when really, what has been my greatest discovery is a whole new world of children's literature and graphic books that have absolutely taken off in a big way since I had last paid attention. I'd always been a fan, but in those 20-odd years when I'd substantially slowed down in the reading department, there's been so many exciting developments! Of course I get plenty of great suggestions in other departments here too, obviously. Darryl's thread for instance is always the place for me when I'm looking for the latest in international award-winning literature, and I'm adding new books to the wishlist every day from the threads I visit too, but this month I'm having a ball with all the children's & YA stuff where there's plenty of amazing illustration to be found obviously.

I like your idea of setting a high standard for books to read

Hey, I like that idea too, where did I write my mission statement again? I might need to refresh my memory!

#118 Ellen, I was glad to fit in at least one book in your Edgar challenge and I hope to fit more because that somehow doesn't seem to be enough. We'll see how the rest of the month goes. I'm still waiting for some cash flow so I can clear off a little space on my Visa and possibly get another audio or two from Audible.

Do you know about the Basic HTML thread Ellen? You'll find really useful and easy to follow advice there, because doing things like posting book covers and photos of Edgar really isn't tricky at all once you know how to. Just click http://www.librarything.com/topic/104943 (you can always find it on the main page of the 75ers).

*****

So, I should know better, because at this point I'm juggling too many books as it is, but I just had to start on the next Zola in line in the Rougon-Macquart series—probably to counter-balance all the kid's stuff I've got going on, no matter how enjoyable. What I really like about having given myself this challenge is that it encourages me to read those books in the series I might have skipped over otherwise. Case in point: the book I've started now, which is The Sin of Father Mouret. Because the main protagonist is a Catholic priest, I've never been tempted by this particular novel because I knew there would be lots of talk about religion as well as descriptions of Catholic prayer rituals, which, though half my family is Catholic, I know nothing about, and don't much interest in either. But the beauty about Zola is that no matter what the theme of the individual novels, he always paints such a broad canvas around whatever that particular theme happens to be that I'm always sure to find plenty to sink my teeth into. I'm seeing that one of his devices so far has in at least a few of his novels has been to start off the first couple of chapters by plunging us into headlong into the main topic, but then he quickly brings in a whole slew of fascinating characters and events that take on just as much, if not even more importance, and this combined with irresistible storylines is why he's become such a must-read author for me. The fact that his prose is absolutely wonderful (in the original French at least; have never read translations), and that he's paints wonderful life-like canvases with words certainly adds a lot to the general appeal of his works.

It's 115 degrees outside with the humidity factor, but I'm managing to stay relatively cool inside with all windows and doors tightly shut, AC unit going full blast (doesn't work all that well, but better than nothing) and fans to keep air circulating. There's homemade iced coffee and lemonade (I might switch to homemade iced tea for a change eventually) and then, when all else fails, cold showers after which I barely towel off and put off wearing clothes until I start, much like Eve, feeling indecent in my nudity and cover up. For instance, I can never sit here and socialize on LT without some clothes on, just in case you're wondering!

Ilana, you're too funny. I'm seriously in shock though that it's 115 degrees (even with the humidity factor) in Montreal. What is the world coming to?

I don't think I've read anything by Zola but you're tempting me.

Ha! I meant to say "a high standard for number of books read"; although seriously, Dearie, your book lists look quite high standard to me.

I've also been pleasantly surprised by the explosion of graphic novels, something I appreciate greatly. I'm an old fan from way, waaaaaay back.

Never read a Zola; I'm so often disappointed in the translations and have no French knowledge, to my infinite regret. One that didn't disappoint was Dangerous Liaisons, a marvelous, horrid story.

Ilana- Actually, I completely forgot about the Children's & YA thread. I'll try to stop by, although I'm not reading anything that qualifies.
Keep cool, my friend!

119> thanks for the link; I've been starting to do some perusing around the various FAQs and just need to set aside some time to figure it out. I know that I can figure it out - and I want y'all to see just how freakin' adorable my perfect Edgar was!!

And -- 115????!!!!! Yikes!!! We barely got into the 70s today! Take care and stay cool, Ilana.

#120 Pat, we always get extreme heat waves in the summer here. Talk about going from one extreme to the other... I can never get used to it.

#121 Yes well, I don't know if that's any kind of standard to try to uphold. I might be doing a lot of reading, but doing little else. I feel quite badly that I'm not doing any artwork for instance, but that's where it's at right now, so no sense fighting the urge.

I haven't read Dangerous Liaisons, though I definitely want to. I saw the movie a few times and loved it. I'll try to remember to put it on the reading list for next year.

#122 Mark, I'm sure you can get your hand on something. I took advantage of it this month to finish the Dark Materials trilogy and just finishing up The Amber Spyglass right now.

#123 My apartment is much more bearable than it is out there let me tell you. Whenever I open the door, it's as if there was an oven going full blast out there. I shouldn't complain though, at least this year I've figured out a way to stay on top of it unlike previous years when I thought I'd die from the heat.

#124 Dangerous Liaisons, the movie was awesome and I finally bought the book a couple of months back, I hope it proves to be atleast as good as the movie!

How are you liking His Dark Materials trilogy?

I think the humidity in Montreal would do me in!

Greetings from a fellow Sweltering Sister!!

Dangerous Liaisons is one you must read...so horrid (story) and so good (writing) at the same time!

I'd love to be able to run around in the buff, here...but my luck, somebody would drive up to the house and there i'd be, with no "cover" in sight....Eeek!!!

I alternate Iced Coffee and Iced Tea....keep cool with a definite caffeine buzz....

;-}

Huddled by the radiator, enough with your teasing talk of heat waves! Interesting and provocative observations, Ilana and - as always - some great reviews...

It's a 'cool' 100 degrees here today. I'll take that over yesterday's 115. When it gets this hot, I pray for thunderstorms to cool things off and we had one such yesterday which didn't help one bit; it just made everything muggier. The air felt so thick it was hard to breathe. Just gross. Even Coco's not so keen on staying outdoors these days.

We get heat waves here every summer that can last weeks at a time, but this year seems different somehow. I shouldn't complain because I like staying indoors, but I do enjoy long walks in the summer and in this heat, it's no fun even at snail's pace. I saw a guy (very young, stupid obviously) JOGGING yesterday and I just felt like stopping him, telling him he needs to take himself home and cool off or he might die from a heart attack. Sheesh.

