Delta Queen's 2011 Reading - Part 5

First Thread

Second Thread

Third Thread

Fourth Thread

2011 Reading List

January

1. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - 4 stars
2. The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie - 4 stars
3. Forty Words For Sorrow by Giles Blunt - 4 stars
4. The Black Rood by Stephen Lawhead - 3 1/2 stars
5. A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson - 4 1/2 stars
6. The Lies of Locke LaMora by Scott Lynch - 5 stars
7. Rise To Victory by R. Cameron Cooke - 3 1/2 stars
8. Pretty Birds by Scott Simon - 5 stars
9. The Indian Agent by Dan O'Brien - 3 1/2 stars
10. All The Colors of Darkness by Peter Robinson - 3 stars
11. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende - 4 stars
12. The Guards by Ken Bruen - 5 stars
13. Fresh From The Country by Miss Read - 4 stars
14. Cat And Mouse by James Patterson - 2 1/2 stars
15. Springtime In Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 4 stars

February

16. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 4 stars
17. Miss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tey - 4 stars
18. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender - 2 stars
19. The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - 4 stars
20. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - 5 stars
21. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - 5 stars
22. Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker - 4 stars
23. A Share In Death by Deborah Crombie - 3 1/2 stars
24. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons - 4 1/2 stars
25. The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng - 3 stars
26. The Outlander by Gil Adamson - 2 1/2 stars
27. The Maze Runner by James Dashner - 4 stars
28. Country of the Blind by Christopher Brookmyre - 4 1/2 stars
29. Assegai by Wilbur Smith - 3 stars

March

30. Elizabeth I by Margaret George - 4 stars
31. The Hotel On the Corner of Bitter And Sweet by Jamie Ford - 3 1/2 stars
32. I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey by Izzeldin Abuelaish - 4 stars
33. Beside A Burning Sea by John Shors - 5 stars
34. Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay - 3 1/2 stars
35. Shadow of the Lynx by Victoria Holt - 3 stars
36. Bad Bridesmaid by Siri Agrell - 3 stars
37. Death Minus Zero by John Baker - 4 stars
38. The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas - 5 stars
39. A Story Like The Wind by Laurens van der Post - 3 stars
40. The Other Side of Paradise by Margaret Mayhew - 3 1/2 stars
41. The Sand Fish by Maha Gargash - 3 stars
42. Blacklands by Belinda Bauer - 5 stars
43. Sweet Danger by Margery Allingham - 3 1/2 stars

April

44. What To Do When Someone Dies by Nicci French - 3 1/2 stars
45. Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake - 5 stars
46. The Splendor of Silence by Indu Sundaresan - 3 stars
47. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake - 3 stars
48. The Case of the Gilded Fly by Edmund Crispin - 3 1/2 stars
49. Black Swan Green by David Mitchell - 4 stars
50. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs - 3 1/2 stars
51. The Way of the Traitor by Laura Joh Rowland - 3 1/2 stars
52. The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer - 5 stars
53. Sarah by Orson Scott Card - 3 1/2 stars
54. The Enemy by Charlie Higson - 4 1/2 stars
55. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - 4 stars
56. The Various Flavours of Coffee by Anthony Capella - 3 stars
57. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger - 4 stars
58. Mudbound by Hillary Jordon - 5 stars
59. Driftnet by Lin Anderson - 3 stars
60. The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull - 4 1/2 stars

