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My latest batch of pottery
2ronincats
Books read in 2011:
(Touchstones will be in the messages containing the reviews, * signifies a re-read, # indicates an Off The Shelf book, + is a library book):
September
116. The Hidden Goddess by M. K. Hobson (374 pp.)
117. Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (293 pp.)
118. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins (309 pp.)
119. Storm Front* by Jim Butcher (322 pp.)
120. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (342 pp.)
121. The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss (399 pp.)
122. Darke by Angie Sage (641 pp.)
123. Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins (358 pp.)
124. Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (328 pp.)
125. Paul Among the People by Sarah Ruden (194 pp.)
126. Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (343 pp.)
127. Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins (412 pp.)
128. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
129. Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia (311 pp.)
August
97. Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (328 pp.)
98. The Dragon Guard# (The Magickers #3) by Emily Drake (368 pp.)
99. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (440 pp.)
100. The Door into Fire* by Diane Duane (304 pp.)
101. The Door into Shadow* by Diane Duane (298 pp.)
102. The Door into Sunset* by Diane Duane (382 pp.)
103. The Ark*+ by Margot Benary-Isbert (246 pp.)
104. Rowan Farm*+ by Margot Benary-Isbert (277 pp.)
105. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (391 pp.)
106. Melting Stones+ by Tamora Pierce (312pp.)
107. Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for people who love books and for those who want to write them by Francine Prose (273 pp.)
108. Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom by Jenny Nimmo (207 pp.)
109 Robin's Country by Monica Furlong (139 pp.)
110. The Doppelganger Gambit* by Lee Killough (261 pp.)
111. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (290 pp.)
112. Spider Play* by Lee Killough (232 pp.)
113. Dragon's Teeth (Questar Science Fiction) by Lee Killough (250 pp.)
114. Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (358 pp.)
115. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (308 pp.)
July
77. The Lightning Thief* by Rick Riordan (375 pp.)
78. The Sea of Monsters* by Rick Riordan (279 pp.)
79. The Titan's Curse* by Rick Riordan (312 pp.)
80. The Battle of the Labyrinth# by Rick Riordan (361 pp.)
81. The Last Olympian# by Rick Riordan (381 pp.)
82. Elijah of Buxton# by Christopher Paul Curtis (341 pp.)
83. The Battle for Skandia# by John Flanagan (294 pp.)
84. The Sorcerer of the North# by John Flanagan (295 pp.)
85. Wizards at War# by Diane Duane (552 pp.)
86. A Wizard of Mars# by Diane Duane (550 pp.)
87. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making+ by Catherynne Valente (247 pp.)
88. Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed# by Virginia Hamilton (208 pp.)
89. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan+ (293 pp.)
90. Except the Queen# by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder (371 pp.)
91. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J. K. Rowling (759 pp.)
92. Gifts# by Ursula K Le Guin (274 pp.)
93. Voices# by Ursula K. Le Guin (341 pp.)
94. Powers# by Ursula K. Le Guin (502 pp.)
95. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger (33 pp.)
96. The Mysterious Benedict Society+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (485 pp.)
June
59. Spellcast by Barbara Ashford (433 pp.)
60. Scones and Sensibility+ by Lindsay Eland (309 pp.)
61. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes (373 pp.)
62. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (246 pp.)
63. The Friendship of Women by Joan Chittister (89 pp.)
64. Sparks by Laura Bickle (358 pp.)
65. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Bierkegaard (430 pp.)
66. Snotty Saves the Day by Tod Davies (182 pp.)
67. Uncertain Allies by Mark Del Franco (296 pp.)
68. The Brontes: A Life in Letters+ by Juliet Barker (402 pp.)
69. Across the Universe+ by Beth Revis (398 pp.)
70. To Weave a Web of Magic# by McKillip etal. (362 pp.)
71. The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (281 pp.)
72. Five Odd Honors by Jane Lindskold (496 pp.)
73 The Making of Pride and Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin (113 pp.)
74. A Winter Love Story by Betty Neels (219 pp.)
75. Autumn Kittens by Janice Bennett, Shannon Donnelly, and Mona Gedney (223 pp.)
76. Heartless by Gail Carriger (374 pp.)
May
50. Skin Deep by Mark Del Franco (292 pp.)
51. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies# by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith (319 pp.)
52. Face Off by Mark Del Franco (322 pp.)
53. Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose (317 pp.)
54. Still Life# by Louise Penny (312 pp.)
55. The Female Man by Joanna Russ (214 pp.)
56. The Cloud Roads+ by Martha Wells (274 pp.)
57. Naked in Death+ by J. D. Robb (443 pp.)
58. Getting Things Done+ by David Allen (259 pp.)
April
41. Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon (401 pp.)
42. Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen (205 pp.)
43. Tiassa by Steven Brust (336 pp.)
44. Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire (400 pp.)
45. How to Slay a Dragon by Bill Allen (211 pp.)
46. Millennial Mythmaking edited by John Perlich and David Whitt (195 pp.)
47. The Magicians and Mrs. Quent* by Galen Beckett (498 pp.)
48. Cat's Claw by Amber Benson (311 pp.)
49. The House on Durrow Street (685 pp.)
March
25. Murder of a Real Bad Boy# by Denise Swanson (259 pp.)
26. Murder of a Botoxed Blonde# by Denise Swanson (237 pp.)
27. Bye Bye Bertie# by Nancy Mehl (132 pp.)
28. For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls# by Nancy Meho (133 pp.)
29. Tortall and other Lands by Tamora Pierce (369 pp.)
30. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (395 pp.)
31. Chasing Goldman Sachs: How the masters of the universe melted Wall Street down...and why they'll take us to the brink again by our very own Chatterbox, Suzanne McGee (378 pp.)
32. One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde (3359 pp.)
33. Mort by Terry Pratchett (236 pp.)
34. Trio of Sorcery+ by Mercedes Lackey (351 pp.)
35. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire (346 pp.)
36. Oath of Fealty by Elizabeth Moon* (471 pp.)
37. The Kings of the North by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
38. A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire (387 pp.)
39. An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire (371 pp.)
40. Always Coming Home* by Ursula K. Le Guin (
February
17. Carousel Tides by Sharon Lee (306 pp.)
18. Catalyst+ by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (256 pp.)
19. Catacombs+ by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (256 pp.)
20. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (402 pp.)
21. The Spirit Lens by Carol Berg (487 pp.)
22. The Great Ghost Rescue+ by Eva Ibbotson (167 pp.)
23. Unperfect Souls by Mark Del Franco (338 pp.)
24. Death's Daughter by Amber Benson (359 pp)
January
1. Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi (385 pp.)
2. Kitty and the Midnight Hour# by Carrie Vaughn (259 pp.)
3. The Native Star by M. K. Hobson (387 pp.)
4. Native Tongue* by Suzette Haden Elgin (301 pp.)
5. The Bards of Bone Plain by Patricia A. McKillip (329 pp.)
6. Rules by Cynthia Lord# (200 pp.)
7. Unclutter Your Life in One Week+ by Erin Rooney Doland (233 pp.)
8. Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Organization+ by Christopher Lowell (169 pp.)
9. Unclutter your Home+ by Donna Smallin (179 pp.)
10. Images of God for Young Children Marie-Helene Delval (89 pp.)
11. Sense and Sensibility* by Jane Austen (208 pp.)
12. Bright of the Sky+ by Kay Kenyon (451 pp.)
13. Unfallen Dead by Mark Del Franco (309 pp.)
14. On Stranger Tides+ by Tim Powers (326 pp.)
15. Grand Central Arena# by Ryk E. Spoor (671 pp.)
16. Plain Kate+ by Erin Bow (311 pp.)
(Touchstones will be in the messages containing the reviews, * signifies a re-read, # indicates an Off The Shelf book, + is a library book):
September
116. The Hidden Goddess by M. K. Hobson (374 pp.)
117. Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (293 pp.)
118. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins (309 pp.)
119. Storm Front* by Jim Butcher (322 pp.)
120. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (342 pp.)
121. The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss (399 pp.)
122. Darke by Angie Sage (641 pp.)
123. Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins (358 pp.)
124. Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (328 pp.)
125. Paul Among the People by Sarah Ruden (194 pp.)
126. Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (343 pp.)
127. Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins (412 pp.)
128. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
129. Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia (311 pp.)
August
97. Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (328 pp.)
98. The Dragon Guard# (The Magickers #3) by Emily Drake (368 pp.)
99. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (440 pp.)
100. The Door into Fire* by Diane Duane (304 pp.)
101. The Door into Shadow* by Diane Duane (298 pp.)
102. The Door into Sunset* by Diane Duane (382 pp.)
103. The Ark*+ by Margot Benary-Isbert (246 pp.)
104. Rowan Farm*+ by Margot Benary-Isbert (277 pp.)
105. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (391 pp.)
106. Melting Stones+ by Tamora Pierce (312pp.)
107. Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for people who love books and for those who want to write them by Francine Prose (273 pp.)
108. Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom by Jenny Nimmo (207 pp.)
109 Robin's Country by Monica Furlong (139 pp.)
110. The Doppelganger Gambit* by Lee Killough (261 pp.)
111. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (290 pp.)
112. Spider Play* by Lee Killough (232 pp.)
113. Dragon's Teeth (Questar Science Fiction) by Lee Killough (250 pp.)
114. Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (358 pp.)
115. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (308 pp.)
July
77. The Lightning Thief* by Rick Riordan (375 pp.)
78. The Sea of Monsters* by Rick Riordan (279 pp.)
79. The Titan's Curse* by Rick Riordan (312 pp.)
80. The Battle of the Labyrinth# by Rick Riordan (361 pp.)
81. The Last Olympian# by Rick Riordan (381 pp.)
82. Elijah of Buxton# by Christopher Paul Curtis (341 pp.)
83. The Battle for Skandia# by John Flanagan (294 pp.)
84. The Sorcerer of the North# by John Flanagan (295 pp.)
85. Wizards at War# by Diane Duane (552 pp.)
86. A Wizard of Mars# by Diane Duane (550 pp.)
87. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making+ by Catherynne Valente (247 pp.)
88. Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed# by Virginia Hamilton (208 pp.)
89. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan+ (293 pp.)
90. Except the Queen# by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder (371 pp.)
91. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J. K. Rowling (759 pp.)
92. Gifts# by Ursula K Le Guin (274 pp.)
93. Voices# by Ursula K. Le Guin (341 pp.)
94. Powers# by Ursula K. Le Guin (502 pp.)
95. The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger (33 pp.)
96. The Mysterious Benedict Society+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (485 pp.)
June
59. Spellcast by Barbara Ashford (433 pp.)
60. Scones and Sensibility+ by Lindsay Eland (309 pp.)
61. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes (373 pp.)
62. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (246 pp.)
63. The Friendship of Women by Joan Chittister (89 pp.)
64. Sparks by Laura Bickle (358 pp.)
65. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Bierkegaard (430 pp.)
66. Snotty Saves the Day by Tod Davies (182 pp.)
67. Uncertain Allies by Mark Del Franco (296 pp.)
68. The Brontes: A Life in Letters+ by Juliet Barker (402 pp.)
69. Across the Universe+ by Beth Revis (398 pp.)
70. To Weave a Web of Magic# by McKillip etal. (362 pp.)
71. The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (281 pp.)
72. Five Odd Honors by Jane Lindskold (496 pp.)
73 The Making of Pride and Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin (113 pp.)
74. A Winter Love Story by Betty Neels (219 pp.)
75. Autumn Kittens by Janice Bennett, Shannon Donnelly, and Mona Gedney (223 pp.)
76. Heartless by Gail Carriger (374 pp.)
May
50. Skin Deep by Mark Del Franco (292 pp.)
51. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies# by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith (319 pp.)
52. Face Off by Mark Del Franco (322 pp.)
53. Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose (317 pp.)
54. Still Life# by Louise Penny (312 pp.)
55. The Female Man by Joanna Russ (214 pp.)
56. The Cloud Roads+ by Martha Wells (274 pp.)
57. Naked in Death+ by J. D. Robb (443 pp.)
58. Getting Things Done+ by David Allen (259 pp.)
April
41. Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon (401 pp.)
42. Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen (205 pp.)
43. Tiassa by Steven Brust (336 pp.)
44. Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire (400 pp.)
45. How to Slay a Dragon by Bill Allen (211 pp.)
46. Millennial Mythmaking edited by John Perlich and David Whitt (195 pp.)
47. The Magicians and Mrs. Quent* by Galen Beckett (498 pp.)
48. Cat's Claw by Amber Benson (311 pp.)
49. The House on Durrow Street (685 pp.)
March
25. Murder of a Real Bad Boy# by Denise Swanson (259 pp.)
26. Murder of a Botoxed Blonde# by Denise Swanson (237 pp.)
27. Bye Bye Bertie# by Nancy Mehl (132 pp.)
28. For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls# by Nancy Meho (133 pp.)
29. Tortall and other Lands by Tamora Pierce (369 pp.)
30. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (395 pp.)
31. Chasing Goldman Sachs: How the masters of the universe melted Wall Street down...and why they'll take us to the brink again by our very own Chatterbox, Suzanne McGee (378 pp.)
32. One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde (3359 pp.)
33. Mort by Terry Pratchett (236 pp.)
34. Trio of Sorcery+ by Mercedes Lackey (351 pp.)
35. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire (346 pp.)
36. Oath of Fealty by Elizabeth Moon* (471 pp.)
37. The Kings of the North by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
38. A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire (387 pp.)
39. An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire (371 pp.)
40. Always Coming Home* by Ursula K. Le Guin (
February
17. Carousel Tides by Sharon Lee (306 pp.)
18. Catalyst+ by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (256 pp.)
19. Catacombs+ by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (256 pp.)
20. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (402 pp.)
21. The Spirit Lens by Carol Berg (487 pp.)
22. The Great Ghost Rescue+ by Eva Ibbotson (167 pp.)
23. Unperfect Souls by Mark Del Franco (338 pp.)
24. Death's Daughter by Amber Benson (359 pp)
January
1. Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi (385 pp.)
2. Kitty and the Midnight Hour# by Carrie Vaughn (259 pp.)
3. The Native Star by M. K. Hobson (387 pp.)
4. Native Tongue* by Suzette Haden Elgin (301 pp.)
5. The Bards of Bone Plain by Patricia A. McKillip (329 pp.)
6. Rules by Cynthia Lord# (200 pp.)
7. Unclutter Your Life in One Week+ by Erin Rooney Doland (233 pp.)
8. Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Organization+ by Christopher Lowell (169 pp.)
9. Unclutter your Home+ by Donna Smallin (179 pp.)
10. Images of God for Young Children Marie-Helene Delval (89 pp.)
11. Sense and Sensibility* by Jane Austen (208 pp.)
12. Bright of the Sky+ by Kay Kenyon (451 pp.)
13. Unfallen Dead by Mark Del Franco (309 pp.)
14. On Stranger Tides+ by Tim Powers (326 pp.)
15. Grand Central Arena# by Ryk E. Spoor (671 pp.)
16. Plain Kate+ by Erin Bow (311 pp.)
3ronincats
Books acquired in 2011:
January
1. Carousel Tides by Sharon Lee (Borders 50% coupon) READ
2. Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi (Borders) READ
3. Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer (Borders 33% coupon) REPLACEMENT
4. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (PBS)
5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Borders 33% coupon) READ
6. Sylvester by Georgette Heyer (Borders gift card) REPLACEMENT
February
7. General Practice by James White (paperbackswap)
8. The Spirit Lens by Carol Berg (Mysterious Galaxy, for discussion group) READ
9. Unperfect Souls by Mark Del Franco (MG) READ
10. Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey (MG)3
11. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (MG--finally in paperback!)
