Sunday Musings on the Acre, Take 15

My newest great-nephew, Brayden. I am hoping to see him for the first time in a week or so.

Starred you. And what a beautiful baby!

Hi Stasia!! A new thread for you too! I tell you - for me , creating a new ticker and also managing to keep the old ticker was a great mental challenge for me! ; Happy to be your first visitor!

Hey, Monica! Hey, Deb! Glad you found me again.

This week's reads:

207. The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade - juvenile; I enjoyed this story of Modo, an orphan adopted by the mysterious Mr. Socrates, with its steampunkish overtones although truthfully, I doubt I would have gotten through the chapter where Modo learns of his true image as a child (a father who tells you that no one will ever love you because of your scars does not instill a wonderful self-image), but I think if I was the target age group for the book (10-12 years old) I would have loved this book - it is still a good read for an adult though; recommended (4 stars for target age group; 3.5 stars for adults) Mine - Nook

208. Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi - graphic novel; after the death of their father, Emily and Navin face the kidnapping of their mother in their new home and confront the creature that took her away; good fun and a nice beginning to the series and I really appreciated the fact that the book did not end on a cliffhanger!; recommended (4 stars) Library Book

209. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam by Yahiya Emerick - nonfiction; a basic book explaining what Muslims do and do not believe; I saw several reviews comment on the fact that Emerick is defensive about Islam and it comes across in his writing, but as I am defensive of my religion too, I do not see that as a fault; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Library Book

210. Amulet, Book Two: The Stonekeeper's Curse by Kazu Kibuishi - graphic novel; Emily and Navin have rescued their mother, but she is still in danger as she has been poisoned, so they must seek an antidote in the city of Kanalis; recommended (4 stars) Library Book

211. Amulet, Book Three: The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi - graphic novel; another fun installment in the Amulet series with Emily and Navin picking up both allies and enemies along their journey; Recommended (4 stars) Library Book

212. 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson - a huge 'Thank You' to Tina for bringing this book to my attention - it is a terrific read, a story of love lost and found, a family torn apart by war and brought together in peace after 6 years of being apart; I love when Hodgkinson talks about the son Aurek as he is trying to fit in: "He longs for the encircling safety of the trees of his past. In the forest the trees spoke to him in green whispers, telling secrets that could crack the bones of those that did not belong. He walked among them and felt their words like falling leaves, soft and understanding. He does not like this England where he must wear his school cap straight, sit up and recite the Lord's Prayer from memory. He does not belong in a country where he must not swing his legs on the bus, where he mustn't eat with his fingers, must endure the smart of a ruler across his knuckles in class and not fight back."; Highly recommended and on my memorable reads list for the year (4.5 stars) Library Book

213. Black Swan Green by David Mitchell - I have only been meaning to get to this book for 3 years now and thanks to this month's TIOLI challenge, I finally have!- thank you, Donna; Mitchell tells the story of Jason Taylor, not in a continuous narrative fashion, but rather as slices-of-life scenes and I think the technique works well for a 13-year-old narrator, who does not quite fit in, telling of his adolescence; "Mind you, if they knew Eliot Bolivar, who gets poems published in Black Swan Green Parish Magazine was me, they'd gouge me to death behind the tennis courts with blunt woodwork tools and spray the Sex Pistols logo on my gravestone."; one interesting note from the book is the appearance of Robert Frobisher, who shows up again in Mitchell's masterpiece Cloud Atlas; recommended (3.75 stars) Library Book

214. The Beloved Community by Charles Marsh - nonfiction; from Marsh's acknowledgments - 'This book emerges as an expression of gratitude for the courage and conviction of black church people in the South and should be read first and foremost as an exercise in Christian apologetics, and apologetics of lived experience, cast in historical narrative.' - I wish he had put that particular statement at the beginning of the book rather than at the end, as I was looking at the book mainly from a historical point-of-view and spent a good part of the book trying to figure out where the author was taking me; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Library Book

215. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle - a childhood favorite of mine that I took the time to reaquaint myself with for one of the TIOLI challenges this month; Tad has a statement regarding his 5-star books that fits here: " Sentimental favorites—I really don't judge them by any other criteria so this rating might mean everything or nothing to you" and so this book is for me; when I was a child, I was Meg - the 4-eyed girl who does not fit in so the book fit who I was; reading the book now, I was struck by things I did not remember correctly - I thought IT was a much larger part of the book than it is in actuality; highly recommended (5 stars, do not argue with me!) Mine

OK, that is it for this week!

Oh, I agree with the 5 star sentimental favorite rating. I adored this book and have re-read it several times over the years.

I have 5 other books by L'Engle, but except for A Wind in the Door and A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which are sequels, haven't read any of them.

And, as it turns out, those 3 books are the first three books of two inter-related but separate series - The Time Quintet, and The Kairos/Murry-O'Keefe series. Many Waters is the 4th in both series and An Acceptable Time is the last in both series. Intriguing.

Other than that book, I haven't even heard of any of the other books on your list. Humbling.

Have a great day, Stasia!

Some nice sounding books there... darnit

No BB's this week Stasia better luck next week. :) Still crossing all crossables for the job.. :)

Morning Stasia- Nice New Thread! The baby pic is perfect. I plan on reading all of Mitchell's work, so Black Swan Green is already on the List. 22 Britannia Road sounds good too!
Have a good Sunday.

Yay, I'm tenth! I'm so glad you liked Black Swan Green, Stasia. I really enjoyed it too. Your great-nephew is a cutie!

2 BBs for me this week - Black Swan Green and 22 Britannia Road. Happy new thread ! Another cute picture, I hope you'll see Brayden next week.

I hope you manage to meet Brayden soon, cute baby!

I think you got me this week Stasia - 22 Britannia Road is a new one to me and it sounds good - the local library hasn't got a copy though:(

I was already going to read Black Swan Green sometime - the library has a copy - but I'm going to read Ghostwritten first as I have a copy on my shelves.

I have a copy of Black Swan Green around here somewhere: I must get around to reading it.

Brayden is gorgeous.