May

61. I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells - 3 1/2 stars
62. The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo - 4 1/2 stars
63. The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis - 3 stars
64. Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers - 31/2 stars
65. The Walking Dead Vol. 1 Days Gone By by Robert Kirkman - 3 1/2 stars
66. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig - 3 stars
67. When The Dead Cry Out by Hilary Bonner - 3 1/2 stars
68. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt - 4 1/2 stars
69. The Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart - 4 stars
70. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin - 3 1/2 stars
71. The Walking Dead Vol 2: Miles Behind Us by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
72. The Walking Dead Vol 3: Safety Behind Bars by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
73. Murder In Mayberry: Greed, Death and Mayhem in a Small Town by Mary Kinney Branson - 2 1/2 stars
74. Blind Eye by Stuart MacBride - 4 stars
75. Far Bright Star by Robert Olmstead - 4 stars
76. Blink by Andrea Badenoch - 4 stars
77. The Saffron Gate by Linda Holeman - 3 1/2 stars
78. The Walking Dead Vol. 4 The Heart's Desire by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
79. The Walking Dead Vol 5 The Best Defense by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
80. The Walking Dead Vol 6 This Sorrowful Life by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars

June

81. The Religious Body by Catherine Aird - 3 1/2 stars
82. 20 Years Later by E.J. Newman - 3 1/2 stars
83. Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster's Daughter by Shoko Tendo - 3 stars
84. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith - 5 stars
85. Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl - 4 stars
86. The Conquest by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4 stars
87. Etta by Gerald Kolpan - 3 1/2 stars
88. Above Suspicion by Lynda La Plante - 4 stars
89. Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach - 2 1/2 stars
90. Jeremy and Amy: The Extraordinary Story of One Man and his Orang-utan by Jeremy Keeling - 3 1/2 stars
91. Sweet Tooth Vol 1: Out of the Woods by Jeff Lemire - 4 stars
92. The Serialist by David Gordon - 4 1/2 stars
93. The Walking Dead Vol 7 The Calm Before by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
94. The Walking Dead Vol 8 Made To Suffer by Robert Kirkman - 4 stars
95. Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer - 4 stars
96. Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia McKillip - 3 1/2 stars
97. House to House by David Bellavia - 4 stars
98. Dead City by Joe McKinney - 3 stars
99. The White Brigand by Edison Marshall - 2 1/2 stars

I'm stopping by adding my star! Hello There!

July

100. Wasted Years by John Harvey - 4 stars
101. The Walking Dead Vol 9: Here We Remain - 4 stars
102. The Walking Dead Vol 10: What We Become - 4 stars
103. The Complete Essex County by Jeff Lemire - 5 stars
104. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson - 3 1/2 stars
105. Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck - 5 stars
106. Down River by John Hart - 4 stars
107. Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock - 3 1/2 stars
108. World of Pies by Karen Stolz - 4 1/2 stars
109. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson - 4 stars
110. Death Without Company by Craig Johnson - 4 stars
111. The Devil's Paintbox by Victoria McKernan - 3 stars
112. The Dead of Summer by Camilla Way - 4 1/2 stars
113. As Simple As Snow by Gregory Galloway - 2 1/2 stars
114. At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie - 4 stars
115. The Blue Noon by Robert Ryan - 4 stars
116. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear - 4 stars
117. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George - 3 1/2 stars
118. The Vanishing American by Zane Grey - 3 1/2 stars
119. Queenpin by Megan Abbott - 4 stars

August

120. Pearl of China by Anchee Min - 3 1/2 stars
121. The Goodnight Trail by Ralph Compton - 3 1/2 stars
122. The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell - 5 stars
123. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? by Agatha Christie - 4 1/2 stars
124. What Janie Found by Caroline B. Cooney - 4 stars
125. Dog Company Six by Edwin Howard Simmons - 4 stars
126. A Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich - 4 1/2 stars
127. Just Kids by Patti Smith - 3 1/2 stars
128. Rommel's Gold by Maggie Davis - 2 1/2 stars
129. Snowdrops by A.D. Millar - 2 1/2 stars
130. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 4 stars
131. Stardust by Neil Gaiman - 4 stars
132. Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr - 3 1/2 stars
133. Winter Frost by R.D. Wingfield - 5 stars
134. Blow Your House Down by Pat Barker - 4 1/2 stars
135. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - 4 stars