12. The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg (Borders 33% coupon)
13. Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce (Borders 33% coupon) READ
14. Death's Daughter by Amber Benson (Borders) READ
March
15. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
16. Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
17. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
18. Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon (Borders 25% off) READ
19. Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher (Borders 25% off)
20. The Family Trade by Charles Stross (Borders 25% off)
21. The Hidden Family by Charles Stross (Borders 25% off)
22. The River Kings' Road (PBS)
23. Green Belt Kakuro by Conceptis Puzzles (B&N)
24. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire (B&N) READ
25. The Broken Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (B&N Groupon)
26. How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend by The Monks of New Skete (PBS)
27. Kings of the North by Elizabeth Moon (MG) READ
28. Artificial Nights by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
29. Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose (Bookmooch)
30. Why Christianity Must Change or Die by John Shelby Spong (Bookmooch)
31. One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde (MG) READ
April
32. Local Habitations by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
33. Tiassa by Steven Brust (MG) READ
34. Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
35. The Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer (Borders 33% off) Replacement
36. Cat's Claw by Amber Benson (Borders) READ
37. Face Off by Mark Del Franco (Borders) READ
38. How to Slay a Dragon by Bill Allen (ER) READ
39. Millenial Mythmaking by Perlich and Whitt (ER) READ
40. Unveiling Islam by Ergun Caner (PBS)
41. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor (Borders 33% off)
42. Snotty Saves the Day by Tod Davies (ER) READ
43. The Coffee Trader by David Liss (Prospero's-LT meetup)
44. The Female Man by Joanna Russ (Prospero's-LT meetup) READ
45. The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke (Prospero's-LT meetup)
46. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (Prospero's-LT meetup)
47. White Queen by Gwyneth Jones (Prospero's-LT meetup)
48. Maximum Ice by Kay Kenyon (Prospero's-LT meetup)
49. Skin Deep by Mark Del Franco (B&N) READ
50 Omnitopia Dawn by Diane Duane (Borders-50% off closing sale)
51. Dreadnought by Cherie Priest (Borders-50% off closing sale)
52. The Affinity Bridge by George Mann (Borders-50% off closing sale)
53. The Annotated Persuasion by Jane Austen (Borders-50% off closing sale)
54. The Secret History of Moscow by Ekaterina Sedia (Borders-50% off closing sale)
55. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (Borders-50% off closing sale)
May
56. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney (gift from Dolores)
57. The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby (borrowed from my sister)
58. Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose (Borders 33% coupon)
59. Five Odd Honors by Jane Lindskold ($5 Borders Bucks)
60. Uncertain Allies by Mark Del Franco (Borders 33% coupon) READ
61. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny (PBS)
62. The Quiet War by Paul McAuley (PBS)
63. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes (Borders 20% off) READ
64. Sparks by Laura Bickle (Borders 20% off) READ
65. Spellcast by Barbara Ashford (Borders 20% off) READ
66. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard (Borders 20% off) READ
June
67. The Friendship of Women by Joan Chittister (PBS) READ
68. Steelhands by Jaida Jones (ER)
69. Goblin Moon by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
70. The Moon in Hiding by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
71. The Work of the Sun by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
72. The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (amazon) READ
73. The Hidden Goddess by M. K. Hobson (Borders 40% coupon) READ
74. The Making of Pride and Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin (PBS) READ
75. A Winter Love Story by Betty Neels (library 1¢ sale) READ
76. Autumn Kittens by Donnelly etal. (library 1¢ sale) READ
77. Heartless by Gail Carriger (Borders 30% coupon) READ
July:
78. A Christmas Treasury edited by Jack Newcombe (library sale 66¢)
79. Pearl Buck's Book of Christmas (library sale 66¢)
80. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (library sale 66¢)
81. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather (library sale 33¢)
82. Pretender by C. J. Cherryh (library sale 33¢)
83. Mind of the Magic by Holly Lisle (library sale 33¢)
August:
84. Getting Things Done by Allen, David (Borders closeout sale, aka BCS) READ
85. The Annotated Sense and Sensibility by Austen, Jane (BCS)
86. Okay for Now by Schmidt, Gary D. (BCS)
87. The Girl Who Could Fly by Forester, Victoria (BCS)
88. Murder of a Royal Pain by Swanson,Denise (BCS)
89. Elantris by Sanderson, Brandon (BCS)
90. The War of the Flowers by Williams, Tad (BCS)
91. Heartless by Carriger, Gail (BCS) READ
92. Princess Academy by Hale, Shannon (BCS) READ
93. Ghost Ship by Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller (MG) READ
94. Darke by Sage, Angie (MG) READ
95. Leviathan Wakes by Corey, James S. A. (MG)
96. Darkship Thieves by Sarah A. Hoyt (Borders coupon)
97. The Engines of God by Jack McDevitt (PBS)
98. Live of Pi by Yann Martel (library sale 50¢)
99. Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton by Edward Rice (library sale 50¢)
100. The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway (library sale 50¢)
101. Castle on the Border by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
102. Blue Mystery by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
103. Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom (Borders closing) READ
104. Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (Borders closing) READ
105. Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (Borders closing) READ
106. Bridling Chaos by Lee Killough (Borders closing) READ
107. The Inheritance by Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm (Borders closing)
108. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (Borders closing)
109. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (Borders closing)
110. Canticle by Ken Scholes (Borders closing)
111. Anathem by Neal Stephenson (Borders closing)
September
112. Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (Borders closing) READ
113. Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay (Borders closing)
114. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (Borders closing)
115. The Danger Box by Blue Balliett (Borders closing)
116. Commonsense Bidding by William Root (Borders closing)
117. Disturbance by Jan Burke (gift)
January
1. Carousel Tides by Sharon Lee (Borders 50% coupon) READ
2. Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi (Borders) READ
3. Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer (Borders 33% coupon) REPLACEMENT
4. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (PBS)
5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Borders 33% coupon) READ
6. Sylvester by Georgette Heyer (Borders gift card) REPLACEMENT
February
7. General Practice by James White (paperbackswap)
8. The Spirit Lens by Carol Berg (Mysterious Galaxy, for discussion group) READ
9. Unperfect Souls by Mark Del Franco (MG) READ
10. Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey (MG)3
11. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (MG--finally in paperback!)
12. The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg (Borders 33% coupon)
13. Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce (Borders 33% coupon) READ
14. Death's Daughter by Amber Benson (Borders) READ
March
15. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
16. Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
17. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins (Borders 25% off)
18. Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon (Borders 25% off) READ
19. Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher (Borders 25% off)
20. The Family Trade by Charles Stross (Borders 25% off)
21. The Hidden Family by Charles Stross (Borders 25% off)
22. The River Kings' Road (PBS)
23. Green Belt Kakuro by Conceptis Puzzles (B&N)
24. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire (B&N) READ
25. The Broken Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (B&N Groupon)
26. How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend by The Monks of New Skete (PBS)
27. Kings of the North by Elizabeth Moon (MG) READ
28. Artificial Nights by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
29. Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose (Bookmooch)
30. Why Christianity Must Change or Die by John Shelby Spong (Bookmooch)
31. One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde (MG) READ
April
32. Local Habitations by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
33. Tiassa by Steven Brust (MG) READ
34. Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire (MG) READ
35. The Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer (Borders 33% off) Replacement
36. Cat's Claw by Amber Benson (Borders) READ
37. Face Off by Mark Del Franco (Borders) READ
38. How to Slay a Dragon by Bill Allen (ER) READ
39. Millenial Mythmaking by Perlich and Whitt (ER) READ
40. Unveiling Islam by Ergun Caner (PBS)
41. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor (Borders 33% off)
42. Snotty Saves the Day by Tod Davies (ER) READ
43. The Coffee Trader by David Liss (Prospero's-LT meetup)
44. The Female Man by Joanna Russ (Prospero's-LT meetup) READ
45. The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke (Prospero's-LT meetup)
46. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (Prospero's-LT meetup)
47. White Queen by Gwyneth Jones (Prospero's-LT meetup)
48. Maximum Ice by Kay Kenyon (Prospero's-LT meetup)
49. Skin Deep by Mark Del Franco (B&N) READ
50 Omnitopia Dawn by Diane Duane (Borders-50% off closing sale)
51. Dreadnought by Cherie Priest (Borders-50% off closing sale)
52. The Affinity Bridge by George Mann (Borders-50% off closing sale)
53. The Annotated Persuasion by Jane Austen (Borders-50% off closing sale)
54. The Secret History of Moscow by Ekaterina Sedia (Borders-50% off closing sale)
55. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (Borders-50% off closing sale)
May
56. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney (gift from Dolores)
57. The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby (borrowed from my sister)
58. Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose (Borders 33% coupon)
59. Five Odd Honors by Jane Lindskold ($5 Borders Bucks)
60. Uncertain Allies by Mark Del Franco (Borders 33% coupon) READ
61. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny (PBS)
62. The Quiet War by Paul McAuley (PBS)
63. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes (Borders 20% off) READ
64. Sparks by Laura Bickle (Borders 20% off) READ
65. Spellcast by Barbara Ashford (Borders 20% off) READ
66. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard (Borders 20% off) READ
June
67. The Friendship of Women by Joan Chittister (PBS) READ
68. Steelhands by Jaida Jones (ER)
69. Goblin Moon by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
70. The Moon in Hiding by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
71. The Work of the Sun by Teresa Edgerton (PBS)
72. The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (amazon) READ
73. The Hidden Goddess by M. K. Hobson (Borders 40% coupon) READ
74. The Making of Pride and Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin (PBS) READ
75. A Winter Love Story by Betty Neels (library 1¢ sale) READ
76. Autumn Kittens by Donnelly etal. (library 1¢ sale) READ
77. Heartless by Gail Carriger (Borders 30% coupon) READ
July:
78. A Christmas Treasury edited by Jack Newcombe (library sale 66¢)
79. Pearl Buck's Book of Christmas (library sale 66¢)
80. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (library sale 66¢)
81. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather (library sale 33¢)
82. Pretender by C. J. Cherryh (library sale 33¢)
83. Mind of the Magic by Holly Lisle (library sale 33¢)
August:
84. Getting Things Done by Allen, David (Borders closeout sale, aka BCS) READ
85. The Annotated Sense and Sensibility by Austen, Jane (BCS)
86. Okay for Now by Schmidt, Gary D. (BCS)
87. The Girl Who Could Fly by Forester, Victoria (BCS)
88. Murder of a Royal Pain by Swanson,Denise (BCS)
89. Elantris by Sanderson, Brandon (BCS)
90. The War of the Flowers by Williams, Tad (BCS)
91. Heartless by Carriger, Gail (BCS) READ
92. Princess Academy by Hale, Shannon (BCS) READ
93. Ghost Ship by Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller (MG) READ
94. Darke by Sage, Angie (MG) READ
95. Leviathan Wakes by Corey, James S. A. (MG)
96. Darkship Thieves by Sarah A. Hoyt (Borders coupon)
97. The Engines of God by Jack McDevitt (PBS)
98. Live of Pi by Yann Martel (library sale 50¢)
99. Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton by Edward Rice (library sale 50¢)
100. The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway (library sale 50¢)
101. Castle on the Border by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
102. Blue Mystery by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
103. Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom (Borders closing) READ
104. Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (Borders closing) READ
105. Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (Borders closing) READ
106. Bridling Chaos by Lee Killough (Borders closing) READ
107. The Inheritance by Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm (Borders closing)
108. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (Borders closing)
109. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (Borders closing)
110. Canticle by Ken Scholes (Borders closing)
111. Anathem by Neal Stephenson (Borders closing)
September
112. Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (Borders closing) READ
113. Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay (Borders closing)
114. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (Borders closing)
115. The Danger Box by Blue Balliett (Borders closing)
116. Commonsense Bidding by William Root (Borders closing)
117. Disturbance by Jan Burke (gift)
4ronincats
Current status on the July Juvenile and YA challenge:
Re-read The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and The Titan's Curse so that I can read for the first time The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian.
Read books 4,5 &6 of the Ranger's Apprentice series: The Battle of Skandia, The Sorcerer of the North, and The siege of Macindaw.
Read the Le Guin trilogy, Gifts, Voices, and Powers.
Read the last two in the Young Wizards series by Diane Duane, Wizards at War and A Wizard of Mars.
Read the third of the Magickers series by Emily Drake, The Dragon Guard.
Read the first four of Suzanne Collins Gregor the Overlander series, of which I have #s 1, 2, &4.
and miscellaneous singletons:
Esperanza Rising
Spinners
Elijah of Buxton
Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed
Peter and the Starcatchers
I also am readingExcept the Queen by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder for my book group on July 19th and re-reading Emma for the Austenathon.
If I run out of books, I have 4 more YA series to finish:
The Kin by Peter Dickinson (4 books, 1 already read)
The Claidi Journals by Tanith Lee (4 books, 2 already read)
Books 2 and 3 of the Inkspell series, Inkheart and Inkdeath
The Firebringer trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce
And everyone of these books with the exception of the re-read of Emma and the 3 Riordan re-reads will count toward my Books Off the Shelf challenge! Hurrah!
Extra books interpolated into the challenge:
From the library:
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making by Catherynne Valente
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Reread from home:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Read the first four of Suzanne Collins Gregor the Overlander series, of which I have #s 1, 2, &4.
and miscellaneous singletons:
Esperanza Rising
Spinners
Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed
Peter and the Starcatchers
I also am reading
If I run out of books, I have 4 more YA series to finish:
The Kin by Peter Dickinson (4 books, 1 already read)
The Claidi Journals by Tanith Lee (4 books, 2 already read)
Books 2 and 3 of the Inkspell series, Inkheart and Inkdeath
The Firebringer trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce
And everyone of these books with the exception of the re-read of Emma and the 3 Riordan re-reads will count toward my Books Off the Shelf challenge! Hurrah!
Extra books interpolated into the challenge:
From the library:
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Reread from home:
5qebo
I was just looking at the end of your previous thread, wondering whether I wanted to overburden it. Glad you brought the pottery along.
6ronincats
Well, I made a run to the library to return a batch of books that were due and to pick up two of The Mysterious Benedict Society books. My mistake was in detouring past the sale books in the corner. For $3, I got:
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis--strongly recommended by Linda (Whisper) and I had already read Elijah of Buxton by this author this month and enjoyed it.
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather--recommended by nearly everyone.
A Christmas Treasury edited by Jack Newcombe
Pearl Buck's Book of Christmas
I have long enjoyed reading Christmas stories during that season, namely Elizabeth Goudge's collection and several Regency collections. So when I saw these, with many classics in both and only limited overlap, I could not resist. I shall have fun in December!
Mind of the Magic by Holly Lisle--a light fantasy--I've read Lisle before and enjoyed her for light reading.
Pretender by C. J. Cherryh--I have fallen behind on reading this author, even though I enjoy her. Although I haven't picked up the others in this series yet, at 50¢ for a like-new copy, how could I resist?
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis--strongly recommended by Linda (Whisper) and I had already read Elijah of Buxton by this author this month and enjoyed it.
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather--recommended by nearly everyone.
A Christmas Treasury edited by Jack Newcombe
Pearl Buck's Book of Christmas
I have long enjoyed reading Christmas stories during that season, namely Elizabeth Goudge's collection and several Regency collections. So when I saw these, with many classics in both and only limited overlap, I could not resist. I shall have fun in December!
Mind of the Magic by Holly Lisle--a light fantasy--I've read Lisle before and enjoyed her for light reading.
Pretender by C. J. Cherryh--I have fallen behind on reading this author, even though I enjoy her. Although I haven't picked up the others in this series yet, at 50¢ for a like-new copy, how could I resist?
8Donna828
Nice new thread here. I think you're too right about plenty of summer reading time left. The long-range forecast here is for a hotter and drier August than normal. Why am I not surprised after another day of 100 degree weather?
Roni, I don't think your detour past the sale table was a mistake at all. You got some great books for $3! I'm always looking for Christmas books to add to my collection. Some years when the kids don't come home, I just put my books and some stuffed animals under the tree and call it good!
Roni, I don't think your detour past the sale table was a mistake at all. You got some great books for $3! I'm always looking for Christmas books to add to my collection. Some years when the kids don't come home, I just put my books and some stuffed animals under the tree and call it good!
9alcottacre
Checking in, Roni!
Nice haul from the sale table at the library. Congrats!
Nice haul from the sale table at the library. Congrats!
10ronincats
Book #94 Powers by Ursula K. Le Guin (502 pp.)
This is the third book set in the same world, the Western Shores, and it meets up with the characters of the previous books. In this book, as in the others, young characters deal with major issues around identity, freedom, how people treat others and themselves. While not as dear to my heart as the Earthsea books, these are still well-written stories.
"The room smelled of books, that subtle smell which to some is stuffy and to others intoxicating, and it was silent."
This is the third book set in the same world, the Western Shores, and it meets up with the characters of the previous books. In this book, as in the others, young characters deal with major issues around identity, freedom, how people treat others and themselves. While not as dear to my heart as the Earthsea books, these are still well-written stories.
"The room smelled of books, that subtle smell which to some is stuffy and to others intoxicating, and it was silent."
11KiwiNyx
Hi Roni, love that quote, I am firmly in the camp of books smell intoxicating and a roomful of books is pure bliss.
12ronincats
Book #95 The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger (33 pp.)
This short story/graphic novel has been reviewed by many here in the 75 Book Challenge group. Very short and quick to read, I think it touches many of us who love books, but like some have mentioned, I really was disturbed by the decision she made at the end, not so much as part of the story, but as to how it might influence others who might be vulnerable.
This short story/graphic novel has been reviewed by many here in the 75 Book Challenge group. Very short and quick to read, I think it touches many of us who love books, but like some have mentioned, I really was disturbed by the decision she made at the end, not so much as part of the story, but as to how it might influence others who might be vulnerable.
13alcottacre
#10: I am lucky in that my local library has all 3 of the books in that trilogy. I look forward to getting to them soon.
15avatiakh
I felt the same about The Book Nightmobile, the ending just doesn't appeal at all. I was also disturbed to see it on display at my local Borders when it first came out on a table full of children's books. I had read it and made it clear to the staff that it definitely did not belong anywhere near a child.
I'm wondering what you thought of The Girl who circumnavigated Fairyland which I haven't succeeded in getting into. After about 50 pages I'm still ambivalent about the writing style, and will probably take the book back to the library unread. I might pick it up another day as I've read a few reviews and it does sound intriguing.
I've only read Gifts and must get to the other two books, as I enjoyed that one.
I'm wondering what you thought of The Girl who circumnavigated Fairyland which I haven't succeeded in getting into. After about 50 pages I'm still ambivalent about the writing style, and will probably take the book back to the library unread. I might pick it up another day as I've read a few reviews and it does sound intriguing.
I've only read Gifts and must get to the other two books, as I enjoyed that one.
16ronincats
Kerry, it was okay, but very self-consciously clever and there were some things late in the plot that bothered me. I wanted it to be more charming than it was.
17ronincats
Book #96 The Mysterious Benedict Society+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (485 pp.)
This was fun, outrageous children's fantasy. Not too pretentious, not too emotionally involving, just quirky and fun.
This was fun, outrageous children's fantasy. Not too pretentious, not too emotionally involving, just quirky and fun.
20avatiakh
Agree about the blue glaze.
Thanks for the feedback on the Girl who circumnavigated Fairyland, I don't feel so bad about stalling on it now. A shame that I had to finish my Juvenile July reads on a dull note. I'm listening to the audio of The Mysterious Benedict Society at present, it's a lot of fun so far.
Thanks for the feedback on the Girl who circumnavigated Fairyland, I don't feel so bad about stalling on it now. A shame that I had to finish my Juvenile July reads on a dull note. I'm listening to the audio of The Mysterious Benedict Society at present, it's a lot of fun so far.