As some of you know, I take quite a lot of meds just to function on a daily basis. I'm usually good about staying on top of that, but the past few days, I guess I forgot to take my 'morning' dose of antidepressants, which I take after breakfast usually, but since my eating's been erratic with the heat and humidity, I just forgot. The side effects when I forget to take my meds can be kind of nasty and sure enough, today I slept and slept and slept and was caught up in a bunch of vivid dreams I couldn't wake from and in which I kept being offered (illegal) drugs, which I guess was my body's way of telling me I need to take my... (pharmaceutical) drugs. That in itself is unpleasant enough, but the worst part is that when I do finally manage to pull myself out of sleep I stay confused for many many hours, sometimes a full day or two after, not really knowing what is real and what is imagined. And of course with the heat making me sluggish to begin with... So yeah. I'm a bit messed up today.

Summer is the worst season, if one is on Anti-Depressants..i haven't been on such for years...but, i'm relying on Xanax to give me a few hours sleep...of late

Confusion...Fuzzy Head in the morning...which, for me, has been 5:30-6:00 am...just so i can fix some food for a few days....i hate it

I hate the sweat and the ensuing anger..i'm not "pretty" here, doll

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

#125 Piyush, I mentioned somewhere that it might be fun to have a group read for Dangerous Liaisons and was told (if I remember correctly) that there had been one last year. But perhaps a repeat in 2012? It seems like the kind of book which would probably provoke a lot of interesting discussions and I'm sure we could get together enough people for one. What do you think? Would you be willing to wait that long?

I've been really enjoying the His Dark Materials Trilogy. I'd been told not to expect too much from the 2nd and 3rd books, since the first is of course so incredibly brilliant (one of my all-time favourites, to be sure). So expectation-free, I was really enjoying The Amber Spyglass, if only for the originality of it. At some point toward the end, I got a bit fed up and really wanted to get it over with, but now, with just 4 chapters left, things have gotten really interesting again. I can see that for people who are religious, some of the ideas in it could be quite disturbing and even offensive. I'm not religious, and something tells me Pullman was working out a lot of his own conflicting emotions on the topic. I'm more interested in the metaphysical observations having very little interest in the whole argument about whether or not God exists, and if so in what exact form her is. But that's just me.

#126 I'd have to agree Stasia. I've experienced all kinds of heat climates, and honestly think the humidity makes it harder to bear. But then... any extreme is difficult.

#127/30 I've been on high doses of anti-depressants for years now, and honestly don't know how I'd function without them, considering I tend to be so melancholy even with them. But of course, I have to take mood stabilizers too, otherwise I get totally manic, which is fun in the short term, but completely nightmarish after a few days and makes me act totally crazy of course. Though not as crazy as some people I know who are also bipolar and so much worse off...

I really can't wait to read Dangerous Liaisons. Just being realistic and not putting it on the reading list for this year since I've already got so many books I want to get to that will probably have to be put off... but as I mentioned to Piyush, would be cool to get a group together next year to get a discussion going and if so, of course your feedback would be more than welcome.

I know you've been having a hard time of it in your overheated region of the world. My sympathies go out to you doll... I send you mental hugs. Not even imaginary physical ones because it's too damn hot and the idea of mixing sweat particles is just too gross. ;-)

#128 Of course, it's the heart of winter for you! But please please please, do not mention radiators around here! It's enough that opening up doors and windows feels like opening an oven going full blast. I've been craving apple crisp but the idea of running the oven for over an hour is just ludicrous right now!

In book news, I finished listening to Treasure Island. Alfred Molina did a great job, though I can't say I absolutely loved the book. I didn't expect I would really, because buccaneering adventures have never really caught my fancy, but it's just one of those classics I felt I wanted to have experienced since of course it's been so influential and is mentioned so very often. So that's done. I'll be moving on to Watership Down for our group read next.

But first, I'll finish up The Amber Spyglass, and maybe make some progress on The Sin of Father Mouret which is just... gorgeous. I might throw in The Fall of the House of Usher from my Lacombe book since it's one of my favourite Poe stories and with my mind set, a bit of a macabre experience would be quite fitting.

Ilana- Hope you are feeling better and those meds are balancing out. I'm glad you are enjoying The Amber Spyglass. It is such a terrific trilogy. I'm kicking off August with Divergent, a new YA series, set in a future Chicago. It's been getting some serious buzz. Have you heard of this one?

#134 I finished The Amber Spyglass a couple of hours ago Mark an, whew, what a ride! I'm glad I purchased all three books because I know I'll want to read the trilogy again in future. Definitely would make for some interesting discussions as a group read!

I've heard... divergent views on Divergent (bad pun, sorry). I think I'll let that one evolve for a while before looking into it, if I decided to go that route. I enjoyed the Hunger Game Trilogy well enough, but not all that keen on continuing with young adult dystopia. I get turned off whenever a specific genre becomes a fad, if you know what I mean. That said, I'll look forward to your comments on it.

Ilana, where are you? I know lots of folks are getting brutal temps -- just wondering where yours are. We did hit 73 F today ----

Hi Ilana - Enjoying the morning and getting caught up on some threads, including yours. Glad to see that the heat wave you have been enduring has started to wane. If there was some way that I could have shipped some of that heat to the west coast, I would have!

#136 Ellen, I'm in Montreal. We get heat waves every summer, so I really shouldn't be complaining. I don't know who or where I saw a comment by someone living in Seattle, but I do know that you guys have been waiting for things to warm up...

#137 Lori, I think we'll still have a few days of this before things start cooling off a little. Today we're supposed to hit 99 (that's 34 for us Canuks), but next week will be more comfortable in the 80s (24-30). It's supposed to go down to 64 overnight (18), I'm really excited about that! :-)

*****

Book news: I started listening to Watership Down yesterday, and 10 chapters in now am completely taken with the story. Parts of it do seem familiar of course, since it made such a big impression on me as a child, but it's no less gripping for that.

I also started Charmed Life yesterday, the first young adult book in the Chrestomanci series and my first Diana Wynne Jones too. Again, am loving this story of a young witch and her little no-witch brother who has to put up with his sister's temper.

Joining in on the readeathon today. I plan on finishing Charmed Life and making headway on my Zola book. Might read a few chapters of Game of Thrones too while I'm at it.

I think Charmed Life was my first DWJ too, and I loved it.

#139 Yes, I'm really enjoying it. May try to finish it today, though I tire quickly when I stay with one book several hours at a time.

*****

In the news, singer Amy Winehouse was found dead today. She was 27. Darryl posted a link to a Guardian article, and I put together a blog post with links and videos. She battled many demons in her life, here's hoping she finds peace now. http://fromsmilerwithlove.com/2011/07/23/r-i-p-amy-winehouse/

140> So sad about Amy Winehouse. I wasn't a total fan but she had a gift and I wish she could have lived many more years to share it with the rest of us.

My partner is playing "Rehab" in her honor.

Spoiler thread for Watership Down is up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/121024

Thanks for posting the link here Jim, I'll drop by today.