Okay, I admit, I have been bad. I have been trying to keep my own reading up and so I have been very far behind on threads, so this morning I decided I would try to catch up, and bam! I find I am 3 threads behind with 3 Sundays worth of your reads to review. I did do it, it took me a while, and I had to look at the baby pictures and laugh at the discussion about redheads(my Isabella is one!) but I manage to catch up. It probably won't last long, but at least I didn't get caught with the BBs. There were several books that I already had (Riordan's, and 22 Britannia) so those don't count. Whew! I was really scared that my TBRs were going to explode but nada!

Congratulations on that sweet baby!

Hit by #207, 209, 212, 213. Sheesh! Although some of them had been percolating for some time in the back of what passes for my brain.

Beautiful baby, as always; so very cheering to see their little faces full of wonder and promise.

Glad you enjoyed Black Swan Green!

I didn't realize July was YA month. I like some good YA, perhaps I should find something in that realm to read.

Beautiful baby picture! Loved it. Thank you. I have not been trying to keep up with you, busy trying to keep up with my own life...hahahaha. Not easy, I'm telling you. Not easy.

However, I confess Black Swan Green and 22 Britannia Road sound very, very interesting. Must find a way to fit them in.

*Waves* Hi Stasia! I know I've been quiet, so just letting you know I'm still around these parts. :)

Oh, I want to reach right out and hug that beautiful baby.

Happy Sunday to you dear one!

I have read almost everything by Madeleine L'Engle but haven't read her for years. I really loved A Wrinkle in Time but I think The Arm of the Starfish was my favorite. I just checked her bibliography and don't remember reading The Anti-Muffins and, with a title like that, who could forget?

I also loved A Wrinkle in Time; sometimes, I'm nervous about going backs to books I loved in case I don't still love them!

So glad that Black Swan Green was a hit for you, Stasia. It is no Cloud Atlas - but what is? Thanks for that reminder about Robt. Frobisher being in both books.

Have a good week.

Hi Stasia! Brayden looks like such a happy guy! I'm hoping for more pics when you get to meet him.

No argument from me about a 5-star rating for A Wrinkle in Time. It's a favorite of mine too.

And 22 Britannia Road is already on my Wishlist, but the quote you shared makes me want to get to it soon!

Have a good Sunday!

Thought I should drop in while your thread is still manageable! Hope everything is well with you!

Brayden is a cutie Stasia, hope you get to see him soon.

I've dodged your book bullets this week but only because 22 Britannia Road, Black Swan Green and The Hunchback Assignments were already on my wishlist.

I think I have a similar sentimental 5 star rating - glad you enjoyed your reread of A Wrinkle in Time.

Hi Stasia. Brayden is so sweet. Enjoy your visit with him.

I was glad to hear you liked Black Swan Green. I have that one (as well as Cloud Atlas and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet). I really need to start reading these David Mitchell books.

22 Britannia Road and A Wrinkle in Time also look good and are going on the list.

Is your heat wave supposed to break soon?

Darling baby, Stasia!

You got me this week: 22 Britannia Road is added to my wishlist, and I think I really should read A Wrinkle in Time. It came out after I had finished with the children's library (I was 14 in 1962), and when my daughters read and loved it, I wasn't reading much children's literature. And I too should get to Black Swan Green -- not quite 3 years that I've had it sitting here, but close to 2 years, I think. I'm glad to know you liked it, after your disappointment with Jacob de Zoet.

Brayden is a cutie. I'm curious about Black Swan Green. I read the 1000 Autumns but I think it was not the ideal introduction to his work. A Wrinkle in Time is one of my comfort books.

Caught up--at least for now.

Wrinkle in Time is also one of my favorites--I like the entire series. I'm digging them out because I haven't done a reread on them since my children were little and it's way past time! I have grandchildren--I must remember to check to see if they have been introdued to L'Engel yet.

Resisting urge to add 22 Britannia Road to be TBR. Oops, there it goes, sliding in. Thinking of adding a new column--LT recommendations.

22 Britannia Road is already on the list Stasia but now it somehow has climbed to near the top. I loved Black Swan Green so I'm glad to see you enjoyed it as well.

What a heart-breaker that Brayden is going to be - in about 15 minutes, I'd say. 22 Britannia Road has been pursuing me for awhile and Black Swan Green is right up there too - but I can't do them now!!! I can't.

You hit me with 22 Britannia Road, but Black Swan Green and A Wrinkle in Time have been in the wishing well for a little while now.

Hey Stasia - I cannot get enough of that picture of Brayden! He looks so peaceful and happy!

What a beautiful beginning to you new thread, Stasia. I love his little rascally smile.

I've seen and liked the cover of 22 Britannia Road and wondered if the cover was any indication of how the book might be. Your comments have sold me, and on to the wishlist it goes.

Hi, Stasia! No book bullets for me today. Have a great week!

#6: I am giving serious consideration to reading all of L'Engle's books, Karen. I know I read a bunch of them when I was younger, but it has been years.

#7: Sorry, Kath. *grin*

#8: Thanks for crossing the crossables, Monica!

#9: 22 Britannia Road is excellent, Mark. I hope you give it a try some time.

#10: Thanks, Susan!

#11: I hope you enjoy the BBs, Nathalie.

#12: I have a copy of Ghostwritten on my shelves too, calm. I just have no idea where!

#13: I hope you can find Black Swan Green some time, Caty. Thanks for the compliment about Brayden. I think he looks just like his daddy.

#14: I had forgotten that your Isabella is another redhead. Maybe we should start a club. . .

#15: Wow, Gail! I got you good this week.

#16: There is still a week to go in the month, Tom. Plenty of time to get some YA reads done.

#17: Glad you enjoyed the baby picture, Karen. I understand completely about trying to keep up with life :)

#18: *waving* at Stephen

#19: *waving* at Linda too

#20: I am not sure I have ever read The Arm of the Starfish. I know for sure I have not read The Anti-Muffins - I agree with you about the title, Kathy. Unforgettable.

#21: Yeah, I understand that reluctance, Rebecca. Happily for me, I still love A Wrinkle in Time even after all these years.

#22: I hope you have a good week too, Donna - and thanks again for spurring me to finally read Black Swan Green.

#23: I do hope you enjoy 22 Britannia Road when you get to it, Amy!