21thornton37814
Love that blue one!
23Whisper1
What a lovely blue glazed bowl! I admire your talent. And, what a great haul of books, all for a mere $3.00. Naturally, I'll anxiously await your comments regarding Bud, Not Buddy when you've read this stellar book!
24ronincats
That inside blue glaze is called speckled blue, and I agree, I really like the way it turned out. I shall do an entire piece in that color soon.
Here is my July summary. I read 20 books. Of those, 18 were juvenile and YA, and of those, 16 were fantasy and 2 were straight fiction. The other two non-juvenile/YA were a fantasy and a graphic novel.
Of the 20 books, 16 were new reads versus 4 rereads. 12 books were Off my Shelves (having been there before this calendar year) and 9 of them have already been donated to my school library so are now physically off my shelves. 4 were library books. All but one were published in the 21st century.
July
77. The Lightning Thief* by Rick Riordan (375 pp.)
78. The Sea of Monsters* by Rick Riordan (279 pp.)
79. The Titan's Curse* by Rick Riordan (312 pp.)
80. The Battle of the Labyrinth# by Rick Riordan (361 pp.)
81. The Last Olympian# by Rick Riordan (381 pp.)
82. Elijah of Buxton# by Christopher Paul Curtis (341 pp.)
83. The Battle for Skandia# by John Flanagan (294 pp.)
84. The Sorcerer of the North# by John Flanagan (295 pp.)
85. Wizards at War# by Diane Duane (552 pp.)
86. A Wizard of Mars# by Diane Duane (550 pp.)
87. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making+ by Catherynne Valente (247 pp.)
88. Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed# by Virginia Hamilton (208 pp.)
89. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan+ (293 pp.)
90. Except the Queen# by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder (371 pp.)
91. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J. K. Rowling (759 pp.)
92. Gifts# by Ursula K Le Guin (274 pp.)
93. Voices# by Ursula K. Le Guin (341 pp.)
94. Powers# by Ursula K. Le Guin (502 pp.)
95. The Night Bookmobile+ by Audrey Niffenegger (33 pp.)
96. The Mysterious Benedict Society+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (485 pp.)
I did not by any means finish what I have in this category on my shelves (see message 4 for my progress on what I planned) and so plan to continue over the next month or two. I'm thinking one of the series per month. For example:
August--4 Gregor the Overlander books
September--4 The Kin books
October--3 Firebringer books
November--4 Claidi Journal books
December--the last two Inkheart books, with maybe a reread of the first book.
All of the series above, which I own, will then be donated to the school library.
And, since I have the other two Mysterious Benedict Society books home from the library, I will finish them in the next two weeks.
I also need to get started on Emma, at my leisurely reread pace.
I only acquired the 6 books that I got at the library sale this month, so that slowed down and I again am ahead of the curve, having acquired 83 books this year vs. 96 read.
Here is my July summary. I read 20 books. Of those, 18 were juvenile and YA, and of those, 16 were fantasy and 2 were straight fiction. The other two non-juvenile/YA were a fantasy and a graphic novel.
Of the 20 books, 16 were new reads versus 4 rereads. 12 books were Off my Shelves (having been there before this calendar year) and 9 of them have already been donated to my school library so are now physically off my shelves. 4 were library books. All but one were published in the 21st century.
July
77. The Lightning Thief* by Rick Riordan (375 pp.)
78. The Sea of Monsters* by Rick Riordan (279 pp.)
79. The Titan's Curse* by Rick Riordan (312 pp.)
80. The Battle of the Labyrinth# by Rick Riordan (361 pp.)
81. The Last Olympian# by Rick Riordan (381 pp.)
82. Elijah of Buxton# by Christopher Paul Curtis (341 pp.)
83. The Battle for Skandia# by John Flanagan (294 pp.)
84. The Sorcerer of the North# by John Flanagan (295 pp.)
85. Wizards at War# by Diane Duane (552 pp.)
86. A Wizard of Mars# by Diane Duane (550 pp.)
87. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making+ by Catherynne Valente (247 pp.)
88. Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed# by Virginia Hamilton (208 pp.)
89. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan+ (293 pp.)
90. Except the Queen# by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder (371 pp.)
91. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J. K. Rowling (759 pp.)
92. Gifts# by Ursula K Le Guin (274 pp.)
93. Voices# by Ursula K. Le Guin (341 pp.)
94. Powers# by Ursula K. Le Guin (502 pp.)
95. The Night Bookmobile+ by Audrey Niffenegger (33 pp.)
96. The Mysterious Benedict Society+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (485 pp.)
I did not by any means finish what I have in this category on my shelves (see message 4 for my progress on what I planned) and so plan to continue over the next month or two. I'm thinking one of the series per month. For example:
August--4 Gregor the Overlander books
September--4 The Kin books
October--3 Firebringer books
November--4 Claidi Journal books
December--the last two Inkheart books, with maybe a reread of the first book.
All of the series above, which I own, will then be donated to the school library.
And, since I have the other two Mysterious Benedict Society books home from the library, I will finish them in the next two weeks.
I also need to get started on Emma, at my leisurely reread pace.
I only acquired the 6 books that I got at the library sale this month, so that slowed down and I again am ahead of the curve, having acquired 83 books this year vs. 96 read.
25Donna828
>18 ronincats:: Beautiful blue pot... Blue Pacific meets San Diego Blue Sky. I want to be there for the month of August. The squirrels are sucking the innards out of my green tomatoes. Waaahh!!
Good for you, donating those books to the school library.
Good for you, donating those books to the school library.
26RosyLibrarian
Starred you!
27sibylline
Oh - that blue bowl is fantastic!
And wayyyyyy back -- my daughter also complained bitterly at the brevity of the Mrs. Weasley's shining moment.
And wayyyyyy back -- my daughter also complained bitterly at the brevity of the Mrs. Weasley's shining moment.
28brenpike
Hi Roni . . . We are enjoying (#*&?) a temp of 109 today in Lawrence! I sure hope your mom has her AC back and fully operational.
29KiwiNyx
Hi Roni, love your pots, they would make great soup bowls, do you make sets? And I am really impressed with your July reading, so many great titles and it has reminded me that I really do need to get back to Percy Jackson one of these days.
31alcottacre
Love that blue bowl, Roni!
33ronincats
Okay, I have put off the bad news as long as I can. On Tuesday, I went down to Borders to see what they had, even though my genres were only 20% off, plus 10% off for my Rewards card. Then I went up to Mysterious Galaxy because one of my favorite series had a book come out that day. The damage? An even dozen books, bringing me to 95 books acquired for the year. Even if two of them were for others. Books are listed in message 3 above under August.
Since then, I read the book I went to MG to get (in hardback) and another of my off the shelf juveniles.
Book #97 Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (328 pp.)
Finally, FINALLY, Lee and Miller have got us back to the point where I Dare (2002) ended 9 years ago, after writing two more books to fill in the backstory (and three unrelated books) for the last scene in that book, a scene for which I nearly did not forgive them. Now the two different threads of plot come together and interweave. This is not the book to start with--there are too many POV characters. For those who have read the series through, this is manageable because you know the characters so well, but I think it would be very choppy otherwise. All our favorite characters check in, but many only briefly. And we end at a stopping point, but with much more of the story yet to go. The Department of the Interior has not been vanquished yet.
Book #98 The Dragon Guard (The Magickers #3)# by Emily Drake (368 pp.)
This is a series about middle school children with magic, but not in a world where there is a school of wizards to train them and keep them safe. No, this is a world where a battle between magicians devastated the magical community, leaving few survivors and no resolution of the conflict. New children with talent are recruited to a summer camp in a bid to strengthen forces for good--no, it's not what you are thinking--this was published 4 years before The Lightning Thief and they aren't demi-gods. This is book three, the books are as complex as the first few Harry Potters but not nearly as captivating. There's one more, published in 2006, which evidently still leaves the story hanging, and I suspect no contract to finish the series. I read this because I had it, I had donated the first two to the school library and needed to be sure this was appropriate for intermediate students before giving this one as well. However, I won't be looking for the fourth book. Good premises, so-so execution.
Since then, I read the book I went to MG to get (in hardback) and another of my off the shelf juveniles.
Book #97 Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (328 pp.)
Finally, FINALLY, Lee and Miller have got us back to the point where I Dare (2002) ended 9 years ago, after writing two more books to fill in the backstory (and three unrelated books) for the last scene in that book, a scene for which I nearly did not forgive them. Now the two different threads of plot come together and interweave. This is not the book to start with--there are too many POV characters. For those who have read the series through, this is manageable because you know the characters so well, but I think it would be very choppy otherwise. All our favorite characters check in, but many only briefly. And we end at a stopping point, but with much more of the story yet to go. The Department of the Interior has not been vanquished yet.
Book #98 The Dragon Guard (The Magickers #3)# by Emily Drake (368 pp.)
This is a series about middle school children with magic, but not in a world where there is a school of wizards to train them and keep them safe. No, this is a world where a battle between magicians devastated the magical community, leaving few survivors and no resolution of the conflict. New children with talent are recruited to a summer camp in a bid to strengthen forces for good--no, it's not what you are thinking--this was published 4 years before The Lightning Thief and they aren't demi-gods. This is book three, the books are as complex as the first few Harry Potters but not nearly as captivating. There's one more, published in 2006, which evidently still leaves the story hanging, and I suspect no contract to finish the series. I read this because I had it, I had donated the first two to the school library and needed to be sure this was appropriate for intermediate students before giving this one as well. However, I won't be looking for the fourth book. Good premises, so-so execution.
34alcottacre
#33: I am really hoping, some century, to be able to read the Lee/Miller series.
35ronincats
Did I not send you Agent of Change? A quick read, lots of action, easy to tell if you want to continue, and, oh, those turtles!
36alcottacre
Yes, you did send that one to me. Thanks for the reminder. Now I just have to figure out where I put it!
37ronincats
Book #99 The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey+ by Trenton Lee Stewart (440 pp.)
Along the same lines as Book #96, the kids have to rescue Mr. Benedict from his evil brother. Quirky and full of hyperbole, to be enjoyed in moderation.
Along the same lines as Book #96, the kids have to rescue Mr. Benedict from his evil brother. Quirky and full of hyperbole, to be enjoyed in moderation.
38Donna828
LOL, Roni. I'm glad to see you're keeping the book world in business. I applaud your recent purchases. I've bought my share of books this year, too. We have to make up for Stasia's book ban.
39ronincats
Okay, in message 33 I said the new acquisitions were listed in message 3, my acquisitions log. However, due to my miniscule attention span, I never listed them there until right now (What! Only 3 days lag?), so, to spare those who are interested massive inconvenience, here they are now.
August:
84. Getting Things Done by Allen, David (Borders closeout sale, aka BCS) I read this earlier this year as a library book, and when this leapt out at me in the middle of the sff section, it reminded me forcibly that I wanted my own copy.
85. The Annotated Sense and Sensibility by Austen, Jane (BCS) Now I have all three Austens that have been annotated--S&S, P&P, and, for the upcoming read, Persuasion!)
85. Okay for Now by Schmidt, Gary D. (BCS) After Linda's glowing review, when I saw multiple copies sitting on the shelf, what could I do?
86. The Girl Who Could Fly by Forester, Victoria (BCS) Impulse buy--looked like a possible interesting children's fantasy.
87. Murder of a Royal Pain by Swanson,Denise (BCS) The latest in this cozy mystery series featuring a school psychologist.
88. Elantris by Sanderson, Brandon (BCS) This makes three books I have by Sanderson, all on the TBR pile. However, people say this is a really good one to start with.
89. The War of the Flowers by Williams, Tad (BCS) Haven't read much of his newer stuff, although I loved his traditional fantasy trilogy, so decided I'd pick up this interesting sounding one.
90. Heartless by Carriger, Gail (BCS) replacement copy.
91. Princess Academy by Hale, Shannon (BCS) gift for my niece.
92. Ghost Ship by Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller (MG) The new Liaden series book, just came out, and I get all of these immediately. Read the same day. Yum!
93. Darke by Sage, Angie (MG) Several people have not particularly liked this series, but I, who see so much as derivative, do like it quite a bit.
94. Leviathan Wakes by Corey, James S. A. (MG) Recommended by Patrick, MG's SFF guru, as don't-miss space opera!
95. Darkship Thieves by Sarah A. Hoyt (Borders coupon) Actually, I bought this on July 15 with a Borders coupon and forgot to record it, and then didn't want to have to renumber everything.
96. The Engines of God by Jack McDevitt (PBS) This just arrived from PaperBackSwap.
August:
84. Getting Things Done by Allen, David (Borders closeout sale, aka BCS) I read this earlier this year as a library book, and when this leapt out at me in the middle of the sff section, it reminded me forcibly that I wanted my own copy.
85. The Annotated Sense and Sensibility by Austen, Jane (BCS) Now I have all three Austens that have been annotated--S&S, P&P, and, for the upcoming read, Persuasion!)
85. Okay for Now by Schmidt, Gary D. (BCS) After Linda's glowing review, when I saw multiple copies sitting on the shelf, what could I do?
86. The Girl Who Could Fly by Forester, Victoria (BCS) Impulse buy--looked like a possible interesting children's fantasy.
87. Murder of a Royal Pain by Swanson,Denise (BCS) The latest in this cozy mystery series featuring a school psychologist.
88. Elantris by Sanderson, Brandon (BCS) This makes three books I have by Sanderson, all on the TBR pile. However, people say this is a really good one to start with.
89. The War of the Flowers by Williams, Tad (BCS) Haven't read much of his newer stuff, although I loved his traditional fantasy trilogy, so decided I'd pick up this interesting sounding one.
90. Heartless by Carriger, Gail (BCS) replacement copy.
91. Princess Academy by Hale, Shannon (BCS) gift for my niece.
92. Ghost Ship by Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller (MG) The new Liaden series book, just came out, and I get all of these immediately. Read the same day. Yum!
93. Darke by Sage, Angie (MG) Several people have not particularly liked this series, but I, who see so much as derivative, do like it quite a bit.
94. Leviathan Wakes by Corey, James S. A. (MG) Recommended by Patrick, MG's SFF guru, as don't-miss space opera!
95. Darkship Thieves by Sarah A. Hoyt (Borders coupon) Actually, I bought this on July 15 with a Borders coupon and forgot to record it, and then didn't want to have to renumber everything.
96. The Engines of God by Jack McDevitt (PBS) This just arrived from PaperBackSwap.
40ronincats
Thanks for visiting and liking my bowls, Marie, Lucy, Brenda, Valerie, Lori, Linda, Leonie, Anne, Stasia, Morph, and Donna! It's always good to have friends visit.
I was out in the garden this morning picking tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, roses, and lemons. The bees are having a heyday in the blooming oregano and catnip! We are having a perfect week with highs in the mid-70s and I am loving it.
Yesterday I went to the local Bead Society of San Diego's 12th Annual Bead Bazaar. Got there at 10 when it opened, left at 2, went and got a drink at McDonalds and then straight to pottery class. I was beat up last night. I spent way too much money, especially on the Kazuri beads, and took a silver clay make-it-and-take-it, which was interesting, but the clay is expensive! Of course, when you consider that it IS silver and the price of silver...but I had a fun day. And I brought home another bowl and spent all my time glazing at class. I'm going to put the pictures of all the above in separate messages. For some reason when I combine them, they come out different sizes.
I was out in the garden this morning picking tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, roses, and lemons. The bees are having a heyday in the blooming oregano and catnip! We are having a perfect week with highs in the mid-70s and I am loving it.
Yesterday I went to the local Bead Society of San Diego's 12th Annual Bead Bazaar. Got there at 10 when it opened, left at 2, went and got a drink at McDonalds and then straight to pottery class. I was beat up last night. I spent way too much money, especially on the Kazuri beads, and took a silver clay make-it-and-take-it, which was interesting, but the clay is expensive! Of course, when you consider that it IS silver and the price of silver...but I had a fun day. And I brought home another bowl and spent all my time glazing at class. I'm going to put the pictures of all the above in separate messages. For some reason when I combine them, they come out different sizes.
43ronincats
And now my purchases at the bead show:
The silver bits on the mid-left are what I made from the silver clay, and the ceramic beads are the Kazuri beads, the red and black ones are for my husband.
The silver bits on the mid-left are what I made from the silver clay, and the ceramic beads are the Kazuri beads, the red and black ones are for my husband.
45yolana
Hi Roni, it looks like you had a great month of reading and creativity. Those pots are gorgeous, I hope you post pics of your beading projects. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland... is a great title. I just ordered it for the title alone and it's got high ratings so I'm hoping I'll love it.
46brenpike
Love reading your posts and looking at your pics. . . what a fun weekend you had! I'm jealous of your 70 degree weather. We're still roasting here in the 90s and 100s . . . you remember Kansas.
48ronincats
Hey, Yolanda and Brenda, thanks for the visit and kind comments. Piyush, that's good to hear.
I am dithering, having trouble starting a book for #100. I did start Emma last night finally, but that will be a couple of chapters a night over several weeks, but I've picked up and put down several books for a more intense investment. Too many books...
I am dithering, having trouble starting a book for #100. I did start Emma last night finally, but that will be a couple of chapters a night over several weeks, but I've picked up and put down several books for a more intense investment. Too many books...
49alcottacre
Gorgeous garden veggies, beautiful bowl and beads!
50CanadaPile
Hi Roni. I really like that last bowl. I do love browns and creams in pottery. On the bowl above it, my favorite is actually the outside since I'm not a huge fan of primary colors. That pale blue merging with the darker glaze produced a really interesting color.