141. Le bois de Klara / Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck ★★★½
(Read for TIOLI Challenge #1: Read a book with a title that has 1 to 13 words)

Don't be fooled by the (small) size of this novel, because it certainly packs a punch. A piece of land by a lake in Germany is purchased by an architect who builds a beautiful home complete with quirky little touches to suit his wife's whimsy. The grounds are planned out by a landscaper (the architect's cousin) and tended daily by the gardener. Through the years, the house is occupied by different tenants. People come and go through the two world wars, through the occupation by the Russians and a stampede of horses, through the communist regime and the reunification. In alternating chapters, we are introduced to the successive residents of the house, the house which we soon discover is the main character in this story. The house and well-tended grounds that is, because the gardener is always there, tending the trees and rose bushes, going about his business and doing his best to care for a parcel of land that has a long history since times before the humans came and will probably go on being there long after we're all gone. Not a joyful read, as you can imagine, but one which enriches and opens doors we may not have suspected existed before.

142. ♫ Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson ★★★
(Read for Children's & YA July, TIOLI Challenge #17: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month and 11 in 11 Category #1: The Classics)
Narrated by Alfred Molina
Published by Listening Library

I should say straight away that I'm not a big fan of buccaneering adventures and that I mostly listened to this audiobook because Treasure Island has been so influential and has been adapted and copied in so many ways that I wanted to know what the original was like. It's a great adventure, and probably the kind of fantasy many boys have growing up. Alfred Molina is an excellent narrator. In the end, I enjoyed, but no more.

Hi and Happy Sunday.

I vow to keep more on top of the threads in August. Reading message 129, and I want to send a virtual hug to you my dear! I hope today is a better day for you!

143. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman ★★★★⅓
(Read for Children's & YA July and TIOLI Challenge #17: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month)

The conclusion of the His Dark Materials Trilogy is filled with unexpected twists and turns. We find Lyra and Will joining forces to find their way into the world of the dead, and Dr Mary Malone, the scientist Lyra meets in book 2, somehow ends up in a world where the creatures have evolved to transport themselves on wheels, which somehow contribute to increasing their self-awareness. Here I finally understood why the trilogy created such a scandal in religious circles because Pullman brings the battle between those who defend Dust and those who would eradicated it (aka the Authority, aka God) to a violent conclusion. In the end, what I liked most in this three-part story is the relationship that people from Lyra's world have with their daemons, which are their souls embodied as the animals who resemble them most.






144. Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones ★★★½
(Read for Children's & YA July and TIOLI Challenge #17: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month)

Cat and Gwendolen Chant are orphans who are taken in at the castle of the powerful magician Chrestomanci. Cat's sister Gwendolen has powerful gifts as a witch and great ambitions to rule the world. Gwendolen, an unpleasant girl at the best of times, reacts to the edict that no magic must be performed without supervision by playing the dirtiest and most unpleasant tricks on everyone. Meanwhile, Cat wants to be the perfect little brother, but he is uncomfortable with magic, so he sits back and watches helplessly. But is he really that helpless? A charming little book I read in a day in which the forces of right and wrong aren't so very black and white, but must nevertheless do battle. I'll probably be pursuing this series for September Series & Sequels month.






145. La funeste nuit d'Ernest by Sébastien Perez, Illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe ★★★½
(Read for Children's & YA July and TIOLI Challenge #17: Read a fantasy book for Juvenile and Young Adult month)

Ernest's parents have decided to stay the night at his deceased grandfather's house to sort out some things. Ernest choses to sleep in the bedroom closest to his parents, but to his dismay, the window is directly in front of the cemetery. When a spirit appear and asks him for his help in recuperating a medal that a vampire has taken from him, Ernest sets off for a spooky adventure. A cute little story illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe which I imagine must appeal to the younger set, but for my taste the story wasn't quite substantial enough, and the images were very nice and show a nice range in Lacombe's work, but again, geared toward the 6-10 crowd, I imagine. I did enjoy the nod to famous spooky real-life personalities with tombstones in the names of Edward Gorey, Bella Lugosi, Edgar Allan Poe and others.

Hi Linda, I missed your message while I was busily reviewing my latest batch of kid's & YA books. Thanks for your kind words, always appreciated.

Thumbed your review of Jenny Erpenbeck's Visitation and now off to track down a copy. Still loving your kids and YA books.

Hi Ilana- Good reviews and of course I especially liked your thoughts on The Amber Spyglass, which earned a big Thumb! I plan on joining you guys on Watership Down later this week. I have the audio, all locked and loaded.
How are you feeling? Headache gone?

Sorry you've been poorly--I almost wrote "under the weather" but presumed I'd be shot on the spot--hope that the meds are balancing out and you are too. Emotions and heat; yuck.

Distributed a few thumbs for your reviews. I've got the first installment of His Dark Materials waiting to be picked up and read. You make it tempting...

Ilana - I hope things are leveling out for you.

#149 Hi Lori, I'll look forward to your comments once you've read Visitation. There were lots of moments when I though "do I really want to be reading about this?" and then decided yes because the writing is so beautiful and unusual.

#150 Hi Mark, thanks for the thumb on Amber Spyglass. I knocked out those reviews faster than ever because, no, my migraine doesn't seem to want to leave me today, but now I'm thinking I should always write my reviews on migraine days since they get written so much quicker!

#151 Gail, I don't believe in guns, so shooting people is out of the question. I AM tempted to maim people very badly when they go too far, so you couldn't say I'm all peace'n love either. But no, I would not at all get upset if you mentioned the weather. So happens today was a perfectly fine one with 80ish degrees (26 Celcius) which was very nice indeed.

I definitely recommend you pick up His Dark Materials and doubt that the religious overtones will upset you much, judging from our exchanges so far. I will say that the first book was my absolute favourite, but they each are a joy to discover and the trilogy works brilliantly as a whole. I bought all three books knowing I'd want to read them again some time, but my only regret is I got the American editions, which apparently cut out some parts where Lyra's budding sexuality was concerned. Typical. :-|

#152 Thanks Ellen. I have a hard time knowing what's what sometimes between migraines and weird moods and whatnot. Feeling spacey is nothing new to me. After all, there was a time when I wanted to get that way quite deliberately and did more than my share of inhaling. Turns out I was self-medicating. Who knew? Now if only this migraine would leave me alone, I think I'd manage to say that all is fine.

There's no way in hell that i can comment on your "flood"of reviews..

I did read The Golden Compass...loved it...bought the Trilogy...the other two are waiting in the wings like frustrated ingenues...

Treasure Island.....i remember the movie that Disney did...waaaay back in the day.....Long John Silver was a hoot....have no link to the actual film...sorry

I do own a gun.....and know the Rule...you never aim a gun at someone unless you're prepared to fire...i don't think i'd have a problem shooting someone...given sufficient provocation.....but, then, i'm not a "nice" person to begin with....(guess i shouldn't have said THAT, eh???)

exiting stage left...before Ilana calls the Authorities..........