#24: Hey, stranger! Long time no see. Thanks for dropping by, Terri.

#25: I think most of us probably have sentimental 5-star ratings, Heather, and I am glad of it.

#26: No, no break in the heat wave for us any time soon. It was 105 here today. Do move the David Mitchell books up the stack some, Pat. I do not think you will regret it.

#27: I hope you enjoy 22 Britannia Road and A Wrinkle in Time both, Ivy. Move Black Swan Green up the stack some too. It will never top Cloud Atlas for me, but it is still a worthwhile read.

#28: Yolana, I would say that Black Swan Green is probably the easiest of Mitchell's books to read - at least it felt that way to me. Cloud Atlas is my favorite, but as a reader, I felt it took the most 'work' to read.

#29: Oh yes, Carolyn - you need to get those grandkids reading L'Engle's books!

#30: A new column for LT recommendations sounds like a good plan, Jeanne.

#31: Good for 22 Britannia Road climbing to the top of your stack, Bonnie.

#32: Sure you can, Peggy. I know you can do it!

#33: It looks like your 'wishing well' has some good reading in it, Ilana.

#34: Thanks, Brit!

#35: I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it, Lynda.

#36: You have a great week too, Terri!

OK, Sunday is my normal night off from LT, so I will see everyone some time tomorrow. Have a great night!

>5 alcottacre:: Unfortuantely...and I really do mean that since having sentimental favorites means a lot to me...I read A Wrinkle in Time a little too late in life for it to move beyond "great book" to "beloved book." However, I do have so many that do make that transition that I smile whenever someone describes one of theirs. It's one of the great joys of reading as a child that doesn't make itself apparent until adulthood: the fond looking back on a perfect book.

For my wife, AWiT certainly fits into the latter category. She loves it and its sequels with a passion.

You might enjoy taking a look at Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, Stasia. It's a Newberry-winning time travel book in which the main character is reading A Wrinkle in Time. I also loved AWIT way back when, and probably should re-read it.

Cute baby! Congratulations to you and his parents.

I almost bought 22 Britannia Road at Borders last week. I'll probably pick it up this week, now that the going out of business sale has started. Black Swan Green is already on my wish list, as it's the only book by David Mitchell that I don't own already. I'll start his first novel, Ghostwritten, later today or tomorrow.

What a smile to walk into! Lovey lovely little man. Good morning, madam!

#40: It's one of the great joys of reading as a child that doesn't make itself apparent until adulthood: the fond looking back on a perfect book.

Yes, indeed!

#41: Joe, I read When You Reach Me a couple of years ago. I am thinking of doing a re-read though.

#42: Thanks, Darryl. I do hope you enjoy 22 Britannia Road when you get to it. I really must locate my copy of Ghostwritten.

#43: Thanks, Luxx! Good afternoon to you too :)

In the interest of equal time, the latest photo of Rylan:



I know, one of these days I will get tired of posting pictures. But not yet :)

Why would you get tired of showing us beautiful, happy babies? I don't think so. I certainly don't get tired of looking at them!

Will have to pick up Black Swan Green once I'm finished with Cloud Atlas. Thanks for the quick synopsis.

Love the baby pics....such sweet smiles.

You remind me of the time when I was posting pictures of my niece's youngest, every other day it seemed, and I loved it. She is now 5 and not always so cute. Quite independent, she has recently learned to ride a small bicycle with training wheels. She is so excited!!!!

Whole family now bikes, except for the little old great aunt with the two artificial hips. me! (-: >

Hi Stasia! I'm sure I have no hope of catching up, so I'm going to start with this new thread. Thank you for posting not one, but TWO darling baby photos!

22 Britannia Road Sounds like a great read -- thank you for the recommendation!

#46: I am glad that you find the boys as cute as I do, Peggy!

#47: Cloud Atlas is Mitchell's masterpiece, IMHO, but Black Swan Green is still a good read. I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it.

#48: I do not have two artificial hips yet, but give me time, Karen. I need both knees and 1 hip replaced already :)

#49: Hey, Anne! I hope you like 22 Britannia Road if you get a chance to read it.

I am trying to finish up a book that is due at the library tomorrow and also get in bed early, so I am off LT tonight. I hope to do some catching up tomorrow!

Rylan is such a darling, Stasia!! It makes me pine for the days when my sons where young- now they are 21 and 26. Not much cuddling with them now!;) 22 Britannia Road is a book I'd love to read .

#44 I thought you might have read When You Reach Me, Stasia. I looked in your library and for some reason couldn't find it. Glad you liked it.

Trying to catch up with you, but I am just too far behind...I have added the Amulet, Book One and the others in the series to my TBR list for a bit of a reading diversion and planning on them for August or September. Thanks for the reviews and the pictures of your handsome grandnephews.

'Morning, Stasia! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Loved your comments on A Wrinkle in Time, Stasia. Particularly loved your remarks about "sentimental favourites" - and I've read that on Tad's profile, too. I read Wrinkle in a children's literature course many years ago and really need to revisit it.

#52: I hope you do get to 22 Britannia Road, Deb. Thanks for stopping by!

#53: Joe, I have 2 separate accounts here on LT: one for books that I own, one for books that are borrowed either from libraries or other sources. Since I do not own When You Reach Me, it would be on the other account - except that I had not started that account when I read the book :)

#54: Thanks, Michelle! I hope you enjoy the Amulet books when you get to them. They are YA graphic novels, but I still enjoyed them.

#55: Hey, Karen! I hope you have a good day too.

#56: Nancy, because I read Wrinkle so long ago and it was a favorite then I was a bit reluctant to re-read it lest my memory of the book be tainted. I still love it though so the worry was for naught. I hope you do get a chance to revisit the book.

Busy day for me today, so I do not expect to be here much. I will have a ton of catching up to do later in the week :/

Adorable baby! I love the little smile on his face (photo at top).

Hi Stasia!
Thanks for the cute baby pics ... love 'em!

Your list looks pretty good this week - I'm afraid to look at it too long.
I'll be back...

*waves*
catching up...
*smooches* to the wee ones

Stasia, Your sister must be in heaven with these lovely, lovely grandbabies!

Stasia, would you recommend The Hunchback Assignments for my son (12, fairly precocious reader, likes fantasy and science fiction)?