51jolerie
I am jealous that your garden can produce such a variety of produce! It must feel so satisfying to be able to plant, and then pick, and then put on your table without having to go to the store for it. And to know that there are no extra pesticides and chemicals is an excellent bonus. :)
Those beads look gorgeous and I'm sure the creations you make with it will be doubly beautful!
Those beads look gorgeous and I'm sure the creations you make with it will be doubly beautful!
52ronincats
Valerie, tomatoes are somewhat of a struggle around here, so close to the coast, and always end up with a fungus, but this year is fair for them. The green beans and cucumbers are a great success this year. It depends so much on our weather. Last year was a really cool summer and none of the warm weather vegies did very well.
Thanks, Ruth and Stasia. I am finding the glazing to be much more of an art than the throwing, in some ways, and am still quite a beginner.
Well, when the going gets tough, go to an old favorite. Kerry had been talking about Diane Duane on her thread, and so I picked up The Door into Fire, her first book and one of my favorite series, for my 100th book of the year. This is one where from the days where the cover art typically had little to do with the story and seemed intended to snag the interest of adolescent boys, as you see. (I note that more recent covers are much different.)
Book #100 The Door into Fire* by Diane Duane (304 pp,)
What I liked about this book in 1979: the worldview--the concept of the Goddess and her forms, the creation myth and how it formed complete acceptance of whatever gender pairings emerged for one's "loved", the society, the "quest", but most of all the characters. Especially Sunspark, who is more fun than a cat--something not lightly said. This is thoughtful traditional fantasy set on a Celtish mythology base--but not stale, not trite, and it holds up to the present day!
Thanks, Ruth and Stasia. I am finding the glazing to be much more of an art than the throwing, in some ways, and am still quite a beginner.
Well, when the going gets tough, go to an old favorite. Kerry had been talking about Diane Duane on her thread, and so I picked up The Door into Fire, her first book and one of my favorite series, for my 100th book of the year. This is one where from the days where the cover art typically had little to do with the story and seemed intended to snag the interest of adolescent boys, as you see. (I note that more recent covers are much different.)
Book #100 The Door into Fire* by Diane Duane (304 pp,)
What I liked about this book in 1979: the worldview--the concept of the Goddess and her forms, the creation myth and how it formed complete acceptance of whatever gender pairings emerged for one's "loved", the society, the "quest", but most of all the characters. Especially Sunspark, who is more fun than a cat--something not lightly said. This is thoughtful traditional fantasy set on a Celtish mythology base--but not stale, not trite, and it holds up to the present day!
53ronincats
Real Simple's email of the day is "Organize your Bookshelves". They have suggestions for people with few books and for a mix of books and media, but I, of course, like all of us here would, went straight to the "If you have Lots of Books" page. Are you ready for a good laugh?
1. Mix and match. Arrange most of your books vertically to save space but incorporate a few horizontal stacks to spark interest. This is doable, because we all have those books that are too tall to put vertically.
2. Add decorative items. "I'd never place more than 30 or so books vertically without breaking the line with a pretty object," says...a personal organizer in NYC.
Excuse me! Do you realize how many books that would push off my shelves!! No can do!
3. Don't overdo it. Leave at least one quarter of each shelf free to give a sense of airiness. See above. Gad, they've GOT to be kidding.
The other two have to do with illuminating the books with a battery operated light under the top shelf and to lay large books horizontally to protect their covers, as vertical large books need to be supported by books of equal size to prevent warping.
1. Mix and match. Arrange most of your books vertically to save space but incorporate a few horizontal stacks to spark interest. This is doable, because we all have those books that are too tall to put vertically.
2. Add decorative items. "I'd never place more than 30 or so books vertically without breaking the line with a pretty object," says...a personal organizer in NYC.
Excuse me! Do you realize how many books that would push off my shelves!! No can do!
3. Don't overdo it. Leave at least one quarter of each shelf free to give a sense of airiness. See above. Gad, they've GOT to be kidding.
The other two have to do with illuminating the books with a battery operated light under the top shelf and to lay large books horizontally to protect their covers, as vertical large books need to be supported by books of equal size to prevent warping.
54ronincats
Book #101 The Door into Shadow* by Diane Duane (298 pp.)
Now that Herewiss has achieved his goal, getting Freelorn back his country seems the next step, but first the bindings on the land must be renewed in order to keep it from self-destructing. Segnbora, met in the first book, is a major focus of this book as she deals with her personal issues and reaches for self-realization, we meet Eftgan, the queen of Darthen, who is a really marvelous character, and dragons become very important. Really neat dragons. Really! Neat! Not trivial, not cute, not cardboard. And a much better cover, circa 1985.
Now that Herewiss has achieved his goal, getting Freelorn back his country seems the next step, but first the bindings on the land must be renewed in order to keep it from self-destructing. Segnbora, met in the first book, is a major focus of this book as she deals with her personal issues and reaches for self-realization, we meet Eftgan, the queen of Darthen, who is a really marvelous character, and dragons become very important. Really neat dragons. Really! Neat! Not trivial, not cute, not cardboard. And a much better cover, circa 1985.
55ronincats
The library is becoming a dangerous place for me. I stopped by yesterday to pick up copies of Melting Stones and The Ark and Rowan Farm by Margot Benary-Isbert (the same editions I read as a child, from the covers), and got three more books off the sale shelves at 50¢ apiece--books I may never read, but could not leave there at that price.
The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: The Finca Vigía Edition
Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton by Edward Rice
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: The Finca Vigía Edition
Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton by Edward Rice
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
56Dejah_Thoris
>53 ronincats: Just how many books do they think people have? 20? 30? And the last thing I need tucked in with the bookd are decorative objects; the cats would have a field day....
The library sale shelves are always a risk for me, too. Now the grocery store is in on it, selling used books to raise money for Vets. This weekend, during the Huckleberry festival, there's going to be a book sale for a building restoration fund. I've getting ready to move! This is bad!!!!
BTW, I love your pottery, particularly the blue piece. Your garden produce is beautiful -- I'm jealous. And as for your beads, well, I covet beads but never actually manage to do anything with them. I look forward to seeing your projects.
The library sale shelves are always a risk for me, too. Now the grocery store is in on it, selling used books to raise money for Vets. This weekend, during the Huckleberry festival, there's going to be a book sale for a building restoration fund. I've getting ready to move! This is bad!!!!
BTW, I love your pottery, particularly the blue piece. Your garden produce is beautiful -- I'm jealous. And as for your beads, well, I covet beads but never actually manage to do anything with them. I look forward to seeing your projects.
57thornton37814
Our library is having their book sale on Saturday. They had some good stuff on the continuous sale shelves this morning, but I resisted temptation. I'm hoping an elementary school teacher will pick up the books I left sitting there and that he or she will instill a love of literature by reading aloud in his or her classroom.
58alcottacre
I think it is a good thing my local library does not have a sale table. My book buying ban for the year would be moot!
59gennyt
I adore the pot in post #18!
I'm glad someone else is listing all their numerous book acquisitions - makes me feel not quite so bad about mine (though I'm still beating you at WELL over 100 books acquired this year...).
Thanks for the reviews of the LeGuin trilogy. I too really loved Earthsea, and was wondering how this series matched up. Not quite so good, by the sound of it, but I might still look out for them.
Thanks for sharing all the colours and fruits of your garden, your potting and your beadwork!
I'm glad someone else is listing all their numerous book acquisitions - makes me feel not quite so bad about mine (though I'm still beating you at WELL over 100 books acquired this year...).
Thanks for the reviews of the LeGuin trilogy. I too really loved Earthsea, and was wondering how this series matched up. Not quite so good, by the sound of it, but I might still look out for them.
Thanks for sharing all the colours and fruits of your garden, your potting and your beadwork!
60Donna828
>53 ronincats:: LOL... my books get no air!
Congratulations on reading 101 books. I could learn some time management skills from you, Roni.
Congratulations on reading 101 books. I could learn some time management skills from you, Roni.
61Dejah_Thoris
I didn't notcie before that you'd reached (and passed) 100 books -- congratulations!
62richardderus
Hiya Roni! drive-by hug
63ronincats
Thanks for stopping by, Dejah, Lori, and Stasia. Genny, a PBS book arrived yesterday that puts me at 100 books acquired for the year, so I am not far behind you. Donna, I'm only barely keeping ahead of my acquisitions in books read--I have to put a move on, because I am determined to read more than I acquire!
Big hugs to Richard and to all the rest of you. It's nice to have all you as visitors. I'll post the bracelets I made this week later today.
Acquired book #101 Castle on the Border by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
She writes of postwar Germany and how life was then. I have her children's books The Ark and Rowan Farm out from the library--I loved reading them as a child and these are the same editions!
Big hugs to Richard and to all the rest of you. It's nice to have all you as visitors. I'll post the bracelets I made this week later today.
Acquired book #101 Castle on the Border by Margot Benary-Isbert (PBS)
She writes of postwar Germany and how life was then. I have her children's books The Ark and Rowan Farm out from the library--I loved reading them as a child and these are the same editions!
66norabelle414
So pretty! I love the purple bracelet!
67bluesalamanders
Roni, are you familiar with Eni Oken? That purple bracelet reminds me a bit of her work.
68ronincats
Thanks, Nora, that one's for me. The other two are for my husband who likes red, black, and gold.
Blue, no, I hadn't, but what a great website! Thanks!
Blue, no, I hadn't, but what a great website! Thanks!
69bluesalamanders
Roni - You're welcome! Isn't her work incredible? She has some free tutorials that are great, and I bought some as well, back when I made jewelry. Looking at her stuff almost makes me want to take it up again...
70ronincats
Book #102 The Door into Sunset by Diane Duane (382 pp.)
Now, we all have been waiting since 1992 for the 4th book in the series because on the last page of this one it says "The fourth volume...which tells the end of the Tale of the Five, will be called The Door Into Starlight." But really, if it weren't for that, doesn't this book really end at the best of all possible places?
Now, we all have been waiting since 1992 for the 4th book in the series because on the last page of this one it says "The fourth volume...which tells the end of the Tale of the Five, will be called The Door Into Starlight." But really, if it weren't for that, doesn't this book really end at the best of all possible places?
71alcottacre
#65: I love the red bracelet!
#70: I am currently enjoying Duane's So You Want to Be a Wizard?. I am hoping to be able to read more of her books. Thank you for introducing me to this author, Roni.
#70: I am currently enjoying Duane's So You Want to Be a Wizard?. I am hoping to be able to read more of her books. Thank you for introducing me to this author, Roni.
72Whisper1
Like stasia, I like the red bracelet. How I hope my retirement is as fun as yours. I have another six years to go, but I'm looking forward to having time to allow the creative side to play.
Happy Saturday to you dear one!
Happy Saturday to you dear one!
73gennyt
I like the black and gold one - and the purple one too - let's face it, I like all of them!
74souloftherose
#64 & 65 They're all so beautiful! Congratulations on all the books acquired too :-)
75Dejah_Thoris
It's the purple one for me -- it's beautiful!
76richardderus
*LOVE* that purple one!
77ronincats
Thank you, everyone. It is fun to make them.
Wednesday night Fusionglass had a "Girl's night out" which was a combo wine party/pendant making event, and I picked up my pendants that I made last night (had to be kiln-fired). I like them much better than the ones I made last summer with them.
Wednesday night Fusionglass had a "Girl's night out" which was a combo wine party/pendant making event, and I picked up my pendants that I made last night (had to be kiln-fired). I like them much better than the ones I made last summer with them.
78jolerie
Gorgeous creations Roni! Considering how expensive accessories can be when you buy in shop, it's even more envious that you can just make you own and taylor it your own tastes!
79ronincats
Book #103 The Ark* by Margot Benary-Isbert (246 pp.)
This book came to mind as a result of Linda's (WHisper) reviews of some of her YA books around the time of WWII. I read this as a child--it was published in the US in 1953, translated from the German. This is the story of a German family, refugees from the newly created East Germany and the Russians, as a war-torn Germany deals with privations. I would have to say this is one of the books that helped develop empathy in me as a child. This book, along with Connie Willis' picture of the sacrifices of war-time Britain, is certainly an education in what it means to really be at war. Yet it is a hopeful book, showing the best of people in hard times. Recommended.
This book came to mind as a result of Linda's (WHisper) reviews of some of her YA books around the time of WWII. I read this as a child--it was published in the US in 1953, translated from the German. This is the story of a German family, refugees from the newly created East Germany and the Russians, as a war-torn Germany deals with privations. I would have to say this is one of the books that helped develop empathy in me as a child. This book, along with Connie Willis' picture of the sacrifices of war-time Britain, is certainly an education in what it means to really be at war. Yet it is a hopeful book, showing the best of people in hard times. Recommended.
80alcottacre
#77: Gorgeous!
#79: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Roni.
#79: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Roni.
81Morphidae
I love the purple one too.
WAIT! Actually, I hate it. It's awful. You should get rid of it immediately.
I'll send you my address.
WAIT! Actually, I hate it. It's awful. You should get rid of it immediately.
I'll send you my address.
82ronincats
Book #104 Rowan Farm by Margot Benary-Isbert (277 pp.)
I didn't like this as well as a child, and I see why now--it is a book moving on with wider themes and an adolescent viewpoint, one matured by suffering and hard work. Now I like it as well as the first, as it continues the story started in The Ark.
I didn't like this as well as a child, and I see why now--it is a book moving on with wider themes and an adolescent viewpoint, one matured by suffering and hard work. Now I like it as well as the first, as it continues the story started in The Ark.
85norabelle414
Wow! Where is the pretty jewelry like that when I go shopping?!
88TadAD
Just stopping by. I finished The Dragon's Path last week, which struck me as your type of book if you haven't taken a look at it, yet.
89ronincats
Thanks, Linda, Nora, Lucy and Brenda. This one is so easy--and I'd been looking for something to use those irregularly shaped dark rose pearls in and this worked perfectly.
Tad, that looks good. I still need to read Abraham's Quartet--I had the first one out from the library, got a couple of chapters in, and ran out of time last summer. I've heard lots of good stuff about his fantasy. Thanks for the suggestion.
Tad, that looks good. I still need to read Abraham's Quartet--I had the first one out from the library, got a couple of chapters in, and ran out of time last summer. I've heard lots of good stuff about his fantasy. Thanks for the suggestion.
91alcottacre
Love the necklace, Roni!
93ronincats
Book #105 The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (391 pp.)
The third and currently the last in this children's fantasy series, it was due back to the library tomorrow. This continues the formula from the first two--Mr. Benedict's evil brother is back at it again, the children are in peril, and using their wits along with help from their adults must deal with it. It's a good place to stop, but I must say the puzzles are so clever at times that I can see this being very entertaining for children.
The third and currently the last in this children's fantasy series, it was due back to the library tomorrow. This continues the formula from the first two--Mr. Benedict's evil brother is back at it again, the children are in peril, and using their wits along with help from their adults must deal with it. It's a good place to stop, but I must say the puzzles are so clever at times that I can see this being very entertaining for children.
94ronincats
Book #106 Melting Stones+ by Tamora Pierce (312pp.)
This was a typical Pierce Circle of Magic and The Circle Opens story. I like her Tortall stories better--these are geared toward younger children, but still dealing with themes of learning to deal both with their own gifts and with others. The only one that starts to step out of this pattern so far is The Will of the Empress, which deals with the original quartet as older teens. As I said, I thought it pretty typical, much like the other Circle Opens books--enjoyable, interesting but not in any way outstanding.
This was a typical Pierce Circle of Magic and The Circle Opens story. I like her Tortall stories better--these are geared toward younger children, but still dealing with themes of learning to deal both with their own gifts and with others. The only one that starts to step out of this pattern so far is The Will of the Empress, which deals with the original quartet as older teens. As I said, I thought it pretty typical, much like the other Circle Opens books--enjoyable, interesting but not in any way outstanding.
95ronincats
Today has been a total vege-out day. I didn't exercise, didn't do anything except give the dog a bath, give myself one, run the dishwasher and empty it, do a load of towels, and read the above books. I didn't sleep that well last night--had a hard time falling asleep and didn't manage it until about 1:30, which is unusual for me. The husband has his long day at work, 8:30 to 8, so I have lazed about and have done nothing useful. Well, I called the travel agent at AAA. I told Linda and Stasia a couple of weeks ago, our fall trip to Pennsylvania is off for the time being. So we are looking at trying our first cruise ever, in the Caribbean in early December.
Things I need to do--dust, run the vacuum cleaner, put away my jewelry supplies from taking them to class Sunday, put away clothes, read the newspaper, make some fresh ice tea, and wait for my husband to bring me home a huge shrimp burrito from Serrano's. Yum. Tomorrow I have to return my library books, go see my allergist, stop by Borders close-out sale, maybe go to my swimming class if I do it for the early class, stop by Mysterious Galaxy since it is across the street from my Allergist's office even though I've only read one of the three books I bought there a week or so ago, and stop by the grocery store for ice tea bags. Tomorrow night we go to Khan's Cave for an all-you-can-eat buffet (http://khanscave.com/events.html) Thursday is the dentist and another jewelry class in the afternoon.
Things I need to do--dust, run the vacuum cleaner, put away my jewelry supplies from taking them to class Sunday, put away clothes, read the newspaper, make some fresh ice tea, and wait for my husband to bring me home a huge shrimp burrito from Serrano's. Yum. Tomorrow I have to return my library books, go see my allergist, stop by Borders close-out sale, maybe go to my swimming class if I do it for the early class, stop by Mysterious Galaxy since it is across the street from my Allergist's office even though I've only read one of the three books I bought there a week or so ago, and stop by the grocery store for ice tea bags. Tomorrow night we go to Khan's Cave for an all-you-can-eat buffet (http://khanscave.com/events.html) Thursday is the dentist and another jewelry class in the afternoon.