Me? Call the Authorities? Only if you happen to be my neighbour and are having a loud party outside while I try to get some sleep. Otherwise, no. You're fine. And you might say you're not a nice person, but we all have our good and bad sides. Sometimes with some people you just have to look harder, that's all.

Another migraine day, and several hours spent on making sure a package gets to it's proper destination when UPS returned a box to me filled with clothing items I'm returning to J Crew for refund. I order apparel from them via mail delivery since there are no J Crew stores here, which means I end up spending more than I want, knowing I'll have to send returns for items that don't fit, etc. A bit nutty, but I really do like some of the stuff J Crew has on offer.

I was beyond annoyed when the package came back because there are several hundreds worth of merchandise in there from a batch of orders I'd put through (I went insane and kept ordering again and again) which should have been reimbursed on my Visa already. When I called UPS to see what they could do to fix THEIR error (long story, see below), I had to argue for 40 minutes with them so they'd agree to give me Express service as opposed to Regular free of charge to fix their mess-up. I was arguing that the package should have arrived last week already, and that comping Express service was the least they could do.

I've dealt with a lot of American merchants and businesses that are located in the US and must say that I'm always impressed with the quality of said customer service, but once those same businesses come to operate out of Canada, it's a whole different ball game. The whole reason the package was returned to me was because I didn't include copies of the invoices, something I've never had to provide with Post Canada, and nobody told me that was required when I placed the pick up call on the phone and said exactly what kinds of items I was returning. How was I supposed to know? I even got a call from UPS at one point to alert me to this problem the day the package was due to arrive, and was told not to worry, they'd sort it out for me.

Anyway, I was preparing the package and making photocopies of said invoices after lunchtime today (3 copies each of 6 invoices) when my HP all in one printer (which I loathe) decided to run out of toner after the first copy. Great. Murphy's Law got me good with this one. Made my way with Coco to Staples (on foot of course, as have no car) to get toner.

Finally, I got what I wanted, they're comping the Express service so the package should get out there tomorrow, everything is printed out and collated to perfection. Just waiting for the pick up now. *Phew* I think I need to go lie down. Or... something. Is it too early for a stiff drink?

#131 A group read for Dangerous Liaisons sounds like a wonderful idea, I don't remember one being held in this group last year, though I did have lesser activity for a good 3-4 months period here and may have missed the group read.

His Dark Materials, I liked the entire trilogy when I read it, can't term it as one of my favourites though, full marks for innovation though.

#157 Looks like you had a tough day, but your narration did make me smile. I am guessing its afternoon there, a vodka drink (Bloody Mary or a Martini maybe) won't be too out of place I think, definitely too early for whisky though :) Alternatively, you can try some Earl Grey if you a tea drinker.

Great, so we'll keep it in mind for the group read of Dangerous Liaisons when the 2012 group is up and running. I don't know when a previous group read was done exactly, I just know that I posted about that on the Portrait of a Lady group read thread a while back and remember someone (possibly Donna) saying something along those lines.

I can say that the first book, The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights if you prefer - can't find a touchstone for that title, huh) is among my favourites. As far as the trilogy goes, I really enjoyed it and yes, very innovative indeed but I'll only know over time how it ranks for me. I'm not in a position to rank series and trilogies, as have not yet completed any. I used to avoid them like the plague. Not sure why.

Drinks: usually I'm an avid Earl Grey drinker. With the summer heat, I've switched to homemade lemonade and iced coffee and am trying out fresh mint tea as well. I was semi-joking about the stiff drink, because I only rarely drink these days, aside from the occasional beer or wine, and only have Cuban rhum on hand as far as liquor goes. Mind you, lemonade and rhum is quite yummy. I tried that when I was just starting a cold as a toddy (no ice, but not hot either) and thought it was delicious. I have to be careful because drink sometimes interacts with my meds and I never know how it'll affect my migraines either. To think I used to be a hard partier. Ha.

Sorry to hear about your packaging difficulties and this persistent migraine. I hope tomorrow is a better day. Hugs!

Oh you poor thing! Talk about trials and tribulations! keep well hydrated and rested, won't you, dear...

Today has been a grrrrreat day!

Tomorrow, I'll be doing a tryout as an Art Therapist in training. I took a volunteering course at the Royal Victoria, the hospital where I had previously attended a programme as an outpatient to help me after I had my nervous breakdown. I wanted to help in the Occupational Therapy department—which had been immensely helpful to me. They have a workshop session every Wednesday morning where patients can do whatever creative projects they like, and they asked me about a year ago if I would like to be their "Artist in Residence" after I had expressed my interest. Anyway, long story short, I had an appointment at the hospital today which ended up being cancelled, and ran into Judy, the woman heading the OT department, who was just on her way with some patients to take a walk on Mount Royal (our little bit of nature in the centre of the city which that wing of the hospital is right next to), so I joined in. I ended up chatting up a storm with a woman who said she would love to have someone like me to help her explore her creativity, and that was just the little extra spark I needed to encourage me to get over my fear of failure and start using some of my experience as a creative to help other people. SO, we decided that tomorrow was the day to give it a try!

Tomorrow, I shall get up bright and early to attend with my most faithful companion, because Judy even agreed that I bring Coco with me (!) for the first day as an additional tryout. Coco is an absolute angel he always brings joy to people wherever he goes, so he could end up being more in demand than me! Best of all, there's no pressure. Judy said that I should treat it as a personal art day where I can work on my own projects, and then help those who show an interest in trying any kind of art project, as opposed to woodworking, for which another volunteer, Bob, has been sharing his expertise for many years.

Pretty amazing, right? *sigh* I'm a happy gal today. I've decided that if I have a migraine tomorrow, I'll go anyway, but as it happens, I've been migraine-free today!

While I'm talking about creative stuff, the celebrated painter Lucian Freud (grandchild of that other Freud), passed away last week at the ripe age of 88, leaving behind an astounding body of work. I'm sad about his passing of course, and thought I'd do my own kind of tribute by posting an art project I did which was inspired by one of his early drawings. If you're curious to see what it's about, just visit here: http://createthreesixty5.com/2011/07/25/a-tribute-to-lucian-freud/ and don't be shy to leave a comment, or not, as best suits you!

Terrific news, Ilana! Congratulations on the tryout, and the very best of luck for things going well for you. That's great news.

*sneaks off to look at art, my new weakness*

WOO HOOO!!! Yay for great days and yay for COCO!!!

I hope tomorrow goes exceptionally well, Ilana. Have fun.

Wow! That's exciting!

Sending all good wishes your way for tomorrow! And, I hope your nasty head ache is gone!