#58: Thanks, Jenn.

#59: Aw, come on, Claudia. You can look. It will not hurt a bit :)

#60: Hey, Kara! *waves back*

#61: Oh yeah. Sue is loving her grandbabies. I am surprised Rylan has any toes left since Sue smooches on them so much.

#62: Jenn, I think Jonah would like the book. It seems that, with his interests, it would be right up his alley.

Hi Stasia - I'm catching up and just loved seeing all the baby pictures both here and on your previous thread. Such cuties! I hope you never tire of posting pictures.

22 Britannia Road has been on my radar for a while - really glad to see you liked it!

Hey, Joanne! I hope you enjoy 22 Britannia Road when you get to it.

More great photos Stasia, I love it! I escaped 5 BB's this week by either already read them or already on my wishlist but your 5 star book A Wrinkle in Time got me big time. I am just a sucker for those five shiny stars.

#66: Well, I hope you enjoy that particular shiny 5-star book, Leonie!

Morning Stasia- Have a good day today! Hugs!

no way to catch up so I will just try to ... jump in and out?

Off to the grocery store to get the shopping done - and then off to bed, I think.

Everyone have a great day!

Adorable baby pictures!!!

Thanks, Becca!

Hi Stasia. I got around to reading Pied Piper, which you recommended back when I mentioned I had just finished A Town Like Alice. I loved it! Thanks.

Beautiful babies!!
I've just caught up on two threads. Too bad The Versatile Grain and the Elegant Bean wasn't vegetarian. I saw it listed on the TIOLI challenge and was waiting for your review. Your review did remind be that I had planned to make a teff loaf.
And luckily for me, most of this weeks books are already on the wish list.

#73: Oh, Tad, I am so glad you enjoyed the book. Shute, to me anyway, is an underrated writer.

#74: Hey, Kelly! Yeah, I was disappointed in The Versatile Grain and the Elegant Bean, but I passed the book on to someone whom I think can appreciate it more than I did.

Phew.....getting my ex-ter-cise just panting through back threads. Brayden is a real cutie...thanks for sharing him with us. So glad you enjoyed 22 Britannia Road .....dodging BB's. I've now decided that if it looks good and I can reasonably expect to get to it w/i 12 mos, it will go on the TBR pile. If not, my experience is showing my that 12 mos from now Lters will still be chatting about the good ones, and maybe it will still entice me then. There has to be a way to keep the black hole under control.

Stasia, thanks for sharing pics of the precious babies!

Dang, girl, I cannot keep up with your threads. I did add 22 Britannia Road to my wishlist, though. Like it needed anything else on it. LOL

Stasia, are you in the path of tropical storm Don? It looks like much of Texas is going to get some drought relief from this. I hope it's just rain and nothing severe.

#76: Hey, Tina! Thanks again for the recommendation of 22 Britannia Road.

#77: Yeah, I know what you mean about your wishlist not needing anything else on it, Lisa.

#78: Linda, Tropical Storm Don is well south of where I live. No drought relief here unfortunately - at least not yet any way.

Just saying hi!

Hi from me too! And hi to Roni as well!

Hi Roni! Hi Piyush!

fan = good

Love the fan, Claudia!

Off to get some sleep. . . I will be checking back in later tonight though.

hope you get some rain from Don :)

Hi Stasia

When I read Tad's message about Pied Piper, I checked my library to see that you recommended this back in 2009. I must read it soon.

Hello Stasia - how did this happen? Already 88 posts behind! Darn. And adding 22 Britannia Road to the WL - what an irresistible quote..love the baby pics as well. Keep 'em coming I say - can't have enough new life to coo over..

#87: Doubtful, Kara. Don is well south of where I live.

#88: I hope you enjoy Pied Piper when you get to it, Linda. I liked the book quite a bit.

#89: Hopefully I will have new pictures to post on Monday. I will be in Longview for a couple of days.

Stopping to say Hi so you end up on the right page.

The right page? The right page of what?

So so so so so cute! Sigh. I love little babies. :)

Hi Stasia! Hope you're doing well. Have a great weekend.

You have a great weekend too, Karen!

Morning Stasia- Have you had a good reading week? I'm looking forward to your thoughts tomorrow. Have a great Saturday.

Thanks, Mark. You have a great Saturday! Try and stay cool!

Sorry to hear that Don fizzled.. did you get any rain at all ?

Nope.

No rain here either, grumble, grumble. If we're going to have giant black clouds and wind, hadn't it ought to rain?

Hi, Stasia. No rain is not good. We seem to be back to the too little too late rain pattern again. Hope that it breaks soon, for both of us. Plants are getting a bit crispy.

Just catching up and trying to think about August challenges of one sort or another.

Hi Stasia! Just trying (and mostly failing) to catch up on threads, so I will start from here and do my best to keep up. Hope you are doing well, and that you guys get some rain already! Have a good night at work!

#100: We do not even have the black clouds and wind but if we did, I would expect some rain too!

#101: No, it is very crispy here. Our lawn is completely brown. Ick.

#102: Hey, Laura!

My lawn is completely green, not the nice kind of manicured green, but rather the weedy with dandelions kind of green...

I would take it, Valerie! My hubby on the other hand. . .

LOL! Mine would much prefer the brown like desert sand kind of dead grass then the infestation of weeds we have happening on our back lawn right now. It is literally driving him bonkers....:)

I guess I should not complain. The summer of 1980 was worse:

Fascinating summer of 1980 statistics from the National Weather Service and NewsWatch Dallas records:
•Jun 7 — 1st occurrence of at least 100º
•Sep 16 — last occurrence of at least 100º
•Highest temperatures:
•113 — Jun 26-27
•115 - Jun 26 at Love Field
•112 — Jun 28
•110 — Jul 2 & 18
•Most 100 degree days in a year — 69 (No. 1)
•Greatest consecutive days of 100 degrees (longest heat wave) — 42 (No. 1)
•13th driest year (22.08 inches of rain)
•24th warmest year (66.8º annual average temperature)

Through Thursday, 2011 had seen only 34 official 100-degree days (tied for 11th most in the record books).