96alcottacre
#93: I just finished that one last night and I did not like it as much as I liked the first two. Maybe the formula was just getting to me by this point? I am not sure, but I agree with you about the clever puzzles in the books appealing to kids.
98AMQS
Everyone needs a veg-out day once in a while! That's pretty much the sum of my day as well: towels, dishwasher (haven't unloaded, though). Also labeled school supplies and tried to be as lazy and relaxed as possible as my youngest starts 4th grade tomorrow.
99Donna828
>95 ronincats:: Things you need to do... just reading that list makes me weary. I have a pretty long list myself, but I'm good at ignoring it. So Roni, when are you going to start taking online orders for your jewelry. I love the wire crochet necklace - and the pendants - and the bracelets. You are almost making me want to take a jewelry making class.
100ronincats
The problem, of course, is that I woke up at 2:30 this morning and didn't get back to sleep until 8 for two hours, and so only got half of all that done and am tremendously sleep-deprived at the moment. Of course, after going to the allergist, I didn't skip Borders so added three books and three 2012 calendars (2 gifts) to the total.
101alcottacre
I hope you get some good rest tonight, Roni!
103markon
So much for a relaxing retirement - you sound as busy as my parents when they first retired. Beautiful jewelry Roni!
104ronincats
Okay, not much reading getting done around here, but I think this afternoon's project is my favorite so far. Everything made from scratch--wire, in this case.
107alcottacre
I am not normally a 'pink' person, but I like that shade!
110ronincats
I'm working on a couple of books but haven't finished any yet. A headache hit me 5 minutes before the end of pottery class and is still hanging on, so I'm turning in for the evening.
111souloftherose
#104 Very nice, again, I wouldn't say I'm a pink person but that's a nice gentle shade of pink.#
Sorry to hear about the sleeping problems and the headache. Hope you feel better soon.
Sorry to hear about the sleeping problems and the headache. Hope you feel better soon.
112mamzel
We have had a couple of bead stores here in town. I love drooling over the vast array of colors and shapes. They were organized in rainbow colors which appealed to my love of organization. I just know that I could spend many hours and dollars if I learned about making jewelry. Too dangerous! I am so envious of your lovely projects. Keep it up!
113ronincats
Okay, I've finally managed to get through all of the to-do list above except putting away my jewelry supplies--hopefully today. And I've finished one book, but it is one I've been working on for a while.
Book #107 Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for people who love books and for those who want to write them by Francine Prose (273 pp.)
I tend to be a "non-critical" reader. What I mean about that is that I tend to live books from the inside out, become totally immersed in what I consider to be good books (that being one of the criteria, at least for fiction), and so do not take note of the specifics that got me there. When this book was first mentioned some time ago--was it when you were reading a lot of books about writing, Mac?--it sounded fascinating to me. It took a while for PaperBackSwap to produce a copy for me. I took it with me, thinking it would be a good airplane book, in April, and someone else recommended it strongly when I mentioned that, and said that she had actually had Prose for a teacher. Was it you, Lucy? But it wasn't a good airplane book nor was it a good "before sleep" book--it required more focused attention from me to do it justice. And so it has been my "morning" book for the last few weeks.
Prose starts with "close reading", which as noted above is not something I typically do, and then works her way from words through sentences, paragraphs, narration, character, dialogue, details, gesture, and two summary chapters. But much more than what she says about each of these, fascinating as that is, are the myriad examples of each that she pulls from fiction, so that you want to go out and read all those books immediately (and unfortunately, I haven't read most of them). Fortunately or not, she anticipated this and there is a full bibliography at the end. This is a book that will willingly bear re-reading, CLOSE reading if you will, to wring from it all the ideas and knowledge that Prose imparts. Glad I have my own copy.
Book #107 Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for people who love books and for those who want to write them by Francine Prose (273 pp.)
I tend to be a "non-critical" reader. What I mean about that is that I tend to live books from the inside out, become totally immersed in what I consider to be good books (that being one of the criteria, at least for fiction), and so do not take note of the specifics that got me there. When this book was first mentioned some time ago--was it when you were reading a lot of books about writing, Mac?--it sounded fascinating to me. It took a while for PaperBackSwap to produce a copy for me. I took it with me, thinking it would be a good airplane book, in April, and someone else recommended it strongly when I mentioned that, and said that she had actually had Prose for a teacher. Was it you, Lucy? But it wasn't a good airplane book nor was it a good "before sleep" book--it required more focused attention from me to do it justice. And so it has been my "morning" book for the last few weeks.
Prose starts with "close reading", which as noted above is not something I typically do, and then works her way from words through sentences, paragraphs, narration, character, dialogue, details, gesture, and two summary chapters. But much more than what she says about each of these, fascinating as that is, are the myriad examples of each that she pulls from fiction, so that you want to go out and read all those books immediately (and unfortunately, I haven't read most of them). Fortunately or not, she anticipated this and there is a full bibliography at the end. This is a book that will willingly bear re-reading, CLOSE reading if you will, to wring from it all the ideas and knowledge that Prose imparts. Glad I have my own copy.
115LizzieD
OH! I adore all that jewelry!!! I was after the black and gold bracelet, but the >83 ronincats: and the >104 ronincats: are absolutely gorgeous. When you are through making what you want, are you going to make some for sale??? Same with the pots. Oh dear. Oh dear.
I shall now retire into my very non-creative retirement. (And the Prose sounds very, very good, and I'm sure that Lucy was her student.)
I shall now retire into my very non-creative retirement. (And the Prose sounds very, very good, and I'm sure that Lucy was her student.)
116blackdogbooks
Yep, it was me, Roni. And it is one of my favorite reading/writing books. After reading it, I have started to read a little more closely, though I find I can turn it off when the book doesn't need it or when I don't feel like it. But it has changed my view on some writers and books. In fact, the close reading of the book I just reviewed gave me a different view of Mickey Spillane. I am glad that you enjoyed it on some level and think you'll go back to it again.
117ronincats
Oh, I loved it, Mac! Her passion for reading came through so strongly, I preferred her to So Many Books, So Little Time and Howard's End on the Landing as well as the Pat Conroy book. I think she took fewer personal detours than any of them.
118ronincats
Peggy, I am going to HAVE to make it for sale before too long, not only to support my habit but because, even though jewelry takes up relatively little space, I am simply going to run out of room to keep it and occasions to wear it. Same with the pots if I keep it up, which so far I intend to, and they take up MUCH more space.
Ah, Brenda, Kerry, Stasia, Morph, Valerie and Anne--thank you so much for the kind words. I am really enjoying this and it is surprisingly easy. Mamzel, it is that very variety of colors and shapes that can be overwhelming--such a range of possibilities. So far I have been sticking fairly closely to my own color palette, except for my husband's bracelets. He's a winter, so bright, clear, and bold is his preference. I'm a summer, so soft, clear and cool is mine. I hope that posting my projects doesn't get tiresome--let me know if it does.
Ah, Brenda, Kerry, Stasia, Morph, Valerie and Anne--thank you so much for the kind words. I am really enjoying this and it is surprisingly easy. Mamzel, it is that very variety of colors and shapes that can be overwhelming--such a range of possibilities. So far I have been sticking fairly closely to my own color palette, except for my husband's bracelets. He's a winter, so bright, clear, and bold is his preference. I'm a summer, so soft, clear and cool is mine. I hope that posting my projects doesn't get tiresome--let me know if it does.
119blackdogbooks
Beware of Francine Prose's fiction. After reading that, I realized I had one of her books that I'd already read, Bigfoot Dreams. That one was a lot of fun to read, but then I tried Primitive People and hated it. Those are the only two fiction titles I read of hers but I had drastly different reactions to the two.
120ronincats
I was thinking of trying Blue Angel, based on her teaching experiences.
121sibylline
You might hate that one too..... I didn't care for it particularly, although I think that is the one with the hilarious writing class -- based, I am sure, on actual experience. I did like what I think is the most recent novel....um..... title???? ....dashes off to look..... panting, I'm back -- it's called A Changed Man. I liked the short stories Women and Children First also. One thing about Francine is that she tries different things, and some work and some don't, but her books don't repeat.
123ronincats
Book #108 Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom by Jenny Nimmo (207 pp.)
This is a prequel to the Charlie Bone books, which I liked as a children's fantasy series. But that had missing parents, relationships with the other "endowed" children, both good and bad, and the relatives as well as the animals--multiple layers. This story explains the background of the Red King who is the ancestor of the endowed, but it is a single-track story, seeming more like a simple fable or fairy tale (as opposed to folk tales, those masters of layering). So only recommended for Charlie Bone fans.
Thanks, Kath. On my way to your thread to see how the fundraiser played out.
This is a prequel to the Charlie Bone books, which I liked as a children's fantasy series. But that had missing parents, relationships with the other "endowed" children, both good and bad, and the relatives as well as the animals--multiple layers. This story explains the background of the Red King who is the ancestor of the endowed, but it is a single-track story, seeming more like a simple fable or fairy tale (as opposed to folk tales, those masters of layering). So only recommended for Charlie Bone fans.
Thanks, Kath. On my way to your thread to see how the fundraiser played out.
124ronincats
Book #109 Robin's Country by Monica Furlong (139 pp.)
I am a completist, and since I have Furlong's other children's books, I picked this up on either PBS or BookMooch and have had it sitting in my tbr pile for some time. This is a short book, suitable for elementary students, telling the story of a young mute boy running away from a cruel master and falling into the forest home of Robin Hood. The people and their activities are seen through this 10-year-old boy's eyes. It is a good simple story, not at the level of Wise Child or Juniper, however, and recommended only for its age group.
I am a completist, and since I have Furlong's other children's books, I picked this up on either PBS or BookMooch and have had it sitting in my tbr pile for some time. This is a short book, suitable for elementary students, telling the story of a young mute boy running away from a cruel master and falling into the forest home of Robin Hood. The people and their activities are seen through this 10-year-old boy's eyes. It is a good simple story, not at the level of Wise Child or Juniper, however, and recommended only for its age group.
125Morphidae
What did you think of Colman? It's the only other Furlong I have left on my TBR list. I liked Wise Child and Juniper
126gennyt
Well, I never knew that Monica Furlong was an author too! I knew of her as a campaigner in favour of women's ordination in the Church of England and generally in support of an inclusive, forward-thinking church. I'll have to look out for some of these books now I know, especially if they have medieval settings . Where do you recommend starting?
127ronincats
Morph, I've read Colman, I know I have, but I can't remember it. I recently ordered it from PBS as well, to complete the three books, but haven't reread it yet. It's been so long, I should probably reread the first two books first. *sigh* I have so many I can say that about. Reviews generally are not as good as for the first two books--it was written much later, shortly before Furlong's death.
Genny, I haven't read any of Furlong's biographies, although as they are all of religious figures (John Bunyon, Thomas Merton, Therese, woman mystics, Alan Watts), we should both be interested. One of my favorite quotes of all time about belief and faith comes from Watts. The trilogy, the three books mentioned by Morphy above, well, here's a blurb from a review:
"Fairy tales and real life intertwine to create a most unusual education in Monica Furlong's Wise Child and its two sequels. In a stark, elemental setting based on medieval Britain, dramatic battles between good and evil drive the plot -- but the narrative really turns on the quiet struggles within the souls of the three protagonists, each a young person with the potential to become a "doran."
The word, from the Gaelic "dorus," an entrance or way in (not unlike the English word with the same meaning) signifies "someone who has found a way in to seeing or perceiving." Learning to perceive the pattern at the heart of being, and to love and protect it, is the way of a doran."
Genny, I haven't read any of Furlong's biographies, although as they are all of religious figures (John Bunyon, Thomas Merton, Therese, woman mystics, Alan Watts), we should both be interested. One of my favorite quotes of all time about belief and faith comes from Watts. The trilogy, the three books mentioned by Morphy above, well, here's a blurb from a review:
"Fairy tales and real life intertwine to create a most unusual education in Monica Furlong's Wise Child and its two sequels. In a stark, elemental setting based on medieval Britain, dramatic battles between good and evil drive the plot -- but the narrative really turns on the quiet struggles within the souls of the three protagonists, each a young person with the potential to become a "doran."
The word, from the Gaelic "dorus," an entrance or way in (not unlike the English word with the same meaning) signifies "someone who has found a way in to seeing or perceiving." Learning to perceive the pattern at the heart of being, and to love and protect it, is the way of a doran."
128ronincats
So many books, so little time. Where have I heard that before? ;-)
129gennyt
Roni, thanks for that info. I have to admit I'd never heard of Alan Watts - just looked him up on Wikipedia. What an interesting mix of influences from Zen to Christian mysticism! Anyway, I'll have to put all these Furlong titles on my wishlist - both the biographies and the children's books.
130cameling
I love all the jewelery you're making... but I miss the pottery, Roni. Any new pots to share?
132ronincats
My pottery studio owner was on vacation last week so nothing got fired, Caro. I should have one piece, glazed for my husband's tastes, to pick up on Saturday, and I'll be able to glaze my pitcher then as well.
134ronincats
Book #110 The Doppelganger Gambit* by Lee Killough (261 pp.)
I had ordered a book through PaperBackSwap.com that I thought was going to be a new Janna Brill/Mama Maxwell story, but it turned out to be an omnibus of the three books I already have--I guess that's all there is. That's what I get for not researching it before clicking. On the other hand, it is in better shape--probably because it's only 13 years old rather than 31 years old, whaddaya think? But then I wondered if I would still like these as much, so I started reading the first one.
These three books in Bridling Chaos are all about the leo team (law enforcement officer) in a science fictional fairly near future--say 80 years? Killough sets the police work in Topeka, Kansas--she is a Kansan and lives in Manhattan--as a fellow Kansan, it's fun to pick up locations I know well. Unusually for the late 70s, early 80s, one of her main characters is afroam. The issues around the crime hinge on the sf technology and sociology of the time, and we know who the guilty party is right away, having watched him commit the murder. Much of the interest is in the procedural police work and the characters. And yes, I still enjoyed it.
Killough wrote some excellent science fiction in the late 70s through the late 80s, before she turned to writing a vampire trilogy--still a policeman who was "turned", but still not so much my cup of tea. If you ever get a chance to pick up Deadly Silents or A Voice out of Ramah, give them a try.
I had ordered a book through PaperBackSwap.com that I thought was going to be a new Janna Brill/Mama Maxwell story, but it turned out to be an omnibus of the three books I already have--I guess that's all there is. That's what I get for not researching it before clicking. On the other hand, it is in better shape--probably because it's only 13 years old rather than 31 years old, whaddaya think? But then I wondered if I would still like these as much, so I started reading the first one.
These three books in Bridling Chaos are all about the leo team (law enforcement officer) in a science fictional fairly near future--say 80 years? Killough sets the police work in Topeka, Kansas--she is a Kansan and lives in Manhattan--as a fellow Kansan, it's fun to pick up locations I know well. Unusually for the late 70s, early 80s, one of her main characters is afroam. The issues around the crime hinge on the sf technology and sociology of the time, and we know who the guilty party is right away, having watched him commit the murder. Much of the interest is in the procedural police work and the characters. And yes, I still enjoyed it.
Killough wrote some excellent science fiction in the late 70s through the late 80s, before she turned to writing a vampire trilogy--still a policeman who was "turned", but still not so much my cup of tea. If you ever get a chance to pick up Deadly Silents or A Voice out of Ramah, give them a try.
135ronincats
Book #111 Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (290 pp.)
I ran across this on Morphidae's thread, and it sounded like a good summer read. And it was a perfect light romance with some whimsy, a touch of fantsy, and neat characters thrown in. Romance with a capital R--although there were some dark spots in Sydney's history, once she was back home, you knew that she would be safe even if threatened, you never doubted which guys would end up with each girl, and actually the subtexts regarding Emma and Fred added substantially to the enjoyment.
I ran across this on Morphidae's thread, and it sounded like a good summer read. And it was a perfect light romance with some whimsy, a touch of fantsy, and neat characters thrown in. Romance with a capital R--although there were some dark spots in Sydney's history, once she was back home, you knew that she would be safe even if threatened, you never doubted which guys would end up with each girl, and actually the subtexts regarding Emma and Fred added substantially to the enjoyment.
136Whisper1
I read Garden Spells a few years ago and really liked the writing of Sarah Addison Allen.
138jolerie
I read The Sugar Queen by Addison earlier this year and really enjoyed it and I have Garden Spells on my TBR shelf so hopefully I can get around to it sooner than later.
139alcottacre
I am a fan of Allen's books too. . .
141ronincats
Book #112 Spider Play* by Lee Killough (232 pp.)
This is the second of the near-future police procedurals starring Janna Brill and Malcolm (Mama) Maxwell. In this one, they end up getting sent up to a space station to investigate a murder, since the body ended up in their jurisdiction. Lots of scope for interesting concepts, and this time we don't know who did it up front and have to see if we can follow the clues. Still enjoyable 25 years later.
This is the second of the near-future police procedurals starring Janna Brill and Malcolm (Mama) Maxwell. In this one, they end up getting sent up to a space station to investigate a murder, since the body ended up in their jurisdiction. Lots of scope for interesting concepts, and this time we don't know who did it up front and have to see if we can follow the clues. Still enjoyable 25 years later.
142alcottacre
#141: That looks like a series I would enjoy. Too bad the local library does not have them.
143sibylline
Interesting stuff about Furlong. I gobbled up all the Alan Watts I could find in my early twenties. He wrote so well about his own experiences, I thought. And so lucidly about other traditions.
144ronincats
This week's class project. Not my favorite design, but a good one to learn technique on.
145ronincats
Book #113 Dragon's Teeth (Questar Science Fiction) by Lee Killough (250 pp.)