September

136. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - 2 1/2 stars
137. The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci - 3 1/2 stars
138. Son Of The Shadows by Juliet Marillier - 4 stars
139. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt - 5 stars
140. The Sable Doughboys by Tom Willard - 4 stars
141. In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis by Doug Stanton - 4 1/2 stars
142. An Heir For Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 4 stars
143. China Star by Bartle Bull - 4 stars
144. Sold by Patricia McCormick - 4 stars
145. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers - 3 1/2 stars
146. Exit Music by Ian Rankin - 4 stars
147. Empire Rising by Sam Barone - 3 1/2 stars
148. The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy - 4 1/2 stars
149. Torch by Lin Anderson - 3 stars
150. A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter - 4 stars
151. Heaven Is A Long Way Off by Win Blevins - 3 stars
152. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson - 5 stars
153. Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid - 3 1/2 stars

October

154. Chinaberry Sidewalks by Rodney Crowell - 4 stars
155. Fatelessness by Imre Kertesz - 4 1/2 stars
156. The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins - 4 stars
157. The Alphabet of Vietnam by Jonathan Chamberlain - 3 1/2 stars
158. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett - 4 stars
159. Unwind by Neal Shusterman - 4 stars
160. The Man In The Queue by Josephine Tey - 3 1/2 stars

131 books is quite an accomplishment!

First! And I'm placing my star and slobbering at the thought of what you had for dinner. :)

Ahhh! Lynda beat me to it. :)

Hi Linda, I can't quite believe that I've read that many books this year, I think between all the great ideas I get from people such as yourself and the challenges like the TIOLI have encouraged me to do more reading.

Hi Valerie, good to see you here.

132. Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr - 3 1/2 stars



I am a huge mystery fan, and I have a great love of nature. The National Parks of America are among some of the places I love to visit the most. Therefore the Nevada Barr series featuring a National Park Ranger who solves crimes seems the perfect match for me. In The Track of the Cat, Ranger Anna Pigeon is stationed in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas, and in this beautiful setting she stumbles upon a body of a fellow ranger who appears to have been mauled to death by a puma.

I enjoyed this first entry in her series, even though I figured out who the bad guy was pretty quickly. I love the setting, and the main character, Anna seems to be a sensible, down to earth type, still recovering from the accidental death of her husband. I was also interested to read about the inner workings of the National Park System.

This was a good introduction to a promising mystery series and I intend to follow Anna Pigeon to her various postings in the scenic National Parks of America.

#15: I need to return to that series. I have not read the past several. Thanks for the reminder, Judy.

*Waves* Hi Judy! :)

Hi Judy- Nice new thread! I read the 1st 2 Anna Pigeon books years ago and liked them fine but never continued the series.

Just want to post so I don't lose your new thread!

Judy: I've been an Anna Pigeon fan for a while. Isn't it great to find a new series that you like -- you automatically have some go-to books.

Dropping by to star you and say hi Judy.

Thanks for dropping by everyone, it's always so nice to open your thread and find you have had some visitors. It's that time of month when I tend to hover on LT waiting to see if Madeline has posted the TIOLI Challenges yet.

I can see that I will use the Nevada Barr books as a palate cleanser between other books. I love the descriptions of the parks, the mystery part was ok, but I have heard that that part does get better further into the series.

I've been eyeing the Nevada Barr books for years and have never read any of them. I did finally get Track of the Cat for my husband to read, but so far he is pretty neutral about it. I trust your judgement more than his and will try to snatch it from him when he's done if there's time before it has to go back to the library.

I've enjoyed the Anna Pigeon books that I've read -- some more than others. I've got several in Mount TBR that I need to read.

133. Winter Frost by R.D. Wingfield - 5 stars



At the risk of repeating myself, I am once again singing the praises of DI Frost and his creator, R.D. Wingfield. Winter Frost which is the 5th book in this police procedural series is as good, if not better, than his previous four. Frost is still the sloppy, funny, seemingly inept policeman that eventually solves his cases. He is still aided and abetted by a wonderful cast of characters including his dogmatic, rule imposing, boot licking superior and his new assistant who is even lazier and more slovenly than Frost himself but excels in fiddling both Frost’s expenses and the Crime Stats Report.