Ilana- I'm so happy you had a good day! Can we make it 2 in a row??

Ilana, that's great news about the Art Therapist tryout! And it sounds like Coco would be a great therapy dog. What a duo!

I went over to look at your post on your tribute to Lucian Freud. Your drawing is beautiful. I can't wait to see more.

Have a great time tomorrow.

Hi Ilana, how good to see that the bad day was followed by such a great one! It sounds like a wonderful project, and I think it was a good decision to allow Coco as well, patients often react so positively when they see dogs, and Coco is such a cute one!
Wishing you a very happy tryout!

And thanks for sharing your drawings! Step #2 is so beautiful, I am looking forward to whatever else you'll decide to show us. It was interesting to see the photos and step #1 as well, because it reminded me that paintings (like all arts) don't "just happen". There is preparation required and sketches and early versions and variations, something I tend to forget.

#159 I will poke you for the group read once the 2012 thread is up and running.

Hopefully, your good experience with His Dark Materials will encourage you to read more fantasy series, I would suggest Hobb or Sanderson next.

I drink tea all year round, in summers, cold coffee takes preference in day time. I am reasonably sure I am less of a drinker than you are, I drink like once in a quarter, mostly wine, scotch or vodka, occasionally rum, but never beer.

Great news, Ilana!

Fantastic news Ilana - you have such a passion for your art - I am sure it will be a positive contagion! We have many hospitals that have dog volunteers (I'm sure you do over there too) so I am sure the Dynamic Duo will be a triumph. Good luck sweetie - you'll be GREAT.

Oh, it was sad about Lucien Freud - wonderful artist. Your sketch is beautiful - a wonderful homage. In particular, I think you handled the fingers and light very skilfully

That sounds like a wonderful thing to do Ilana. I hope you and Coco have a great day.

Ilana, I love the progression of your sketch and can't wait to see a finished painting. I especially appreciate all of the small details you are adding to the image. Lucian Freud's work immediately made me think of Rita Angus' paintings. They have the same simple style.

You are very talented. And congratulations on the great art therapist position.

#163 Thanks so much for the good wishes Gail. I really enjoyed getting your comment on the blog too!

#164 Thanks so much Ellen! Your enthusiasm is infectious :-) Coco is such a gem—he'll be there as my personal little cheerleader and love bug, among other things.

#165 Hey Jim! YA! 'tis! ;-)

#166 Thanks so much Linda darling. Just a touch of a headache today. The sort I'm used to carrying around, and probably due to excitement, so it's all good. xox

#167 Thanks buddy! Two in a row surely wouldn't be asking for too much, methinks. So far, it's all looking real positive!

#168 Thanks for your support Pat. I got an email message when I got up today via a site I subscribe to for daily life lessons about sharing our unique gifts. So that's what Coco and I are off to do this morning! :-)

#169 Thank you thank you thank you Nathalie! That's just for the first part of your message, because I want to come back and comment later about the second part, because you raise a point that is precisely on cue, because that kind of realisation is precisely what I want to help others experience for themselves both by example and in actual practice.

#170 I'll look forward to the poke Piyush. Wait. Thant sounds all wrong. LOL

I've actually got Sanderson's Elantris standing by on audio and looking forward to it. I'll be commenting on it for sure.

I never used to drink beer either. It just happened maybe a year ago, all of the sudden it didn't taste gross. LOL. But it's a very occasional think. I'm also partial to scotch and vodka. Or used to be. These days I prefer the iced teas coffees, lemonades and just plain water too most of the time.

#171 Thanks Stasia!

#172 Prue, Coco shows great promise as a therapy dog and I'm seriously considering enrolling us in a course to have him certified as such, so we can maybe visit old folks homes and maybe sick kids and such. His effect on people is truly magical.

Thanks so much for your observations on my little project. As you can imagine, I had quite a few qualms about displaying my work next to that of such a great artist, but learning from the masters is one of the best kind of schooling, methinks.

#173 Thanks calm. I'm fairly confident it's all going to go just fine. I hope you have a great day too!

*****

All right! Off to get ready real quick and it's a go! There's a fair to extremely good chance I'll be commenting on our little outing sometime later today. Thanks so much for all your support and good wishes. I can't express how much it means to me. Coco says it means a lot to him too. I'll try to take a couple of pics.

Big Hugs all around. :-)

Good luck today!

I particularly liked yr. review of Goon Squad -- there is something gimmicky, but it also works pretty well. I had mixed feelings though. But the thing is, it's OK for writers to play around with form as well as other things, so basically it's ok. But sometimes when the story is terrific, the experimentation with form can feel like it gets in the way.

Good luck, Ilana!

I hope it all goes swimmingly!

Well, I may be late to the party..but offer a boisterous HOORAY to you....hope all went well

{{{{hug}}}}

Wow - a lot has been happening here. I only just got caught up on your thread. Hope your thing today went well. I know Coco's thing had to have gone well. Just seeing a picture of him makes me smile - to be able to give him scritches between his ears would have about a thousand times the impact of a smile. Who knows? - this could be the beginning of two whole new careers here.

Ilana, I just bought A Visit from the Goon Squad today. Remembered your review and discussion. It looks like an interesting novel!

I hope your day was fabulous and that Coco had a blast, too!

Ilana, I'm also hoping that your day has gone well.

I hope you and Coco had a good day!

#175 Elantris is wherefrom I started my Sanderson reading too, it is quite a book.

There is no drink like plain water! And while I haven't tasted beer in last 3 years, I am reasonably sure, I won't like it anymore than I did earlier.

Awaiting your day's report.

I am awaiting with Piyush :)

#174 Hi Leonie, thank you so much for your comments on my studies. It's always nice getting compliments, but especially so from someone who has some understanding of the process. I don't know that I'll necessarily end up painting this portrait. That's the thing with my own process at the moment... I never know when it'll begin, and even less so when it will end. I have many many projects that are waiting in the wings for me to bring them further. Maybe that's because I'm more interested in the process than in the finished thing. Also, truth be told, I spend too much time reading and online, and not enough working on my art, but I'm hoping to find a balance eventually.

I'll post an update about my volunteering experience. Thanks for your support!

#176 Thanks Lucy! Glad you liked my review of Goon Squad. I don't remember what I wrote at the moment, but I had mixed feelings about it too, and had to take plenty of time mulling over it to figure out what my opinion was. Even now, I'm not sure I could quite nail it if I tried. I wouldn't say I thought it was a terrific story. To me it was kind of tailor-made for the experimental approach she took. As someone who aspires to write fiction one day... I do find it gets my brain working on different tangents as far as approach to storytelling goes.

#177 Thanks Darryl! I always appreciate your dropping by.