The third and unfortunately last of the Brill/Maxwell police procedurals. In each, some piece of future technology holds a key to the crime, while the leos (law enforcement officers) still are using much the same techniques as police do now to gather evidence--lots of footwork and interviews. Lots of local color, too, more in Kansas City this book than of Topeka. Here is the cover of the omnibus book I just got--the individual books have very poor covers on file, I'll have to scan mine someday when I have loads of spare time.
The third and unfortunately last of the Brill/Maxwell police procedurals. In each, some piece of future technology holds a key to the crime, while the leos (law enforcement officers) still are using much the same techniques as police do now to gather evidence--lots of footwork and interviews. Lots of local color, too, more in Kansas City this book than of Topeka. Here is the cover of the omnibus book I just got--the individual books have very poor covers on file, I'll have to scan mine someday when I have loads of spare time.
146alcottacre
#144: No offense, Roni, but that one looks like it would stab me in the neck if I tried to wear it :)
148TadAD
Should start a pottery thread.
That cover in #145 is hysterical. It would be interesting to see the research (I assume some has been done) that shows the demographic appeal of science fiction, fantasy and other genre fiction. 75% of the covers strike me as off-putting rather than attractive and it's only because I'm familiar with an author that I give the book a try. Yet, I'm guessing it works for their main audience or they wouldn't do it. I have noticed a trend toward "classier" covers in some of the books targeting a crossover market...particularly the fantasy works.
That cover in #145 is hysterical. It would be interesting to see the research (I assume some has been done) that shows the demographic appeal of science fiction, fantasy and other genre fiction. 75% of the covers strike me as off-putting rather than attractive and it's only because I'm familiar with an author that I give the book a try. Yet, I'm guessing it works for their main audience or they wouldn't do it. I have noticed a trend toward "classier" covers in some of the books targeting a crossover market...particularly the fantasy works.
149bluesalamanders
148 TadAD - Hah, yes, I definitely have picked up books despite the covers as well as due to the covers.
That goes for a lot of things. I play a lot of board games, and some really fun games don't look like much at first glance (or second, or third...).
That goes for a lot of things. I play a lot of board games, and some really fun games don't look like much at first glance (or second, or third...).
150mckait
That cover would heve sent me fleeing....
I know, don't judge a book by etc. Still, I have to confess that I do it.
People, no.. books yep. All the time.
Character flaw of mine.
I know, don't judge a book by etc. Still, I have to confess that I do it.
People, no.. books yep. All the time.
Character flaw of mine.
151ronincats
Actually, Tad, that Meisha Merlin edition's cover is very true to the originals, which you have now motivated me to scan and add to LT, since the ones in there were very poor quality (actually, probably ones I scanned and uploaded back in the days when LT couldn't take the size of the high quality ones). To wit:
152ronincats
And I brought home a pot that I glazed just for my husband on Saturday--here it is, photographed out in the sun to bring out the colors.
Did I mention that he likes red?
Did I mention that he likes red?
154alcottacre
#152: I am a red fan too. I love those!
156souloftherose
#152 Very nice (the pot; definitely, definitely not the book covers!)
157ronincats
Thanks, Tad, Stasia, Anne and Heather!
Book #114 Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (358 pp.)
I picked this up off the shelf at the Borders closeout sale. Another urban fantasy novel, intended to be the first of a series, this one has some interesting characters (Jupe is the best), some unusual quirks, and NO vampires or werewolves, although plenty of demons. I'd put this slightly above the middle of the pack for me, which means if you love urban fantasy, you'll probably like it well.
Book #114 Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett (358 pp.)
I picked this up off the shelf at the Borders closeout sale. Another urban fantasy novel, intended to be the first of a series, this one has some interesting characters (Jupe is the best), some unusual quirks, and NO vampires or werewolves, although plenty of demons. I'd put this slightly above the middle of the pack for me, which means if you love urban fantasy, you'll probably like it well.
158gennyt
Yes, lovely pot, not so lovely covers! I agree with Tad re the covers of most sci fi and fantasy. I suppose it's a way of identifying the genre at a quick glance; in the same way, police procedural/thriller type crime fiction covers are nearly always dark, with large bold lettering for title/author, and maybe a black & white photo or other quite bold design with high contrast dark and light. You can tell from 50 feet away what kind of book it's meant to be!
160ronincats
Book #115 Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (308 pp.)
When I learned that this author of The Hunger Games fame had written a children's series, I had to check it out. About a third of the way through the book, however, I was ready to put it down. The story seemed too much a repeat of countless quest format children's fantasies. But I powered ahead and am glad I did. This is still "just" a children's book, but in the end, the characters won me over enough that I will read the next in the series of five books.
When I learned that this author of The Hunger Games fame had written a children's series, I had to check it out. About a third of the way through the book, however, I was ready to put it down. The story seemed too much a repeat of countless quest format children's fantasies. But I powered ahead and am glad I did. This is still "just" a children's book, but in the end, the characters won me over enough that I will read the next in the series of five books.
161ronincats
I have been on an Early Reviewer roll of late, winning a book every month since last November. And that continues--this month I have won Paul Among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time. However, I hope I am not jinxed--I have not received either the June or the July ER books I won!
162LizzieD
Uh oh. I got my July book but not the June. Honestly, now I hope that it doesn't come so that I can read my August one in peace! There were so many that I wanted this time including Paul Among the People, but I asked only for Reamde, and I got it!!!!! Hooray for both of us!
I do love the red pot and I like that spiky necklace too. Those are pretty repulsive covers though. You'd have to wrap them in plain brown paper to read them in public, I think.
I do love the red pot and I like that spiky necklace too. Those are pretty repulsive covers though. You'd have to wrap them in plain brown paper to read them in public, I think.
163ronincats
August Summary, and the numbers are sad, especially re: acquisitions.
Books Read: 20 books, 6031 pages. Shortest book=139 pp. Longest book=440 pp.
4 science fiction, 12 fantasy (4 children's), 3 children's fiction, 1 nonfiction.
12 new reads, 8 re-reads, 6 library books, 2 Books Off the Shelf.
Authors: 2 Germany, 1 England, 1 Wales, 16 US
Books acquired: 28 books, 2 bought as gifts.
18 books--Borders closing sale
4-paperbackswap.com
3-Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
3-library book sale
1 nonfiction, 1 biography, 1 mystery, 5 fiction, 5 science fiction, 15 fantasy (4 children's fantasy)
11 children's books donated to Otis school library this month
Books read for the year: 116 books
Books acquired for the year: 112 books
Books Read: 20 books, 6031 pages. Shortest book=139 pp. Longest book=440 pp.
4 science fiction, 12 fantasy (4 children's), 3 children's fiction, 1 nonfiction.
12 new reads, 8 re-reads, 6 library books, 2 Books Off the Shelf.
Authors: 2 Germany, 1 England, 1 Wales, 16 US
Books acquired: 28 books, 2 bought as gifts.
18 books--Borders closing sale
4-paperbackswap.com
3-Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
3-library book sale
1 nonfiction, 1 biography, 1 mystery, 5 fiction, 5 science fiction, 15 fantasy (4 children's fantasy)
11 children's books donated to Otis school library this month
Books read for the year: 116 books
Books acquired for the year: 112 books
164ronincats
Book #116 The Hidden Goddess by M. K. Hobson (374 pp.)
This book is the sequel to The Native Star, which I read on January 8 of this year and which was nominated for the Nebula Award. So it got some buzz, but I was a little ambivalent about it--it didn't feel like the novice author had fully realized her voice yet. This book follows directly upon the events of the previous book, and is just as chock-full of hair-raising adventures, but I feel like the characters, especially Emily, have become more realized and consistent. The book does seem undecided as to whether it wants to follow the Soulless-type comedy of manners or the serious life-and-death, save the world adventure that it ultimately ends up being. Nevertheless, I think it is a better book than the first and enjoyed it more. Recommended to fantasy lovers.
This book is the sequel to The Native Star, which I read on January 8 of this year and which was nominated for the Nebula Award. So it got some buzz, but I was a little ambivalent about it--it didn't feel like the novice author had fully realized her voice yet. This book follows directly upon the events of the previous book, and is just as chock-full of hair-raising adventures, but I feel like the characters, especially Emily, have become more realized and consistent. The book does seem undecided as to whether it wants to follow the Soulless-type comedy of manners or the serious life-and-death, save the world adventure that it ultimately ends up being. Nevertheless, I think it is a better book than the first and enjoyed it more. Recommended to fantasy lovers.
165alcottacre
#160: I have been wondering about that series too. I guess I will give it a shot.
167souloftherose
#163 I think 28 book acquisitions should be viewed as a happy event rather than a sad one. I think I've managed to acquire fewer books this year but still far more than I've read off my TBR pile.
168blackdogbooks
Interesting notes on the cover issue above, roni and Tad. Piyush and I were talking about the same issue regarding Mickey Spillane's covers. the covers cheapen the books and mask some great writing inside. A lot of folks would put the book back down after looking at the cover. Though the marketing folks would say that a bunch are drawn to the cover instead of offput by it.
170sibylline
Of course, I have a fondness for those awful covers -- the SF project I'm doing at the library started because of several collection donations -- I'm planning a display of the worst (best?) covers as part of it! The first serious readers of sf as the genre really got underway in the late 50's was adolescent boys and the book designers knew what they were doing, I think. Now that SF draws a much wider and more varied audience they have to work a little harder to make a pleasing and alluring cover that doesn't offend.
Next year I'm going to keep track of books acquired. Also do a count of what is in my TBR shelf at the beginning of the year, what is still there at the end. I am wondering if I need to take a bit more of the harsher attitude I give to clothes that sit around in the closet and drawers..... Although, I read The Education of Henry Adams last year after it sat on my TBR shelf for over 25 years. And I'm very glad I did.
Next year I'm going to keep track of books acquired. Also do a count of what is in my TBR shelf at the beginning of the year, what is still there at the end. I am wondering if I need to take a bit more of the harsher attitude I give to clothes that sit around in the closet and drawers..... Although, I read The Education of Henry Adams last year after it sat on my TBR shelf for over 25 years. And I'm very glad I did.
171ronincats
Book # 117 Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (293 pp.)
This book is the first in a new children's fantasy series. It's okay--lots of action, lots of misunderstandings leading to the action, and gruesomely icky manifestations of The Evil. Maybe I've been reading too many of these lately. It seems pretty generic to me.
This book is the first in a new children's fantasy series. It's okay--lots of action, lots of misunderstandings leading to the action, and gruesomely icky manifestations of The Evil. Maybe I've been reading too many of these lately. It seems pretty generic to me.
172dk_phoenix
Roni, what beautiful jewelry in this thread!!! Wow!!! That looks like such fun. Your piece of pottery looks amazing too... I was hopeless in the pottery class I took a few years ago. It was fun and I'm glad I did it, but I was far from a natural!
Glad to hear that the M.K. Hobson series gets better in the second book! I have the first one on the shelf here waiting to be read, and I'm looking forward to it.
Glad to hear that the M.K. Hobson series gets better in the second book! I have the first one on the shelf here waiting to be read, and I'm looking forward to it.
174ronincats
So, today was pottery day, and I had two pieces to bring home, one of which is my favorite one so far.
Spent the whole time trimming 4 pieces, had two pieces ready to glaze but didn't have time, so nothing coming home next week.
Hi, Stasia, Heather, Mac, Linda, Kath! Lucy, I'm with you--I rather like some of those old covers if they were true to the book, which these were, unlike the Duane one shown earlier. I think you'll enjoy the Hobson books, Stasia and Faith, for a light fantasy read. Thanks, Faith, for the compliments.
Spent the whole time trimming 4 pieces, had two pieces ready to glaze but didn't have time, so nothing coming home next week.
Hi, Stasia, Heather, Mac, Linda, Kath! Lucy, I'm with you--I rather like some of those old covers if they were true to the book, which these were, unlike the Duane one shown earlier. I think you'll enjoy the Hobson books, Stasia and Faith, for a light fantasy read. Thanks, Faith, for the compliments.
175brenpike
Beautiful pieces . . . Again, I love the blue glaze on the interior of the blue. It's so vibrant!
178alcottacre
I love the royal blue interior of the bowl. Beautiful work once again, Roni.
179souloftherose
#174 More beautiful pottery!
180mckait
I am a fan of small pitchers... I don't really "collect" them, but I seem to have several.
:) that one is lovely!
:) that one is lovely!
182ronincats
Book #118 Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins (309 pp.)
Book two of the series, Gregor is back down in the Underland again fulfilling another prophecy. Slight differences in story, will entertain grades 4-8 pretty well.
I am so happy with how the pitcher turned out--it is my favorite piece so far.
Book two of the series, Gregor is back down in the Underland again fulfilling another prophecy. Slight differences in story, will entertain grades 4-8 pretty well.
I am so happy with how the pitcher turned out--it is my favorite piece so far.
184bluesalamanders
182 Roni
The pitcher is lovely! If I were still taking a pottery class (mine got canceled when we lost our studio space) I would totally be making functional things like that. There was a girl in the class who made a whole dinner set, plates and bowls and everything, it was gorgeous.
I read the first Gregor book, but it didn't keep my interest enough to make me want to pick up the next in the series. It's definitely something I would have liked as a kid, though.
The pitcher is lovely! If I were still taking a pottery class (mine got canceled when we lost our studio space) I would totally be making functional things like that. There was a girl in the class who made a whole dinner set, plates and bowls and everything, it was gorgeous.
I read the first Gregor book, but it didn't keep my interest enough to make me want to pick up the next in the series. It's definitely something I would have liked as a kid, though.
185ronincats
I've been postponing planning my reading for the September Series and Sequels challenge, even though I already started reading one of my series, but finally made myself do it. Here it is:
I've been eyeing the thread (as it grows and grows!) and thinking I should get organized enough to plan a few reads. There are a couple I wanted to use this challenge to get to, namely:
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny Book 2 of the Three Pines series
A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King Book 2 of the Mary Russell series, although it's Book 7 that I really want to read!
Murder of a Royal Pain by Denise Swanson Book 11 of the Scumble River series
Why are these all mysteries?
Also planning to read the Gregor the Overlander series (5 books)--have already finished the first two this month, the third is waiting at the library, and the 4th is in my tbr pile.
And Darke, the sixth book in the Septimus Heap series.
And--shall we do it? Why not? I will reread the first Dresden Files book (it's been a LONG time) and read the second and third books sitting here on my tbr pile.
And that is a-plenty to commit to!
ETA except I remembered that I want to read the second J. D. Robb as well.
I've been eyeing the thread (as it grows and grows!) and thinking I should get organized enough to plan a few reads. There are a couple I wanted to use this challenge to get to, namely:
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny Book 2 of the Three Pines series
A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King Book 2 of the Mary Russell series, although it's Book 7 that I really want to read!
Murder of a Royal Pain by Denise Swanson Book 11 of the Scumble River series
Why are these all mysteries?
Also planning to read the Gregor the Overlander series (5 books)--have already finished the first two this month, the third is waiting at the library, and the 4th is in my tbr pile.
And Darke, the sixth book in the Septimus Heap series.
And--shall we do it? Why not? I will reread the first Dresden Files book (it's been a LONG time) and read the second and third books sitting here on my tbr pile.
And that is a-plenty to commit to!
ETA except I remembered that I want to read the second J. D. Robb as well.
186ronincats
Blue, a lot of the reason I am reading the whole Gregor series is that I picked it up in the Borders closing sale and I'm going to donate it to my school library when I am done--so I have to make sure it is appropriate.
187KiwiNyx
Hi Roni, have to chime in and agree with the others that the wee jug you made is gorgeous - I'd buy that. In fact you've got me a bit hooked to the point that I ripped out an article about a new pottery class in my area last week, now to follow through and sign up..
And that is so cool that you're planing to read, vet, and then donate those Gregor books. Good on you!
And that is so cool that you're planing to read, vet, and then donate those Gregor books. Good on you!
188ronincats
Book #119 Storm Front* by Jim Butcher (322 pp.)
This was a reread--it's been 8 or 9 years since I first read it, and I didn't continue the series at the time. Now, having heard from so many LTers that the series gets better, I have acquired books 2 and 3 through PBS or BookMooch, and this is one of the series I planned to re-address for the September Series and Sequels challenge. Actually, I think I liked it better this time. Pretty much nonstop action, not much in the way of characterization or relationships--but I'm ready to move on and see what happens!
This was a reread--it's been 8 or 9 years since I first read it, and I didn't continue the series at the time. Now, having heard from so many LTers that the series gets better, I have acquired books 2 and 3 through PBS or BookMooch, and this is one of the series I planned to re-address for the September Series and Sequels challenge. Actually, I think I liked it better this time. Pretty much nonstop action, not much in the way of characterization or relationships--but I'm ready to move on and see what happens!
189PiyushC
#188 I, too, read Storm Front this week, and Fool Moon as well.
190TadAD
>188 ronincats:: I just finished Ghost Story, which is #13 in the series, and I'm still enjoying it. It's a rare series that can hold me for that long.
191souloftherose
#188 I seem to have paused on my Dresden Files read for the moment - need to get back to it by getting Death Masks out of the library. Having read the first four books I can't say I'd noticed all that much improvement but they are entertaining (even if Harry drives me crazy).
192Donna828
Pottery, jewelry, and books. What a fun thread you have, Roni. I have a feeling you've inspired a few of us to check out our creative sides. I'm still trying to figure out if I have one!
193ronincats
Good thing: We had a totally unexpected rainfall last night and this morning, our first since June 1, and quite welcome. I loved drinking my coffee on the porch this morning and watching the rain fall.
Bad news: The concomitant low pressure system has now triggered a migraine. Word is, the rain is due to a big high pressure system over Texas--I'll try to send the rain over to them, as they badly need it to put out those fires!