Hi Stasia, no BB for me this time. Love the baby pics. Terrible weather.

Thanks, Gautam!

My niece Stephanie and great-nephew Rylan:



My sister's caption: Nanna's dictionary - food coma (n) a nap directly caused as a result of a good meal.

I missed a book on last week's report, so my report for this week is going to look a bit funny:

208. The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett - I read this one with Peggy, who liked it perhaps marginally better than I did - a book I really wanted to love, but just did not; I have nothing against pastiches as a rule (I love Laurie R. King's Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books, for example), but this amalgamation of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte posed multiple problems for me and I just cannot recommend it; not recommended (2 stars) Mine

217. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart - juvenile; the second book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series finds our intrepid heroes having to rescue their benefactor, Mr. Benedict, from the clutches of his notorious brother, Mr. Curtain, and his evil henchmen; I find these books good fun and enjoy them quite a bit; recommended (4 stars) Library Book

218. A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz - nonfiction; Deresiewicz analyzes Austen's six novels and discusses what he learned from each of them and although I found some of his 'lessons' a bit too pat, overall I enjoyed the book; recommended (3.75 stars) Library Book

219. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen - nonfiction; this book is part memoir, part nature writing, part philosophy, but not really what I expected as Matthiessen spends more time discussing Buddhism than he writes about nature, which is what I thought I was getting although I will say that the writing is overall very good: "I love the common miracles - the murmur of my friends at evening, the clay fires of smudgy juniper, the coarse dull food, the hardship and simplicity, the contentment of doing one thing at a time: when I take my blue tin cup in my hand, that is all I do. We have had no news of modern times since late September, and will have none until December, and gradually my mind has cleared itself, and wind and sun pour though my head, as through a bell. Though we talk little here, I am never lonely; I am returned into myself."; I would recommend the book more for those who are interested in Buddhism rather than for those such as myself that are looking for nature writing; guardedly recommended (3.75 stars) Library Book

220. The Band that Played On by Steve Turner - nonfiction; this book was a recommendation from LindaPanzo (thanks!); Turner discusses the band from the Titanic that supposedly went down with the ship while playing "Nearer My God to Thee"; my problem with the book is that there are far too many suppositions just because there is not a lot known about most of the men who were in the band; I would say that if you are interested in the Titanic give the book a shot and if not, give it a miss; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Library Book

221. Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams - the second book in Williams' Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy and a good book - I like the way that Williams is both fleshing out some of his characters and enlarging the scope of the world that they occupy; Williams' writing is good and I am enjoying learning more about his characters along the way; recommended (4 stars) Mine

222. On Gold Mountain by Lisa See - nonfiction; See's first book is a nonfiction account of her family's arrival in the US from China; I found the first part of the book especially interesting as she discusses her great-grandfather's immigrant experience and focusing on his life; the second part of the book scatters the focus, discussing many more of See's relatives (only natural as the size of the family increased) and I think it works to the detriment of the book unfortunately; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Mine

223. Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville - young adult; Marina and Jed are 2 teenagers whose parents (Marina's mother and Jed's father) become Believers in a cult-like group convinced that the world is going to end shortly, who take up residence on a mountain, taking Marina and her brothers and Jed along with them; Marina is, or is trying to be, a Believer, but Jed is not - he is only there for his father; I was a little leery about how the religion was going to be treated in this book, but need not have worried because Yolen and Coville do a good job of keeping things on an even keel rather than going for cheap laughs or something like that; my biggest problem with the book is that I found the 'love' story between Marina and Jed rather unbelievable, but that could just be because I am old!; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars) Mine

No really spectacular reads this week. Oh, well.

I am going to be out of town Monday and Tuesday and doubt I will be on LT much, if at all, those two days. I will try and catch up as best I can on Wednesday.

No bullets for me this week (except for the Mysterious Benedict Society series in a few years with the kids.) Have a good trip away!

No bullets for me either. I tried to read Snow Leopard and got about two chapters in. It was too frou-frou for me, probably because of all the eastern religion.

Nice photo!

I'm sorry that it was a subpar reading week for you. I'll pass on today's menu.

#112: Hey, Cushla. Thanks for stopping by.

#113: Yeah, I really expected The Snow Leopard to be more nature writing, so I can understand your disappointment in the book, Morphy.

#114: Maybe I will get you next week, Darryl!

Howdy, Stasia! I've dodged the book bullets this week, woohoo. Have safe travels and we'll see you on Wednesday.

Stasia

Have a wonderful trip...and a safe one!

#116: Thanks, Lynda.

#117: Thanks to you too, Linda!

Ok I'll take a hit - The Snow Leopard looks like one I might be interested in and the local library has a copy:)

I think I got off lightly today, Stas. I only had to add 2 books to my obese wish list from your reading list. I've added A Jane Austen Education and Stone of Farewell. I'd started to read On Golden Mountain but I found it similar to other Chinese immigrant stories that it lost my attention relatively quickly.

An interesting list.. I am avoiding an add or two to my list..
just can't right now

Morning Stasia- Another eclectic week of reading. A couple sound interesting, but I think I will dodge the BBs today. Hope your day goes well! Sorry, to hear about the lack of rain. We've had way to much!

#119: I hope The Snow Leopard works better for you than it did for me, calm.

#120: Stone of Farewell is the second book in the trilogy, Caro. Be sure to read The Dragonbone Chair if you haven't already.

#121: No worries, Kath.

#122: Yeah, I wish you Chicagoans would share the rain!

Yes, I've read The Dragonbone Chair and liked it, Stas. I had meant to, but then forgot about looking for the rest in the trilogy. Aging is such a trying affair ... ;-) So thanks for giving me the nudging reminder.

Well I won't be going into it expecting something it's not and from your description it does sound like something I'll like so chance are I will:)

I remember reading The Snow Leopard many many years ago and liking it, but it is so long ago I don't remember much about the book or why I liked it!

No book bullets for me this week.

I liked that Titanic book I recommended but felt that never has an author done so much with so little material, which is probably the reason why no one wrote a book on the Titanic musicians before this. I do enjoy reading about all aspects of the Titanic though.

Okay, I got hit by the Band that Played on I'm adding it to my list for the beginning of the 20th century so I have a few years til then.