#178 Thanks mamzel. I can assure you that it all went very interestingly. I'll post an update here right after I'm done commenting and thanking all you wonderful supporters. :-)

#179 Thanks Jude-love. I really appreciated your PMs. You certainly do seem to be able to 'read' me quite well. I'm intense myself, so it was bound to be an intense experience, considering everything. The whole time, and for the past day and a half, I've been wondering what I'd tell all you wonderful friends here on LT. I'll just start writing about it and see where it goes...

#180 Nice to see you in these parts Charlotte, and thank you. Coco already has a full-time job as a charmer, that's for sure. And yes, meeting him in person would definitely brighten your day. He just has a really special effect on people.

#181 Hi Ellen, I'll be looking forward to your comments on Goon Squad. It's definitely and intriguing novel and is bound to provoke all kinds of different reactions. Coco was an angel and was fawned over non-stop. But then, I think he's probably used to that treatment...

#182 Thanks Kerry. I still don't know how to quite sum it up, but I'll give it a shot in a couple of minutes.

#183 Thanks Roni. One thing's for sure: hanging out with Coco always gives me lots of joy.

#184 Hi Piyush. The report is coming right up!

#185 Stasia, see above! ;-)

My Volunteering Experience, Take 2: A (Hopefully) Short Overview

The brief version:

It was a really interesting experience, with lots of positives. I was greeted by one patient, the woman I had met and talked to at length with on Tuesday with a huge gleeful smile and a hug when I arrived. Coco was a big hit with everyone of course. J introduced me to most people there. There was lots of talk about Coco, who was the perfect ice-breaker. Afterward, I sat down with three or four people working on various paper projects, and we had a talk on creativity, with me doing chattering on and on (big surprise!). Afterward, some people showed me what they'd been making. I took a bunch of pictures with my iPhone, meaning to show some of the things online possibly, if this didn't pose a confidentiality problem, which made them really proud, though it was probably a mistake on my part. I'd say on the whole, it was a 5 star experience as far as Coco goes. As for me, I'm looking forward to Take 3 next week (Take 1 was before Christmas and a sedate sort of affair). By the way, I should have made it clearer before that it's not an actual position, but a tryout for a volunteering experience that is tailor-made for me. Which is still awesome obviously.

The other, more in depth version, probably containing an inappropriate level of disclosure:

I wrote a screed and putting that version aside for now. Trying again, but my feeling is it'll be just as Oprah-esque. Apologies in advance.

I'm confused, and mentally drained right now, and for good reason. I was excited about the day ahead and didn't get enough sleep yesterday, which is always a tricky proposition. The above version is absolutely accurate, but there are many ramifications as well. As it happens, J, the head of OT, who was also my therapist when I was attending as a patient, has lost her mother to a very long illness just ten days ago. She is a very special lady with a high degree of empathy who is always open to new approaches, but she obviously has too much on her plate right now. Mental health institutions have a level of complexity in administrative considerations which are at best, labyrinthine. The patients who are referred to the day programme at this institution—a twelve week program and the only such course of treatment offered in North America—are, like myself, going through serious emotional issues. More difficult cases stay longer than the initial three months. I was there for six months. Some people stay longer still. On arrival, everyone is put through a battery of physical tests. Most people require complex pharmatological treatments and finding the right mix of meds can be a lengthy process with many bizarre side effects coming into play. This is in combination with other forms of treatment, with a strong emphasis on cognitive approaches and educational seminars, which are all given in group sessions. There are usually 20 patients at most at any one time, with a continual rotation with newcomers every couple of weeks and people being discharged regularly as well, though no one knows when the head psychiatrist will decide their time is up. Because some people share on a very deep personal level during group discussions, there is a level of intimacy that happens very quickly among some patients, which is a very special experience. All this to say that it's all a rather complex brew with lots of unusual circumstances coming into play.

I myself, as many of you know, am in the midst of a long process of recovery, and this volunteering position is a unique opportunity which could have many positive ramifications. I was there just three (intense) hours yesterday, which included a group lunch made by patients in the OT kitchen, which is shared by patients and staff alike. As I saying to a friend, all this touched off a lot of personal issues yesterday. I really care about J too, and I couldn't help being concerned that I might be an extra burden as opposed to bringing relief to her and the patients. Good thing I happened to have an appointment with my shrink today (at the same hospital building), so I could at least briefly talk through some of this and get a better hold on things. I also saw J, and we had a brief recap; as she said, we'll just continue playing it by ear, with me coming in when I feel well enough, and see what works best for everyone as we go along. All good stuff, but it's at times like these that I realize that I'm truly fragile still and not just being a lazy bum who just reads and hangs online all the time. But I must say I feel blessed to have found this group of special and supportive people here on LT. /end of heart-to-heart Oprah session.

Ilana, I love both of your versions of the day. Your compassion for those around you shows through so heartily. You clearly have a deep capacity for care along with a good sense that it's *challenging* to balance the needs of others with taking care of yourself. I'm not at all surprised that Coco was a big hit, and I suspect that your presence was also greatly appreciated and had a positive impact (which you may have trouble gauging and/or acknowledging). This seems like a really great opportunity -- and one to be titrated carefully as you measure your current capacity to extend yourself. I hope you take it one step at a time.

All best, my book-loving buddy,
Ellen

#187 Looks like you had a good time. Personally, I think a voluntary position is better, no obligations and no pressure. While it is laudable that you want to help out your therapist and help with the recovery of other patients, be easy on yourself and don't tire yourself out. *for the record, not an Oprah fan, no issues with your narration though*

Oh Ilana - I think the 'one-step-at-a-time' approach is always a good thing. Don't put too much pressure on yourself - and don't try to over-analyse the possible feelings of others. Other people will take care of themselves - and let you know if they want changes. Your openness is wonderful and refreshing. I agree that LT is a wonderful space for feeling support and a shared passion (especially for books I think - opinions on books are revealing in themselves) always brings people closer. Tread softly - but acknowledge how far you have come in this journey; I suspect you are stronger than you think if you just tell yourself so. Anyway, this person across the globe is certainly enjoying watching you grow and recover and continues to wish you nothing but joy.

I can only echo what Ellen, Piyush, and Prue have said :)

#191 Stasia, does that mean you are not an Oprah fan either?

#192: Nope, not an Oprah fan.

Hi Ilana- Thanks for sharing your Volunteering Experience with us! Very heartfelt, as usual. This does look like a good fit for you.
I am deeply into and loving The Bells, thanks to you, and I will be starting Watership Down on audio. Have a great day.

#188 Ellen, as I mentioned before, your message made me feel really good just now and touched my heart. I've read it over a few times because it sums up my experience so beautifully. Would that I were able to make concise observations like that... but it seems I don't know how to say something without going on at length... (in case you haven't noticed!)