Hi, Leonie. Our school librarian says that if it weren't for the books I donated last year when I retired and this year as I've cleared my home shelves, they wouldn't have any new books at all, with the budget crunch. I'm just happy to see my books get homes where they will be well used.
Piyush, I just started Fool Moon this morning, but am going to have to put it aside until I get the migraine under control.
Tad, it's good to know that this series has legs. Heather, we'll just have to forge on, right?
Thanks for visiting, Donna. I'm just trying out a lot of things to see what I end up falling in love with, in between books and reading LT threads.
Off to crash.
Bad news: The concomitant low pressure system has now triggered a migraine. Word is, the rain is due to a big high pressure system over Texas--I'll try to send the rain over to them, as they badly need it to put out those fires!
Hi, Leonie. Our school librarian says that if it weren't for the books I donated last year when I retired and this year as I've cleared my home shelves, they wouldn't have any new books at all, with the budget crunch. I'm just happy to see my books get homes where they will be well used.
Piyush, I just started Fool Moon this morning, but am going to have to put it aside until I get the migraine under control.
Tad, it's good to know that this series has legs. Heather, we'll just have to forge on, right?
Thanks for visiting, Donna. I'm just trying out a lot of things to see what I end up falling in love with, in between books and reading LT threads.
Off to crash.
194cameling
Roni, I just love that little pitcher ... or is it a big pitcher? Hard to tell if it's little or large. But it's still beautiful.
By the way, there's an arts website/community I think you may really enjoy. Send me a PM with your email address in it, please and I'll invite you to it.
By the way, there's an arts website/community I think you may really enjoy. Send me a PM with your email address in it, please and I'll invite you to it.
195PiyushC
Roni, I hope your migraine will go away soon and you can resume Fool Moon and any other activities the migraine is hampering you with.
197souloftherose
Hope your migraine has gone Roni? I've reserved the next Dresden Files book from the library.
198jolerie
Sorry to hear about the migraine Roni! I hope you feel better soon.
Your pitcher is beautiful and something I would definitely buy since there is nothing like that in my home. :)
Your pitcher is beautiful and something I would definitely buy since there is nothing like that in my home. :)
200ronincats
Migraine is gone. I slept almost all of the afternoon, then woke to the afternoon news saying the temperature broke a record for yesterday at Lindbergh Field (right down on the water) at 97 degrees, with a humidity in the 90s as well. I thought I must be back in the Midwest, minus the air conditioner. It's only 85 degrees now.
Caro and Valerie, I am SO pleased with that little pitcher--6-1/2" tall.
Thanks, Piyush, Genny, Heather, and Valerie for the migraine commiserations. I don't get them as often as I used to, but presure fronts will often trigger them.
Kath, I'm sorry, but that one is NOT a How To book. That is probably a good thing. I don't think I'd want to be responsible for putting one of those into your hands right now. ;-)
200 pages into Fool Moon and I picked up books 3 and 5 (the ones I didn't have) of the Gregor the Overlander series at the library after swimming today, along with The Twelfth Enchantment, recommended by so many here at LT. Off to a cooler spot under the fan with my book now!
Caro and Valerie, I am SO pleased with that little pitcher--6-1/2" tall.
Thanks, Piyush, Genny, Heather, and Valerie for the migraine commiserations. I don't get them as often as I used to, but presure fronts will often trigger them.
Kath, I'm sorry, but that one is NOT a How To book. That is probably a good thing. I don't think I'd want to be responsible for putting one of those into your hands right now. ;-)
200 pages into Fool Moon and I picked up books 3 and 5 (the ones I didn't have) of the Gregor the Overlander series at the library after swimming today, along with The Twelfth Enchantment, recommended by so many here at LT. Off to a cooler spot under the fan with my book now!
201ronincats
Book #120 Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (342 pp.)
Still non-stop action, lots of mauling and dead bodies, but the glimmerings of some personality in Harry's conversation with his unconscious and his white-knight pretensions. I've got one more of the books, Grave Peril, in my possession--then I'll probably go to the library for the rest.
Still non-stop action, lots of mauling and dead bodies, but the glimmerings of some personality in Harry's conversation with his unconscious and his white-knight pretensions. I've got one more of the books, Grave Peril, in my possession--then I'll probably go to the library for the rest.
202ronincats
Okay, one thing that bothered me in Fool Moon--who called the police to MacFinn's place about Kim Delaney's death?? It's big enough and private enough to not be the neighbors, but I can't see either MacFinn or Tera wanting to call the police in, due to the complications that then ensued. It only seems to be a plot MacGuffin so that Harry gets this piece of the picture.
203ronincats
Yesterday at 3:37 local time, an incompetent worker in Arizona managed to bring down the major trunk line for electricity into Southern California, on a day where it was mid-90s at the coast in San Diego (so well over 100 inland). That then triggered low voltages that took the San Onofre power plant offline, so that over 5 million people and an area larger than any of the 10 smallest states were completely without power. Right before rush hour, which then became compounded as businesses, having no electricity, all closed and sent their employees home, with no stop lights working at all. We were at home but then, thinking it was a neighborhood blackout, went out to see if we could find a place to get supper and watch the game. When it became very obvious that this was a BIG blackout, we finally turned on AM radio and discovered that the area from western Arizona through the Pacific coast and from northern Mexico up into Orange County were completely without power. So we went home and cooked on the grill. The only casualty was that I lost all my Farmville crops. We had a candlelight supper and I read with my booklight until bedtime. Fortunately we were one of the first areas back online--only 7 hours off, so we didn't lose any food.
204ChelleBearss
That was a big blackout eh! I saw that on my local news all the way up here in Ontario!
I wonder if that worker will still have his job today?
I wonder if that worker will still have his job today?
205ronincats
Hi, Chelle. Thanks for visiting and welcome to LT! Yes, it was rather big. The sheer size of it is what made it so newsworthy, as the actual blackout was nothing compared to what many have experienced with the hurricane recently.
207ronincats
And no one even missed me. :^(
What I missed was being able to post the book I finished about an hour after the power went out!
Book #121 The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss (399 pp.)
I did not tag this when I put it on my wishlist, but I know that I did so after reading the comments of other LTers--I just can't find them. But thank you to the person(s) who put it upon my horizon. I have another by the same author in my tbr pile over there, The Coffee Trader, but I wasn't sure at first if it was the same David Liss as this is his first foray into fantasy.
The book is set in Regency England, with more of a Bronte feel than Austen due to the perils befalling our heroine, but with a good representation of the times. We meet a number of big names of the period in the course of our adventures, as well as one literary character. Our heroine is in sad circumstances at the beginning of the book, orphaned and living with an uncle who begrudges her presence. Yet quickly, Lucy becomes the center of mysterious happenings that lead her into all sorts of perilous situations.
It's difficult to say too much more without spoilers. This book is in a recently developing category of historical English fantasies, such as Shades of Milk and Honey and The Magicians and Mrs. Quent (also set in the Regency period) and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell (set in the Victorian period). This one read much more smoothly for me than those others and sucked me into the characters more. Not a great read, but definitely a good read.
What I missed was being able to post the book I finished about an hour after the power went out!
Book #121 The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss (399 pp.)
I did not tag this when I put it on my wishlist, but I know that I did so after reading the comments of other LTers--I just can't find them. But thank you to the person(s) who put it upon my horizon. I have another by the same author in my tbr pile over there, The Coffee Trader, but I wasn't sure at first if it was the same David Liss as this is his first foray into fantasy.
The book is set in Regency England, with more of a Bronte feel than Austen due to the perils befalling our heroine, but with a good representation of the times. We meet a number of big names of the period in the course of our adventures, as well as one literary character. Our heroine is in sad circumstances at the beginning of the book, orphaned and living with an uncle who begrudges her presence. Yet quickly, Lucy becomes the center of mysterious happenings that lead her into all sorts of perilous situations.
It's difficult to say too much more without spoilers. This book is in a recently developing category of historical English fantasies, such as Shades of Milk and Honey and The Magicians and Mrs. Quent (also set in the Regency period) and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell (set in the Victorian period). This one read much more smoothly for me than those others and sucked me into the characters more. Not a great read, but definitely a good read.
208ronincats
Oops, almost forgot. We went out for breakfast this morning, and made one last trip by Borders, on their next to last day, with everything either 80 or 90% off. Very, very picked over, but I still managed to find some books.
Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey -- I had intended to wait until the library acquired this, and definitely not get it in hardback, but when the hardback is $5.19, what can a person do? I'm sure it will be a typical Valdemar story, middle book of a trilogy. Truly, her earlier books were better, but I would eventually have read it anyhow.
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay--I have the first book of this duology in my tbr pile, Sailing to Sarantium, and knew I would read this eventually, so...a trade paperback for $3.20.
Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi--I have his other 3 books in this series, although I haven't read The Last Colony yet, so again, the paperback for $1.60--how could I resist?
The Danger Box by Blue Balliett I love the first three children's mysteries written by Balliett. This one has a new setting and characters and for $3.40 for the hardback--well, see above.
Commonsense Bidding by William S. Root--I love bridge, have no one to play it with but the computer, and thus the bidding is much the weakest part of my game. I keeping thinking I'm going to improve it--$3.39.
Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey -- I had intended to wait until the library acquired this, and definitely not get it in hardback, but when the hardback is $5.19, what can a person do? I'm sure it will be a typical Valdemar story, middle book of a trilogy. Truly, her earlier books were better, but I would eventually have read it anyhow.
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay--I have the first book of this duology in my tbr pile, Sailing to Sarantium, and knew I would read this eventually, so...a trade paperback for $3.20.
Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi--I have his other 3 books in this series, although I haven't read The Last Colony yet, so again, the paperback for $1.60--how could I resist?
The Danger Box by Blue Balliett I love the first three children's mysteries written by Balliett. This one has a new setting and characters and for $3.40 for the hardback--well, see above.
Commonsense Bidding by William S. Root--I love bridge, have no one to play it with but the computer, and thus the bidding is much the weakest part of my game. I keeping thinking I'm going to improve it--$3.39.
209LizzieD
Nice acquisitions! Maybe they make up for the loss of power? (Glad you're back online.) I really, really enjoyed both *Sarantium* and *Lord Emperors* and hope you do. *S* led me to Schama's Landscape and Memory, which I only own - haven't read it yet. But I hope to!! I am also a Scalzi fan who hasn't read *Zoe*. Lots of people don't like him, but I don't understand their problem! I need the bridge book, but I'd never read it, so I'll just bumble along when my "club" plays every three weeks.
210avatiakh
Hi Roni,
yikes, 7 hours without power, good that you had the outdoor grill. I gave up on Fool Moon, I was probably more than 2/3rds through the audiobook but just didn't like it enough. Some great books in your last dash to Borders, I'm especially interested in what you think of The Danger Box. Have you read anything by Australian children's writer Emily Rodda? I just noticed her new Three Doors series and have requested book one from the library, my children adored her Deltora Quest books.
yikes, 7 hours without power, good that you had the outdoor grill. I gave up on Fool Moon, I was probably more than 2/3rds through the audiobook but just didn't like it enough. Some great books in your last dash to Borders, I'm especially interested in what you think of The Danger Box. Have you read anything by Australian children's writer Emily Rodda? I just noticed her new Three Doors series and have requested book one from the library, my children adored her Deltora Quest books.
211jolerie
Glad to hear you are back online Roni! :)
7 hour is quite a long time to go without power but it looks like you guys managed really well.
So so jealous that you guys have these crazy sales at Borders but then again sad that it comes at the expense of bookstores closing down. :(
7 hour is quite a long time to go without power but it looks like you guys managed really well.
So so jealous that you guys have these crazy sales at Borders but then again sad that it comes at the expense of bookstores closing down. :(
212ronincats
We were one of the earliest areas to get it back, but almost everyone had power by the next morning.
Book #122 Darke by Angie Sage (641 pp.)
For some reason in this series, the book always starts slowly for me--then gains momentum and rushes toward the end. Darke, the sixth in the series, was no exception, but this is one of the best books in the series. This is classic children's fantasy. Some LTers have described it as derivative, but I, who find so many things derivative after reading in this genre for 50-some years, love what Sage has done in this series. It's imaginative and the characters are marvelous. Almost all the plot elements in the series are tied up in this book, so it might be the last of the series and a great ending it would be too. Still, there is that colony of Darke cats that escaped to the forest... and the dark font for certain magykal words doesn't bother me at all, for some reason. I suspect I just read right over them.
Book #122 Darke by Angie Sage (641 pp.)
For some reason in this series, the book always starts slowly for me--then gains momentum and rushes toward the end. Darke, the sixth in the series, was no exception, but this is one of the best books in the series. This is classic children's fantasy. Some LTers have described it as derivative, but I, who find so many things derivative after reading in this genre for 50-some years, love what Sage has done in this series. It's imaginative and the characters are marvelous. Almost all the plot elements in the series are tied up in this book, so it might be the last of the series and a great ending it would be too. Still, there is that colony of Darke cats that escaped to the forest... and the dark font for certain magykal words doesn't bother me at all, for some reason. I suspect I just read right over them.
213sibylline
That news story made it all the way back east -- kind of amazing what one person could do in a careless moment.
214ronincats
Book #123 Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins (358 pp.)
This is the third book in the series. Gregor and Boots have to return to the Underland on another quest. Again, I think this is a great book series for intermediate level children, but not a lot of depth to make it more interesting for adults.
This is the third book in the series. Gregor and Boots have to return to the Underland on another quest. Again, I think this is a great book series for intermediate level children, but not a lot of depth to make it more interesting for adults.
216richardderus
How do, Roni! Drive-by hug
218KiwiNyx
Hi Roni, strangely, we lost power where we were staying on the weekend for 5 hours! You guys sounded very organised though but I laughed when you mentioned your only casualty being your Farmville crops.
219mckait
I heard about the blackout..
The first thing I thought of was the heat..
Glad it's all sorted.
The first thing I thought of was the heat..
Glad it's all sorted.
220ronincats
>209 LizzieD: Peggy, I've heard so many good things about that duology (probably some from you) that I knew it was one I would have to read at some point!
>210 avatiakh: Kerry, I'll be sure and let you know when I get The Danger Box read.
>211 jolerie: Valerie, we were glad to only have 9 hours out. Some areas had to wait 18 or 20 hours. I'm definitely going to miss my Borders coupons--would much rather indeed have the store than the sales.
>213 sibylline: Lucy, now they are launching an investigation as to what is wrong with the system that one person could do all that damage!
>215 ronincats: {{{{Hugs}}}} in return, Richard Dear, especially when you have been so busy and in such pain. Thanks for the hug, always welcomed.
>217 markon: Good to see you, Ardene. Hope you had a great birthday, and glad you had a good trip. I always read your thread even if I don't always comment.
>218 KiwiNyx: Leonie, I always have candles and flashlights. Fortunately the power was not off long enough to worry about food spoiling! But indeed, since I could not get online that night to harvest, ALL of my crops on both of my farms went totally to waste, and I had to wait an extra day to meet my "harvest 25 vegetables" goal.
>219 mckait: Hot as it was here when the power went out (around 93), much of the area was on the other side of the mountains in the Imperial Valley and around Yuma AZ where temps in the 110s were in force. We really had very little to complain of, other than not being able to watch the opening NFL game. Thanks to my little battery-powered reading light, I was even able to do my usual pre-sleep reading in bed!
So, I spent several hours on Saturday working in the garden and yard--pulled up all the cucumbers and green beans, which were done producing, and untangled all those vines from the netting they had grown up, cleaned up that garden bed by also disposing of most of the eggplants, in preparation for putting in the winter garden in a couple of weeks. All that's left now are two pepper plants (which probably won't produce any more), one eggplant, a couple of basil plants and several oregano plants. And I raked most of the yard, getting all the fallen grapefruit and leaves, rearranged the area by the fence so I could water my potted plants there more easily, and harvested a bunch of tomatoes (as well as the remaining green beans, cucumbers and eggplants before I disposed of the plants). I had barely gotten over the aches and pains from that (well, almost) when today I have to sweep all the leaves off the deck, moving and cleaning all the furniture and disposing of all the clutter that seems to collect, repotting two plants that desperately needed into bigger pots, and feeding the potted plants while my husband cut the grass and trimmed everything. So now I have a whole new set of aching muscles. So when I quit in mid-afternoon, I needed something not too deep and wholly predictable to read, but interesting. And I had just the thing.
Book #124 Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (328 pp.)
The latest of Lackey's Valdemar books, the middle of the trilogy about this character, we know that the Herald candidate will have misgivings about his place in the Academy, suffer isolation and distrust while having a few good friends, have a Companion whose bond is his lifeline, and end up performing a valuable service for the King and Heralds. Of course, since this is the middle book, the problem is not completely cleared up, but Mags is cleared and welcomed back into the Academy. I loved the Arrows of the Queen trilogy (the earliest) and the Oathbound books, and even the books about Skif and Alberich, although some of the later books, like the Gryphons, became overly fanciful and yet repetitive. But for today, good old formula was what was called for, as I rested up a tired body and checked out the US Open championship match (was that some playing or what!).
>210 avatiakh: Kerry, I'll be sure and let you know when I get The Danger Box read.
>211 jolerie: Valerie, we were glad to only have 9 hours out. Some areas had to wait 18 or 20 hours. I'm definitely going to miss my Borders coupons--would much rather indeed have the store than the sales.
>213 sibylline: Lucy, now they are launching an investigation as to what is wrong with the system that one person could do all that damage!
>215 ronincats: {{{{Hugs}}}} in return, Richard Dear, especially when you have been so busy and in such pain. Thanks for the hug, always welcomed.
>217 markon: Good to see you, Ardene. Hope you had a great birthday, and glad you had a good trip. I always read your thread even if I don't always comment.