Hmmm...I think The Snow Leopard might be a BB for me. And whadyaknow, my library has a copy! I think I'll put on the list for later since I've signed up for the Booker read along.

Have a good week!

I just finished The Mysterious Benedict Society last night, definitely enjoyed it, and have the other two, all from the library, sitting here beside me. Does that count as a book bullet or not?

Safe traveling, Stasia!

Those were some interesting weather stats, Stasia. I guess it's all relative, although thinking back to 1980 probably doesn't make you feel any cooler in 2011. My little family members in Plano are pining for Colorado weather! I don't think they will be long-term Texans.

No book bullets for me. Have you started The Memory of Love yet? I'm in love with this book.

Enjoy your family time. Kiss the new baby for me. Rylan looks almost as chubby as Haley in that picture.

Interesting weather Stat's Stasia. No BB's for me this week though. Hope your having a great Sunday!

Yes, Stasia, that's very interesting about the summer of 1980. Who knew? (Other than the Texans who suffered through it, I mean.)

Allowed The Snow Leopard to hit me, but lightly...no hurry.

Have a safe and pleasant trip!

I'm dodging BB's today just because I have to. And I will grant you that summer in Texas is worse than summer in N.C. So sorry!

Hi Stasia -I'm going to add The Snow Leopard to the wish list as well. I'll check it out once I get the back log of Buddhism books off my shelves. I'm still considering if I'd like to start the Tad Williams trilogy.

I gave The Snow Leopard to my brother last Christmas, as he was going on a holiday to Bhutan. I thought it would have been more of a travel book. Ooops. Anyway, he said it was good. Might add it to the WL (can't really borrow a book given as a gift - and he lives inter-state anyway...)

Hi, Stasia! Since I read about it on Linda's thread, I've been debating the book about the Titanic musicians. Still am. Glad to hear your take on it.

Nothing for me this week, Stasia. I already have A Jane Austen Education on the ever-growing list. But I did add 22 Britannia Road from last week and just hadn't gotten a chance to tell you yet.

Have a good trip!

I've already got The Mysterious Benedict Society on my radar but I couldn't dodge your Tad Williams recommendation, that series sounds quite good. Hope the time away is nice Stasia and here's hoping you pick up an outstanding read this week.

No BBs for me this week Stasia which is quite alright and I thank you. My teetering tower doesn't need any new additions.

I haven't heard of any of the books listed this week but the Lisa See one sounds like it might be interesting. I hope you have a great time off and we will "see" you when you come back. :)

I'm catching up on two weeks worth - I've read the first two of The Hunchback Assignments books and book 3 is awaiting pickup at the library.
I'm listening to the first of The Mysterious Benedict Society books and agree it is fun.
No BBs for me this week as Tad Williams has been on my TBR pile for a year or so now. You've been reading some interesting books.

#124: OK, I was just giving the heads up in case :)

#125/126: I think had I been better prepared for what I got in the book, I would probably have liked it better. The book did win a National Book Award after all.

#127: I enjoy reading about all aspects of the Titanic too, Linda, which is why I picked up the book.

#128: I hope you enjoy the book, Cheli!

#129: I will be interested in seeing what you think of The Snow Leopard when you get to it.

#130: No BBs for you, Roni, since you already had the books in your possession :)

#131: I am not a long-term Texan and have still managed to be here for 37 years! I have not started The Memory of Love yet. I want to wait until after I am back home and can dedicate some attention to the book, which I will not be able to do in Longview.

#132: I hope you had a wonderful Sunday too, Monica!

I am glad to see you are liking the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series along with Carolyn. I know I really liked it when I read it, but it's been so long, I remember little other than how much I liked it. Probably 16 years ago.

#133: Yeah, I was here for the summer of 1980 and knew it was bad, I just did not remember how bad. I am not sure I want to remember!

#134: Hey, Peggy! Thanks for dropping by to brush up on your BB-dodging skills :)

#135: I thought that The Snow Leopard might be of interest to you, Kelly, knowing your interest in Buddhism. I hope you enjoy the book if and when you get to it. As for the Williams' trilogy - give it a shot. If you do not care for the first book, you do not have to read the other two.

#136: Ah, well. Hopefully you can get the book from a source other than your brother, Prue.

#137: I hope you give the book a try, Terri.

#138: Thanks, Mary. I hope the trip goes smoothly. Enjoy the books you picked out!

#139: I am glad I got somebody with some BBs this week, Leonie. Thanks for the good wishes about the trip.

#140: Sure it does, Bonnie! Teetering towers and BlackHoles always need new additions!

#141: Valerie, I sent you a PM.

#142: Hey, Kerry! Thanks for stopping by. Glad to hear that you are enjoying The Mysterious Benedict Society. I am reading the third book in the series now.

OK, off for tonight and the next couple. Catey has oral surgery Tuesday morning, so I am not sure what time I will be home Tuesday night, but suspect it will be late. Do not look for me again - if you do - until some time on Wednesday :)

A couple of hits this week - bumped up the Titanic book (originally WL'd courtesy of Linda), and hits with the Mysterious Benedict series, and The Snow Leopard since I enjoy reading about all religions. Plus, nature writing is a wonderful topic! One of my very good friends is writing her Dissertation on Nature Writing - I can ask for recs if you're interested? Hope you are having a good Monday morning, and that Catey's surgery goes very well!

Stopping by to catch up. No BBs for me, though last week's reads confirm that I need to read Black Swan Green. Hope you have a great trip!

I read The Snow Leopard a number of years ago, Stasia, and loved it. He's quite a writer.

I've been wondering about whether to read A Jane Austen Education and now I will.

Sorry about no touchstones- I'm on a handheld which doesn't have brackets.

I have The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey on my TBR shelf, but it's been so long since I read the first book in the series that I hesitate to pick up the second. Plus, I always seem to have other books that look more appealing. Everybody, say it with me now: "So many books, so little time!"

I am flabbergasted that I haven't even heard of a single book on this week's list. Gads.

I'll have to check some of them out. Of course, just what I need - more books on my wishlist. (not.)

Hope you're doing well, Stasia!

Hope your trip goes well.

Hope Catey's surgery goes well!