You've taught me a new word, "titration" which is exactly à propos and sums up perfectly the method we've been using in my course of treatment. Sometimes recovery can be a long process of trial and error, whatever happens to ail us, but I think this approach yields more lasting results.

#189 Piyush, I did have a good time, and I must say that having Coco there made a big difference—people say he looks just like a teddy bear, and I have to say he does give me amazing emotional support, just by being the adorable little angel he is. While we're going on record, I should say that I'm not exactly a big Oprah fan either, and I made that comment with a healthy dose of self-deprecation.

#190 Thank you so so much Prue. Me? over analyze? Or put pressure on myself?? Surely that can't be right! LOL. I'd say that's precisely what gets me in trouble every time. But then again, I think I must compensate a little bit for a great majority that doesn't think enough. Or so I tell myself. ;-)

At this time for me, 'Baby steps' are what are required, but I keep forgetting that and trying to take big leaps, which is my natural way of going about things. It's been very helpful and brought me lots of success in certain areas of my life, but yes, as Ellen says, titration is the name of the game.

*Waving at you from across our great continent and over the Pacific ocean*

#191 Thanks Stasia, always a pleasure having you over.

#194 Mark, I've seen your other comments on The Bells over on your thread and I'm so happy you're enjoying it so much. It's one of those novels that made a big impression on me and has left me with lots of little moments to savour. I'll look forward to your comments on Watership Down, which I'll hope you'll share on the spoiler thread too. I've been quiet over there lately because hadn't been listening very much the past few days, but I'm planning on putting the headphones on today while I do a whole bunch of much overdue chores around here.

Just stopping by briefly to say I'm glad it went well on the first day. Very, oh, maybe intidmidating is too strong, but it will serve, to take on something fairly new, especially with lots of different people involved. I wonder if you've read over both of your versions of your experience--you can see how the analysis can overwhelm the positive feelings, I think, if you read them both. I so admire you for being brave enough to try it, and talented enough to have some success with others. As others have said already, easy does it, one footstep, then the next...my very, very best wishes for you, Ilana.

Book News

I brought back a huge load of books from the library yesterday. Most of them are children's & YA graphic novels and picture books, since I'll be continuing with that thematic into August.

There were so many that my book bag was too heavy to carry home, so I went to a little café I really like which is next to the library and (best of all) is friendly to dogs where I read a few of them so I could drop them off again before heading home.

Those I've already read as part of my Benjamin Lacombe festival:

Longs Cheveux by Benjamin Lacombe
Blues Bayou by Benjamin Lacombe illustrated by Daniela Cytryn
Cerise Griotte by Benjamin Lacombe
Pourquoi la carapace de la tortue... ? by Mimi Barthélémy illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe

Still to read:

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Destins de Chiens by Sébastien Perez illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe
Kite Flier by Dennis Haseley illustrated by David Wiesner
Tigre le Dévoué by Shen Qifeng illustrated by Agata Kawa
Hurricane by David Wiesner
Les amants papillons by Benjamin Lacombe
♫ Le tour du monde en quatre-vingt jours / Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - this turned out to be an abridged version, so I've reserved the full version as well.

I also got Life a User's Manual by Georges Perec for the upcoming group read. I'm really glad I thought to reserve two different editions to compare and choose because the mass market paperback edition—which I usually avoid, but many French books are only available as such—had such a small font size that it really looked more like legal copy and would have required a magnifying glass.

The TIOLI thread for August was put up today and already a bunch of interesting challenges are up. As tempting as they are, I don't know how many I can sign up to considering the size of my tbr already. I'll have to create a challenge that can accommodate at least a portion of it. Suggestions welcome!

I'm glad your volunteering seems to have been a good experience, even though there may be some side effects. :) like everyone else, I think you've found a great way to take the steps you can take and stretch just enough without going too far without having to worry about job responsibilities and the like. Plus, you'll be doing good things for others!

Besides, Coco needs the attention. :)

#196 Thank you so much Gail. Your comment on comparing the two versions is right on the mark, because as I was experiencing the thing itself, my mind was split up between those two parts, with one part of me very aware of all the great stuff going on and busily breaking it down into "how I'll narrate this on LT" and the other part, well, you know about the other part now. LOL

I pretty much go through life like that. Is it any surprise I burned out from my dream job as an art director? :-S

That said I'm really lucky to have the ability to take the time I need to find my own way with really good and caring professionals helping me along, not to mention loads of encouragement from everyone. :-)

#197 *Beware Side Effects* is pretty much how I'd sum up the meaning of life Jim. :-D

I get a huge kick out of seeing just how popular Coco is. We can't go anywhere without people fawning over him. He just laps it up obviously. Me? I'm just a proud mama.

128 messages behind?? I'll say just HI and start from here..haha :)

Hi Val! Nice to see you're back. I would do exactly the same too, no worries. :-)

besides, Coco needs the attention --- wonderful!! Another who clearly understands the appropriate prioritization of animals among the human world of needs. Abby approves.

#197: Nice haul from the library! Once again, I am envious of the Lacombes :) I do hope you enjoy Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

#202 Hear hear!

#203 Stasia, I've been feeling a bit guilty about all these French books that most people here don't have access to, but then again it's a nice opportunity to show some artwork as well. I got a few David Wiesner books, and more coming from the library soon too—those should be more readily accessible.

I've seen so many glowing recommendations for Where the Mountain (by you too maybe?) and really look forward to it.

Well, it looks like I've hit 150 books so far with another Benjamin Lacombe picture book. That number is somewhat misleading since so many in there are graphic novels and children's books, but all the same, it's most definitely an unheard of record for me.

Woo hoo! A book is a book! Twice 75--congratulations! And I simply loved Where the Mountain Meets the Moon too.

Congrats Ilana! I believe you can totally make the 225 by the end of the year! :)

Catching up on your thread too late to say good luck for your tryout but glad to read both your updates about your volunteering experience. Glad to hear there were positives but can completely relate to you being emotionally drained afterwards.

Would like to say something more meaningful and profound about it all but I my brain is not very functional today so I will just echo anything helpful anyone else has already said...

Congratulations on 150 books! I've seen so many recommendations for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon; I really hope you enjoy it.

#206 Thanks Roni. I look forward to Where the Mountain. It's been recommended so much that I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, though I'll probably get to it later in the month what with so many books borrowed from the library before that I've yet to get to.

#207 If I keep reading at this pace, you're right, it should be a cinch. But we'll see. I'll slow down eventually if only to spend more time working on my art and maybe even writing some fiction of my own...? But I've been saying that for the better part of my life, so don't hold your breath. ;-)

#208 Heather, lovely to see you in these parts. No worries about coming in after the fact... you can just wish me good luck in advance for next week, when I repeat the experience all over again! As for "more profound and meaningful" I though your comment was very kind and showed empathy as well. What more could I ask for. :-)

Ilana, I agree with 206 - a book is a book! I love witnessing the variety of your reading. 150 -- woo hoo!