Don’t get me wrong, these books are far from cozy, they are very dark. This time out Frost is searching for missing children and hunting a serial murderer who targets prostitutes. As one missing child turns up brutally raped and strangled, the pressure mounts. Thrown into the mix are the numerous other cases that Frost and his cronies must deal with, from armed robbery, hit-and-run accidents and the thirty year old remains of a skeleton.

These books are great reads, dark, intense, yet able to make you laugh out loud. An old-fashioned policeman, Frost very rarely goes by the book, he muddles through and eventually arrives at the correct finish. Deep down he is a very honourable man and is doing his best for the public Slightly formulaic in nature, I like to spread these reads out, and it is my great sadness that after this book I only have one more to look forward to.

Ack! I hate when you recommend books that I cannot get at my local library. Stop it, you hear me? :)

Sorry, Stasia. :(

LOL

Judy: Thanks for the recommendation for Winter Frost. It's always nice to find another series. Should I start with the first one? Does the order matter?

I've already got the Jack Frost series on the wishlist, thanks to you. Glad to hear that it gets better and better.

#29 - Beth, these books probably don't have to be read in order, as very little of the story takes place outside of the the day to day police work. The first one in the series Frost At Christmas was originally written to be a stand alone book, due to it's popularity his publishers convinced him to make it a series.

#30 - Sandy, I would say this one, Winter Frost is my favorite one along with the first one in the series Frost At Christmas. But they have all been enjoyable and I am going to miss this series when I complete it.

#15: You're in for a ride with the Anna Pigeon series! There are a few "excellent," a lot of "pretty good," a handful "okay," and a couple of duds.

I'm just finishing it myself: two more and I'm caught up! I should be ready for the new one coming out in January.

Hi swynn - that's pretty much what I've heard about the Anna Pigeon series - some good, some bad, some ugly! There's 17 -18 books in the series, so I guess it would be too much to expect excellence in them all. I'm just expecting to visit many National Parks that I may never get a change to see in real life.

I'm covering my eyes so I don't add new series to my wishlist Judy....

134. Blow Your House Down by Pat Barker - 4 1/2 stars



I found Blow Your House Down by Pat Barker to be a powerful story about the life of prostitutes that work the lower end of the scale while at the same time a serial killer is targeting them. Told from the perspective of the women, this is a first hand picture of the life they live, how they are generally treated and why they continue in this trade.

There is nothing nice about this story, these women live dark and dingy lives, work in disgusting conditions, and really, have no one to rely upon but themselves and each other. There are graphic scenes of violence that will haunt me for some time. Yet I found this to be an riveting read that I couldn’t put down. The author uses sparse prose, sprinkled with street slang to paint, what I believe is an accurate picture of life on the streets, and I found myself drawn into the story and caring about these people.

This is my first book by this author, who is probably best known for her Regeneration Trilogy, but I will certainly be looking for more. If you have the stomach for it, I highly recommend this book.

I've really enjoyed Pat Barker's first two books in the Regeneration Trilogy and look forward to reading the last in the series in September hopefully. But I don't think I have the stomach for this particular one by her though.

Looks like you are reading some great books with some "heavy" themes in them. Again I love you broad your spectrum of reading is Judy!

Just catching up with you . . . and (groan) the Frost series looks good . . . no new series, nooooo . . . .

Judy is the Frost book in #25 the ones they made the TV series A Touch of Frost out of??

Hi everyone, I am finishing off the month with a light, enjoyable YA, The Penderwicks after my last two heavier pieces. This is as far from "prostitutes" as you can get!

Susie, yes, there was a British TV series based on the Frost books. To my great sorrow, I didn't see them at the time they were shown, and my library doesn't have them either. I have heard that they smoothed out some of Frost's rougher edges to make him more likeable, but I guess that is to be expected in TV.

A Touch of Frost is streaming on netflix if you have that I will have to find the books now!