The important page!! The list of the threads I post to is much shorter than the ones I've starred and sometimes I don't get to the starred ones.

I hope Catey is doing well, and that you're getting yourself settled again.

I am back home, extremely tired and worse for the wear, but home nonetheless. I will try getting caught up a bit on threads later tonight.

Catey came through the oral surgery with flying colors. Of prime concern was one of her wisdom teeth that was growing in sideways, but it came out with no problem. Thank you all for your concern.

Thats so great to hear Stasia! Now go and get some rest. :)

Glad the news about Catey's surgery is good. I can imagine how tired and whupped you are. Get some good rest.

Hi Stasia, some great books here.

Hi Stasia,
Hope you can get some rest. Glad Catey came through her surgery fine.
Reminds me of the time I took one of my daughters to the oral surgeon. I came out of the ordeal super-tired and needed a nap. Wendy was good to go - didn't need a nap. Set her up with a shake and TV (both out of character for me and a nice surprise for her). Then I collapsed on the couch and slept off the anxiety.

Rest easy....

Wonderful news about Catey, Stasia. Now if only Mom could relax a bit and snooze...

Glad to hear it all went well!

no way to catch up.. just being sociable

Stasia- Big waves! Hope you are surviving down there in Texas. Glad everything came out okay with Catey!

Well, look at that cute little guy at the top of your thread! Hope you've been able to meet him by now. And look, there's another one!

I love browsing your eclectic lists. There are quite a few here that I've been wondering about, including 22 Britannia Road and A Jane Austen Education. For some reason--most likely trying to catch up with overdue housework and gardening--I haven't been reading as much as usual this summer.

Sorry to have been a bit MIA. LT can get a bit overwhelming at times. Plus I was dealing with a health scare that had me all in knots (turns out not to be as serious as I suspected, so nothing really to worry about).

I've got you starred, so I'll be back!

It hit 111 degrees in Sherman today. Needless to say, it was a bit toasty. Almost 10pm and still 97 degrees. Hot, hot, hot.

Thanks everyone for dropping by. I wish I could say I got a ton of sleep today, but I guess 5.5 hours will have to do for me :)

Hi Stasia, just dropping by for a quick hello. Glad to see everything went fine and hope for your sake you get more sleep than that soon.

Hey, Ilana! Thanks for the quick drive by.

ETA: 5.5 hours is actually a pretty decent day's sleep for me.

I don't know how you do it Stasia! 5.5 hours would be what I call a decent nap..haha :)

Sorry that last week wasn't the greatest reading-wise, but at least I have avoiding adding any to my ever-growing TBR!

I can't even comprehend 111 degrees. I hope you manage to stay cool somehow - I wish I could send some nice Pacific breezes your way.

And here I thought it was hot in Australia. Wow. *waves with great flutters in lieu of breeze*

#168: I have been doing it for years now, Valerie.

#169: I wish you could send some nice Pacific breezes my way too, Judy!

#170: It was 115 degrees in Longview today, so I guess I got out of there just in time :)

111F. The mind boggles.

I remember one time when I was in 5th grade in Southern California - 1963 - and it got to 113F. My mom called the school to see if I could wear shorts and they said no - dresses only for girls. The schools didn't have air conditioning and we didn't have air conditioning at home. I don't think kids suffer with it as much as adults, though.

Hope your day is a good one.

Knoxville set a record yesterday as well. The old record set in 1957 was 98. The temp yesterday was 99. At least it didn't break into triple digits! It was still 90 degrees at 9 p.m. where I live in Morristown. The temp in Knoxville at 10 p.m. was 89 which probably means it was about 87 here. I'm just glad my a/c is working.

>172 karenmarie: Nothing like 115° here, DG! It's quite hot enough at 100°+. I do so remember those un-airconditioned days - slipping around a wooden desk seat slick with sweat. My DH reports that he decided in the 2nd grade that any woman dumb enough to wear hose in that weather didn't have anything she could teach him. Yuck.

It is only 109 here at the moment - a positive cool front :)

Finally getting to the Sunday list! No BB's for me - it's an interesting list. I read On Gold Mountain a few years ago, and I felt the same. The first part of the book was great and it kind of deteriorated. I just bought her newest book, Dreams of Joy, the sequel to Shanghai Girls. Impulse purchase at Costco today while my kids were fighting over who could push the cart. Better for me than chocolate, I guess.

Glad Catey's surgery went well. I hope you've got some rest.

No complaints about the weather here. It's more humid than usual, but I'm enjoying a breezy, post rain storm 62 degrees. Ahhhhh.

Oldest son starts middle school on Monday. Trying not to worry too much.

They are talking about doing rolling brownouts in the afternoons here due to excessive electricity usage. Wonderful :(

Mary Doria Russell's most recent blog post:

Russell for president: we’ve done worse.
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 @ 11:22 AM

As the publishing industry comes under heavier economic pressure, publicity departments have been downsized and budgets have been reduced. Now authors are expected to generate their own publicity, and I’ve noticed a strategy I think could really work well for me: write a book and run for president.

And so with this blog, and the attendant Tweet and Facebook post, I announce my intention to form an exploratory committee to help me decide if I should get a reality show and/or be a commentator on radio and TV so I can talk about why I should be president and why you should buy Doc.

Here’s the campaign slogan. “Mary Doria Russell for President: we’ve done worse! Besides, she wrote a book about Doc Holliday.”

A slogan like that can bring the country together. At any given time, half the voters think that whoever just got elected is totally unfit for the office, right? But with a slogan like mine, Republicans and Democrats and Independents would all be able to nod and say, “Well, she was the secretary of the Lowden Elementary School PTA for a couple of years. Why shouldn’t she be president of the United States? We’ve done worse! Besides, she wrote a book about Doc Holliday!”

Here’s my domestic platform. From now on, everybody gets an education as good as John Henry Holliday’s. That means Greek, Latin, geography, grammar and rhetoric, mathematics, and music. No laptops in school, but everybody gets a piano.

I have a position on gun control, too: national passage of the laws that Wyatt Earp enforced in Dodge City. If it’s good enough for the Long Branch Saloon, it’s good enough for a bar in Cleveland.