Actually, you are one of the LTers who have implicitly given me permission to expand into graphic novels and YA a bit... I loved Fun Home and probably would not have thought to read it and count it as a "real" book without LT.

Congrats on 75 x 2!

LOL at the double celebration! Congratulations x 2!

Congratulations on the double Ilana - hope the next 75 are wonderful:)

#210 you are one of the LTers who have implicitly given me permission to expand into graphic novels and YA a bit

Ellen, that comment made me smile, if only because this group is the reason I myself have taken to both those categories in such a big way because of my exposure to so many great suggestions right here on LT. When I joined the 75ers, I thought I'd be overwhelmed with prize-winning literature, and while there are many great suggestions along those lines, I was surprised, and then delighted that so many people here enjoy YA and graphic novels. Hooray for LT! :-)

#211 That's awesome Stasia, double thanks!

#212 And many thanks x2 to you too Darryl!

#213 Thank you calm. Considering all the wonderful books I've got lined up, the future is looking like it's filled with great reads!

*****

I finished When You Reach Me, a Newbery Medal recipient by Rebecca Stead and have to say the last few chapters totally turned things around for me. Until then, I thought it was a quirky book, but didn't really connect with it. Now I think it's just brilliant.

Also read Kite Flier by Dennis Haseley with illustrations by David Wiesner (of the brilliant Flotsam fame) and found that one a bit disappointing and very dated. I've got other books by Wiesner lined up and am sure I'll find something more to my liking among those.

LOTS more Children's & YA reading lined up for next month, along with a few adult reads to balance things out. My planned reads are here in case you want to share any of them with me on TIOLI or are just curious.

Coco and I are headed out to my best friend Kimmy's place this afternoon. Her daughter and husband are on a trip to Europe and she's got the house all to herself. She lives in Lachine, which is a suburb very near Montreal and near a marina and beautiful parks. It's a gorgeous day today, so she's suggested we spend the day by her swimming pool chatting and lazing about (she said to bring a book since she knows what an avid reader I am) then we'll be taking a bike ride out by the lake to watch the sunset. She's preparing dinner (she's an AWESOME cook), and I said I'd bring the wine, but I'll be surprising her with quite a treat: a bottle of white Chateauneuf du Pape that's been sitting around on the wine rack for a few years now waiting for a 'special occasion'. What better occasion is there to celebrate than spending a day with a wonderful and special old friend?

So. Anyone who knows me in RL is all too aware that I have a chronic lateness problem. It seems that no matter how hard I try, I can't ever seem to make it on time with even Murphy's law playing against me. To wit:

1) I checked the bus schedule carefully when I got up this morning to see how I should plan my morning to get to the bus station, which is exactly 3 minutes walk from my door on time. I had two options, 2 pm and 2:30 pm. I decided to take the 2 pm to have a bit more time over at my friend's.

2) I started packing my bags well in advance as had several items to think of: change of clothes to ride bikes, swimsuit, sunblock, sneakers to ride in, food for Coco, books, glasses, etc.

3) Started a load of laundry with plenty of time as wanted to wear a specific dress on my way there

4) had all my bags ready at the front door.

5) when the drier buzzed, everything was dry, save for the 100% cotton dress, even if everything else was 100% cotton too. Go figure. Put it back in the drier for 5-10 minutes.

6) put my dress on, collected everything plus Coco, started walking to the bus stop QUICKLY as by this time didn't have much time to spare.

7) saw the bus about to leave and made my way across the street waving the driver down so he'd wait 30 seconds for us.

8) as soon as he saw us, bus driver started to object to Coco, but I said I'd put him in my bag, no problem.

9) All of the sudden, realized I'd forgotten my wallet WITH MY BUS PASS at home. Apologized and got off the bus. Because we're in Canada, the bus driver apologized too, meaning he felt sorry for me.

Ok. So I'd better go now if we want to make it on the next bus. Wish me luck! :-D

(no time to check typos, apologies in advance)

LOL Ilana - sometimes the universe just conspires against us! Lateness is not a problem that I have - my mother gets so anxious at the thought of not being on time (let alone LATE) that we end up being 15 minutes early everywhere we go (and even then I spend 30 minutes trying to rein her in from making us even earlier. It is amazing how someone who cannot talk can still nag!) Hope you got there eventually and hope you had a fabulous time. Sound like it was going to be a blissful outing.

You are too funny Ilana! Lateness is also something I don't struggle with because I am painfully anal about not being late that I would rather show up half an hour early and wait around then rushing in 5 minutes late. But thank you for your sharing because it gives me some insight to the friends around me who are constantly late no matter what they do, or plan..hehe. I hope the universe begins to jive with you instead of against you. ;)

Oh, Ilana, what a great story (probably not so great at the time, but in the telling....). I hope you caught the next bus!

Ilana- Hope you had a great time with your pal Kimmy. How late were you? LOL. I also really enjoyed When You Reach Me, which I listened to a couple years ago.

Ilana, I am late here on LT so often that I think I have a problem in that area. Offering my late congratulations on your second batch of 75 books.

I admire the way you can share your personal life here. I'm a firm believer in the best way to help ourselves is by helping others. I wish you and Coco the very best in your volunteer roles. In the meantime, keep reading and painting... and, of course, sharing your life with us. {{Big Hugs}}

#216 Hi Prue. I did manage to get the next bus. I obviously don't have a good grasp on time management and I always try to pack too much in any given hour when I've got to prepare to get somewhere. Your comment on your mum's ability to nag made me smile. I'm sure if I started getting places early it would seriously reduce my stress levels.

#217 Valerie, maybe you can share with us sometime to describe how you manage to get everywhere early. I could learn from your experience too no doubt! :-)

#218 Ellen, glad you liked the story. And yes, caught the next bus with some time to spare, and believe it or not, ended up not paying for the ride since the scanner that reads the bus passes wasn't working on this vehicle! LOL

#219 Mark, we ended up having a lovely afternoon. I even took Coco swimming with me. I guess I wasn't technically late this time, since I'd told Kim I'd catch one or the other bus. This time I was late on the schedule I had set for myself, that's all.

#220 Donna, I think all of us have a problem in that department... it's just not possible to keep up to date with everyone here on LT at any given time.

I'm glad you enjoy my sharing. I often end up feeling guilty about doing so, as wonder if it's appropriate or not. The last thing I want is to make people uncomfortable with 'inappropriate' content. Being an open book has just been my way for most of my life. But your comments always have a way of making me feel better about just about anything. Hugs right back to you. :-)

Another month, another (content-appropriate) new thread.