>218 KiwiNyx: Leonie, I always have candles and flashlights. Fortunately the power was not off long enough to worry about food spoiling! But indeed, since I could not get online that night to harvest, ALL of my crops on both of my farms went totally to waste, and I had to wait an extra day to meet my "harvest 25 vegetables" goal.
>219 mckait: Hot as it was here when the power went out (around 93), much of the area was on the other side of the mountains in the Imperial Valley and around Yuma AZ where temps in the 110s were in force. We really had very little to complain of, other than not being able to watch the opening NFL game. Thanks to my little battery-powered reading light, I was even able to do my usual pre-sleep reading in bed!
So, I spent several hours on Saturday working in the garden and yard--pulled up all the cucumbers and green beans, which were done producing, and untangled all those vines from the netting they had grown up, cleaned up that garden bed by also disposing of most of the eggplants, in preparation for putting in the winter garden in a couple of weeks. All that's left now are two pepper plants (which probably won't produce any more), one eggplant, a couple of basil plants and several oregano plants. And I raked most of the yard, getting all the fallen grapefruit and leaves, rearranged the area by the fence so I could water my potted plants there more easily, and harvested a bunch of tomatoes (as well as the remaining green beans, cucumbers and eggplants before I disposed of the plants). I had barely gotten over the aches and pains from that (well, almost) when today I have to sweep all the leaves off the deck, moving and cleaning all the furniture and disposing of all the clutter that seems to collect, repotting two plants that desperately needed into bigger pots, and feeding the potted plants while my husband cut the grass and trimmed everything. So now I have a whole new set of aching muscles. So when I quit in mid-afternoon, I needed something not too deep and wholly predictable to read, but interesting. And I had just the thing.
Book #124 Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey (328 pp.)
The latest of Lackey's Valdemar books, the middle of the trilogy about this character, we know that the Herald candidate will have misgivings about his place in the Academy, suffer isolation and distrust while having a few good friends, have a Companion whose bond is his lifeline, and end up performing a valuable service for the King and Heralds. Of course, since this is the middle book, the problem is not completely cleared up, but Mags is cleared and welcomed back into the Academy. I loved the Arrows of the Queen trilogy (the earliest) and the Oathbound books, and even the books about Skif and Alberich, although some of the later books, like the Gryphons, became overly fanciful and yet repetitive. But for today, good old formula was what was called for, as I rested up a tired body and checked out the US Open championship match (was that some playing or what!).
221brenpike
Wow. You've been busy. Was this just routine clean-up or are you preparing for something in particular?
223DragonFreak
>214 ronincats: Ok, now I'm going to comment on the series. First of all, I have and read all of those, and I say they are fantastic. Suzanne Collins also wrote the Hunger Games, which is the only reason why I read those in the first place. Keep going, it gets better.
224mckait
It made me smile that you were the first one to notice that I had put my kitties on my thread :)
Thanks!
I haven't read Mercedes Lackey for a long time.. I used to enjoy her books.. but just ran out of them :) and never sought out more.. I should fix that. That Hunger Games series is always trying to suck me in. So far I have resisted.
Thanks!
I haven't read Mercedes Lackey for a long time.. I used to enjoy her books.. but just ran out of them :) and never sought out more.. I should fix that. That Hunger Games series is always trying to suck me in. So far I have resisted.
225Donna828
Roni, I wouldn't have been able to move the next day after doing all the yard work you described. I do prefer my outside work to cleaning the inside of the house, but I have to set a 2-hour limit or I pay for it. Unfortunately, it will be too hot (mid-90s) today to do much outside. The good news is that a cold front with the possibility of rain is on the way. I am soooo ready for fall weather.
226KiwiNyx
Wow, impressive gardening tale. It reminds me that I have to pull my winter garden out to prepare for my summer planting.
227qebo
220: So now I have a whole new set of aching muscles.
Yes, apparently there are muscles whose sole purpose in life is gardening, and that's when they make their presence known.
Yes, apparently there are muscles whose sole purpose in life is gardening, and that's when they make their presence known.
228PiyushC
#202 Now that I think about it, I can't find any rational explanation for it either, though after reading your post, I have given it a lot of thought.
229BookAngel_a
I'm loving all the pottery, jewelry, and books on this thread!!
230ronincats
> Brenda, shall we just say it was deferred maintenance catching up with us, except for clearing out the summer garden plants?
>But, Valerie, you live in brown thumb heaven, where one doesn't NEED a green thumb to grow things!
>Nathan, I agree. I finished the series today, and they do get better.
>Kath, you should know I have outstanding cat radar!
>Donna, I hope you are getting your cooler weather now. I could move--it just hurt a lot to do so!
>Ah, Leonie! Another with a two-season garden to consider! Yes, it is that time. I just made my last big harvest of tomatoes today--there are a few still developing, but I don't think there will be that many more. Which is okay, because when they come out, my sweet peas go in, and I love my sweet peas to death.
>qebo, you are SO right! These were muscles my exercise routines have not even touched, evidently.
>Piyush, thanks for giving that plot point some thought, and letting me know the result. It just doesn't make sense to me. When are you going to start Book 3?
>Hey, Angela, good to see you! Thanks for visiting. I'll have to remember to comment on your thread; I've only been reading it lately.
>But, Valerie, you live in brown thumb heaven, where one doesn't NEED a green thumb to grow things!
>Nathan, I agree. I finished the series today, and they do get better.
>Kath, you should know I have outstanding cat radar!
>Donna, I hope you are getting your cooler weather now. I could move--it just hurt a lot to do so!
>Ah, Leonie! Another with a two-season garden to consider! Yes, it is that time. I just made my last big harvest of tomatoes today--there are a few still developing, but I don't think there will be that many more. Which is okay, because when they come out, my sweet peas go in, and I love my sweet peas to death.
>qebo, you are SO right! These were muscles my exercise routines have not even touched, evidently.
>Piyush, thanks for giving that plot point some thought, and letting me know the result. It just doesn't make sense to me. When are you going to start Book 3?
>Hey, Angela, good to see you! Thanks for visiting. I'll have to remember to comment on your thread; I've only been reading it lately.
231ronincats
So I brought another five books that I had ordered home from the library yesterday--
Pagans and Christians by Robin Lane Fox
Reading the Old Testament by Lawrence Boadt
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie King
The Game by Laurie King
to join the 3 already here (only three since I read and returned the other three)--what was I thinking? And then my August ER book arrived, even though I never received my June and July books. So I sat down and read it yesterday.
Book #125 Paul Among the People by Sarah Ruden (194 pp.)
Ruden uses ancient texts to give a context to those letters generally agreed upon as actually written by Paul, most particularly Galatians, Corinthians and Romans. By setting Paul's words against the culture of the times using Greco-Roman texts, she shows how she came to reevaluate Paul's contributions as a moderate and enlightened voice instead of a conservative and prejudicial bigot. It is amazing how these views into the culture of the times, as opposed to the connotations that certain words elicit in our modern mentality, do make a strong case for Paul. This is very readable--in fact, I read the book the same day I received it, but with extensive footnotes and bibliography to support it.
Pagans and Christians by Robin Lane Fox
Reading the Old Testament by Lawrence Boadt
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie King
The Game by Laurie King
to join the 3 already here (only three since I read and returned the other three)--what was I thinking? And then my August ER book arrived, even though I never received my June and July books. So I sat down and read it yesterday.
Book #125 Paul Among the People by Sarah Ruden (194 pp.)
Ruden uses ancient texts to give a context to those letters generally agreed upon as actually written by Paul, most particularly Galatians, Corinthians and Romans. By setting Paul's words against the culture of the times using Greco-Roman texts, she shows how she came to reevaluate Paul's contributions as a moderate and enlightened voice instead of a conservative and prejudicial bigot. It is amazing how these views into the culture of the times, as opposed to the connotations that certain words elicit in our modern mentality, do make a strong case for Paul. This is very readable--in fact, I read the book the same day I received it, but with extensive footnotes and bibliography to support it.
232jolerie
Really??? I must be horrible then since everything I tried to grow had withered and die...
I feel sorry for my plants so I've decided to give them a break until I figure out what the heck I am doing wrong.. :)
I feel sorry for my plants so I've decided to give them a break until I figure out what the heck I am doing wrong.. :)
233DragonFreak
>230 ronincats: The biggest problem that I had with the series, I that Gregor was too young and acted too old for his age. But there is just enough violence in the series to keep my attention.
234PiyushC
#230 I was planning to start the book yesterday and finish it over the weekend, but it doesn't seem to be happening, been at office till 11 for the last couple of days and the weekend seems only marginally better. In that case, I will read Book 3 in the coming week.
235ronincats
Book #126 Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (343 pp.)
Book #127 Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins (412 pp.)
Books 4 and 5 of this series, these books need to be read as one, unlike the first three books which had stopping points. These books, as I've said before, seem aimed at the middle-school crowd with the 11 year--then 12-year-old hero. However, the level of violence is quite high throughout the series IMHO--of course that is why Nathan likes them, so YMMV. And indeed, those kids that love the slasher movies that terrify me would probably not bat an eyelid. The story is okay, above the midpoint for these books, but not in my top rank.
Book #127 Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins (412 pp.)
Books 4 and 5 of this series, these books need to be read as one, unlike the first three books which had stopping points. These books, as I've said before, seem aimed at the middle-school crowd with the 11 year--then 12-year-old hero. However, the level of violence is quite high throughout the series IMHO--of course that is why Nathan likes them, so YMMV. And indeed, those kids that love the slasher movies that terrify me would probably not bat an eyelid. The story is okay, above the midpoint for these books, but not in my top rank.
236LizzieD
Roni, I'm exhausted from the paragraph about your garden-clearing "several hours." Good for you though!!
I looked hard at the Paul book, but I wanted Reamde so badly that I didn't ask for anything else. It would be hard for me to lose my bias about his bigotry even though I am grateful for his theology and systemization. Interesting!
I looked hard at the Paul book, but I wanted Reamde so badly that I didn't ask for anything else. It would be hard for me to lose my bias about his bigotry even though I am grateful for his theology and systemization. Interesting!
237ronincats
Peggy, it was a very easy read, and did clarify a lot of things. For example, the part about women wearing veils in church? Only the aristocracy were allowed to wear veils, with dress being very important in dividing ranks and classes. Paul had no authority to force the nobility to give up their veils, but in order to have all be equal before God, he gave veils to those who otherwise never been allowed to wear them. That's what I mean about looking at the context. Very interesting.
Okay, Book #128 A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
I can hear all the Three Pines people out there cheering wildly. Yes, I enjoyed it. God, the woman paints a Christmas card, and then embeds it into the fabric of the story--who that has ever had a white Christmas could fail to be suckered in by that? I was 90% sure of who did the murders by mid-book, but not of all the details, and after all, it really isn't the mystery that grabs you, but those marvelous characters who make the book live. And I fear for the Inspector...
Okay, Book #128 A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
I can hear all the Three Pines people out there cheering wildly. Yes, I enjoyed it. God, the woman paints a Christmas card, and then embeds it into the fabric of the story--who that has ever had a white Christmas could fail to be suckered in by that? I was 90% sure of who did the murders by mid-book, but not of all the details, and after all, it really isn't the mystery that grabs you, but those marvelous characters who make the book live. And I fear for the Inspector...
238souloftherose
Catching up Roni. The Sarah Ruden book sounds interesting and has gone on my wishlist - thanks for your review. Like Peggy I've had mixed feelings about Paul but as you say, it's so difficult to imagine how we would view what Paul wrote if we were from a 1st century culture.
#237 Wildly cheering here - and A Fatal Grace was my least favourite of the series. It just gets better and better from here in.
#237 Wildly cheering here - and A Fatal Grace was my least favourite of the series. It just gets better and better from here in.
239sibylline
I wasn't thrilled with A Fatal Grace either, but there was enough good in it!
I stopped reading the Fox because summer came, but let me know when you start it. It helps me to have a buddy with those kinds of books.....
I stopped reading the Fox because summer came, but let me know when you start it. It helps me to have a buddy with those kinds of books.....
240ronincats
I had procrastinated on ordering the book for my book discussion group this Tuesday, so found myself in the position of having to buy it from a bricks and mortar store at full price this weekend. As always in such a case, I swung by Mysterious Galaxy for a copy of Heart of Iron and found the new Toby Daye book just out, One Salt Sea, and another that sounded interesting by an author I like, Coronets and Steel by Sherwood Smith.
Book #129 Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia (311 pp.)
I read Heart of Iron this afternoon, and really enjoyed it. The only thing that marred my enjoyment was about 5 instances of very poor copy-editing where the wrong word was used or a word omitted--not the author's fault. Sasha is the daughter of a member of nobility who was central to the Decemberist revolution in Russia in the early 19th century. She becomes caught up in international intrigue, but the story stays at a very personal focus. I loved how she worked the Decemberist revolution (of which Prince Sergei Petrovich Trubetzkoy was a leader), the contemporaneous sightings of the Spring-Heeled Jack in Britain (who was then the subject of many of the serialized publications such as Jack and Sasha read on the train), Florence Nightingale, and Turkey and the Crimea all into components of her backstory. It was very readable and interesting as well, good alternate history!
Book #129 Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia (311 pp.)
I read Heart of Iron this afternoon, and really enjoyed it. The only thing that marred my enjoyment was about 5 instances of very poor copy-editing where the wrong word was used or a word omitted--not the author's fault. Sasha is the daughter of a member of nobility who was central to the Decemberist revolution in Russia in the early 19th century. She becomes caught up in international intrigue, but the story stays at a very personal focus. I loved how she worked the Decemberist revolution (of which Prince Sergei Petrovich Trubetzkoy was a leader), the contemporaneous sightings of the Spring-Heeled Jack in Britain (who was then the subject of many of the serialized publications such as Jack and Sasha read on the train), Florence Nightingale, and Turkey and the Crimea all into components of her backstory. It was very readable and interesting as well, good alternate history!
242ronincats
Book #130 Coronets and Steel by Sherwood Smith (439 pp)
This is fantasy very light--there are ghosts and rumors of vampires. However, it is mostly a romantic novel in the old meaning of romantic, and a very overt bow to The Prisoner of Zenda. Think small, unknown Eastern European country, American girl look-alike to kingdom's princess, danger and intrigue and swords--it's just good clean fun. If you have loved The Prisoner of Zenda or the Graustark novels, you owe it to yourself to try this.
This is fantasy very light--there are ghosts and rumors of vampires. However, it is mostly a romantic novel in the old meaning of romantic, and a very overt bow to The Prisoner of Zenda. Think small, unknown Eastern European country, American girl look-alike to kingdom's princess, danger and intrigue and swords--it's just good clean fun. If you have loved The Prisoner of Zenda or the Graustark novels, you owe it to yourself to try this.
243ronincats
Major disappointment at pottery class today--of my six pieces, only one had been fired, the other five being in the kiln that just finished being loaded today. But here is that one.
245AMQS
Hi Roni -- just passing through and saying hello. Thank you for sharing your pottery and jewelry -- beautiful!
246TadAD
Hi Roni. I like that effect on the inside lip where the white/blue/whatever it is is breaking over the green.
249ronincats
Brenda, it isn't that big, about 4" by 4", not counting that lip in the diameter. My husband likes it and will probably use it for jewelry or change. Tad, the bottom is Plum Brown, while the top is Forest Green with Metallic Green on the rim that slides down in those drips.
Thanks for the kind words, Anne, Lucy and Kath. I am very much just a beginner.
Book #131 A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie King (326 pp.)
I read The Beekeeper's Apprentice several years ago and liked it but didn't continue on with the series. So, as part of Sequels and Series September, I decided to read a bit more, especially as I want to read a later book in the series, The Game, which is supposed to intersect with Kipling's Kim. I did enjoy this one, most especially the way that both theology and feminism were incorporated, and above all, those wonderful quotations and their aptness for the chapters they headed.
Thanks for the kind words, Anne, Lucy and Kath. I am very much just a beginner.
Book #131 A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie King (326 pp.)
I read The Beekeeper's Apprentice several years ago and liked it but didn't continue on with the series. So, as part of Sequels and Series September, I decided to read a bit more, especially as I want to read a later book in the series, The Game, which is supposed to intersect with Kipling's Kim. I did enjoy this one, most especially the way that both theology and feminism were incorporated, and above all, those wonderful quotations and their aptness for the chapters they headed.
250ncgraham
Can't believe I've pretty much missed out on all of this thread! Lovely pots, lovely jewelry, lovely reviews. Especially liked your thoughts on Reading like a Writer.
251TadAD
The studio where I go is rather deficient in green glazes. They have a large palette of blues, browns, creams, etc. but not a lot of true greens, especially bold ones. I do have one piece in for glaze firing with something called MB Green she has, but it's a paler color.
Eventually, I want to try my hand at making some glazes (all the glazes at the studio, except for the underglazes, are made from scratch) and I might see what I can do to get something in the mid tones.
What temperature/cone are they fired at where you are?
Eventually, I want to try my hand at making some glazes (all the glazes at the studio, except for the underglazes, are made from scratch) and I might see what I can do to get something in the mid tones.
What temperature/cone are they fired at where you are?
252ronincats
Nathan, good to see you back on the threads. Thanks!
All of the glazes at my pottery are made from scratch (powder) as well. We do have a lot of greens. All of the most interesting effects seem to come from layering the glazes, which they do routinely. I know it's a high temperature kiln--there are 4 of them--but don't know the exact temp--I'll ask next week, Tad.
All of the glazes at my pottery are made from scratch (powder) as well. We do have a lot of greens. All of the most interesting effects seem to come from layering the glazes, which they do routinely. I know it's a high temperature kiln--there are 4 of them--but don't know the exact temp--I'll ask next week, Tad.