I also plan to pander to special interests. Awful jobs should get the best pay. Coal miners, soldiers, and junior high teachers should get $300,000 a year to start. If you enjoy your work, then you get the satisfaction of a job well-done, and minimum wage.

Foreign policy: I believe the Russell Doctrine will be considered both practical and financially responsible. From now on, if we’re going to invade anybody, it has to be Mexico.

Mexico’s got oil, and they’re cutting people’s heads off and killing civilians, but it’s way closer than the Middle East. This will make for a more reasonably priced invasion, especially when you consider that most soldiers already like Mexican food and tequila. They can live off the land. Bonus: with all our troops south of the Mexican border, we’ll be vulnerable to a blitzkrieg from the north, and Canada would immediately impose godless atheistic socialized medicine on us.

By invading Mexico, we can cut the Pentagon budget way back, and if Canada conquers us, we solve the long-term Medicare and Medicaid problems. I’m guessing right there, I’ve eliminated the budget deficit.

What’s not to like? We’ve done worse!

Get your bribes and influence purchases in early by donating to the Doc Holliday Memorial Fund at Smile Train!


Wonderful!

#179: Mary Doria Russell is an author. She has written The Sparrow, Dreamers of the Day, Doc and several other books.

I'll vote for her! I love the $300,000/year for Junior High School Teachers (Middle School Teachers, too).

Maybe we should start our own campaign for her!

Thanks for that posting from Russell's blog - probably it should have depressed me, but it made me laugh instead/as well.

#183: I thought it was funny in a backhanded sort of way too, Janet. I am glad you liked it.

Great blog post. Thanks for that Stasia.

#185: No problem, calm.

Good morning, Stasia!

I hope they don't have to resort to brownouts. It doesn't take long at all for a house to heat up but takes forever to get it cool again.

I wish a super day for you.

And, finally, Mary Doria Russell's blog is a hoot.

cold rags on the back of the neck

naps

sitting under a tree in shade? maybe not....

#187: I am hoping that it does not come down to brown outs either, Karen, believe me. They are already happening in some of the neighboring cities, so I am sure that if this heat keeps up, we are in for them.

#188: Even in the shade, I fear that the heat would be a bit much, Karen.

That's a funny article. I chuckled at the 300,000 a year salary. Now who would complain about that? I guess the people who AREN'T getting paid that. :) And really I can't imagine us Canadians coming down and taking you guys over, not even if I really really tried..haha

*smooch*

Loved MDR's blog!

Loved Mary Doria Russell's blog post. I just added her blog to my reader. I have read The Sparrow but nothing else by her. Doc does sound interesting though.

Priceless political post. Let's organize and get this lady elected; because as she so truthfully points out: we've done worse.

So sorrry about the heat and the possibility of rolling brown-outs. Would that mean that you could run a fan but not the a.c.? Plenty of cold cloths and a fan or two on high pointed directly at you might possibly work. A little. Man, when is autumn gonna be here?!?!?

#194 The days are getting shorter. Sunset is just after 8 pm now. Before too long, we'll be complaining that it's too chilly.

Around here (Chicagoland), nights in August start turning a bit cooler. We'll still see plenty of 90 degree days but we'll have nights in the 60s, which rarely happens in July. Felt great last night...first 60s in a long time at night.

>190 jolerie: Well, Valerie, we did burn down the White House in 1812. I'm sure if we wanted to we could probably take over. But I'm not sure we'd really want to. :)

That was you? Really? And I was blaming the "Brits"....

I'll vote for Mary Doria Russell!!!
I definitely hope you can avoid the brownouts too. (If not, you'll have to move back NORTH!)

Sorry about your weather today. Blech.

Glad you enjoyed MDR's blog post. I thought it was terrific.

If we do end up going through the rolling brownouts, what it means in essence is that they shut down our electricity for 2 hours in the afternoons, so no fans will be running. Two hours does not sound like a long time, but when the temps are well over 100, it does not take long for the house to get warm. I really hope it does not come to that.

Stasia- I don't know if you noticed but Lisa posted MDR's blog at the top of my latest Thread also. I loved it too! She has an excellent sense of humor. I can't wait to read her other books.

No, I did not notice it, Mark. Or if I did maybe the blog post was in my subconscious. Who knows with me :/ I was just checking MDR's website after finishing off Doc in the wee hours this morning.

>197 maggie1944: Hahaha! Even when we do pull a stunt like that, people always think it's the "other" guys. Ahh...to be Canadian. :)

I'm a little late to the party, but loved the blog post, thanks for sharing it Stasia. Of course "Canada would immediately impose godless atheistic socialized medicine on us" made me smile.

>197 maggie1944: & 203 Well, technically Canada wasn't its own Dominion in 1812 (and the Hudson's Bay Company still owned half the country at that point), so the soldiers were Brits who had immigrated to or were stationed in Canada. But let's just say Canada did it because it gives us more street cred. ;)

Hi, Stasia! I have been enjoying catching up on your threads. I remember well the summer of 80. This summer seems worse, but then it isn't September yet, and I am hoping for it to cool down. Have a great weekend!

#206: This summer does seem worse, doesn't it?

I love MDR's blogs and emails.. she cracks me up..
Stas, the weather.. I think of you every day when I see the news..
:(

#208: My sister posted a 'Texas Rain Gauge' on Facebook yesterday, Kath. It was a bottle cap. That pretty much sums up the weather here!

#178 Wonderful post from Maria Doria Russell! I have no idea who she is, but I LOVE the idea of a $300,000 salary for teachers. Of course, I'm in Canada, so I'd have to forego the salary in order to keep my socialized health care!

Stasia, that was wonderful! Too funny, too true. Love her foreign policy!!!
I'm voting MDR!
I just hope she has enough time to continue writing...

She has my vote too!

I wonder if we can do a write-in vote campaign for MDR?

Stasia, that Russell post is hilarious!
I wish you a happy Sunday, I might check in again later to see your reviews. The weather here is terrible (warm, but rainy, with bad thunderstorms every 2nd night). I'd love some 'classic' dry summer heat instead and long, warm evenings....

Heat I have in abundance, Nathalie. I will try and send some your direction. . .

New thread time: http://www.librarything.com/topic/121755