The Penderwicks are very sweet, aren't they? The book reminded me of things I read when I was young -- a long time ago.

I've never read anything by R.D. Wingfield but Winter Frost sounds right up my alley! Thanks for posting the review, I'll have to try the first book in that series.

I've just finished with Stasia's Readathon and I was able to complete one more book for August, and get a good start on a couple of more books.

135. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - 4 stars



I am probably just echoing what so many people have already written about The Penderwicks when I say it was a delightful, joyful story that made me feel like I was visiting a favorite book from my youth. Although set in today’s world , this book had an old fashioned, warm feeling that it reminded me of reading Little Women, or watching an old Disney favorite, “Summer Magic”.

The four sisters each has their own strong identity and their conversations with each other were hilarious. I was immediately caught up in their lives, in fact, I wanted to be one of them! With a gentle, loving and wise father to guide them, a wonderful dog to watch over them, their lives seemed to be one long summer adventure.

This author as done a great job of creating a charming book that appears to be on it‘s way to becoming a children‘s classic. I will definitely be looking forward to spending some time with The Penderwicks in their next book.

#44 this sounds like a wonderful book - thanks for the recommendation.

I just noticed that you are making fabulous progress on the challenge this year - you are on a pace to reach - or exceed - 200 books! Excellent!

Thanks Sandy, I wish I could have liked this next book better but I think it probably appeals more to the "Twilight" lovers.

136. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - 2 1/2 Stars



I guess I am just not a fan of supernatural, teen angst ridden romances and Shiver was no exception. This story involves the tragic yet noble hero magnetically drawn to the pretty yet boring young girl, who incidentally has a pair of the most inept parents I have ever read about. He is cursed with being a werewolf that switches from human in the summer to wolf in the winter, eventually doomed to stay wolf. She is the smart, nature loving girl that was bitten by a wolf when younger. Somehow this created a bond between the two, and he tends to lurk around in the woods behind her house.

The author does not lack talent. Her descriptive writing is good, I felt cold the whole time I was reading this book, which wasn’t bad on a warm summer day. I can certainly see the romantic appeal, I found Sam to be quite sympathetic although a rather unbelievable 18 year old. Grace, on the other hand, I just found boring, and still rather unbelievable with her goody-two shoes attitude. Together these two were a bit of a yawn fest.

Overall, I definitely prefer my werewolves to be a little more vicious, the werewolf lore was mostly ignored in this book, but the idea of shape shifting according to temperature was intriguing. I understand this book is targeted at a younger audience, but personally I prefer my romances to be a little more alluring, and my werewolves to be a little more aggressive. I doubt very much that I will continue on to the next book.

Hi Judy. Thanks for the review of the Pat Barker book that isn't in the Regeneration series. I've read the first in that series and have the second one on hold at the library. Blow Your House Down sounds like a powerful read.

#135: I have read the first two Penderwicks books and just picked up the third at the library the other day. I am glad to see you enjoyed the first book in the series, Judy.

137. The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci - 3 1/2 stars



I found The Plain Janes to be an extremely interesting graphic novel. I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn’t wait to see where it was going. After surviving a terrorist bomb attack, her parents move themselves and their daughter Jane from the large city to a small town.

Fitting in at a new high school is always tricky, and Jane decides this time she isn’t just going to try and be popular, she wants to find her true niche. So she joins the loser table at lunch, and discovers they all have a variation of Jane for a name. They decide to band together and the Plain Janes are born. As well as hanging out, the Plain Janes devise a plan to bring street art to their small town, calling their effort “People Loving Art In the Neighbourhood” (P.L.A.I.N.). They are soon leaving their artwork all over town which doesn’t please everyone.

Dealing with varied subjects from fitting in, creativity and self-expression, to dealing with the post 9/11 world, this book still manages to keep the tone light and the story interesting. I found the end of the book fell a little flat with some of the story points being left hanging, but overall I loved the story, the message and the artwork.

Judy, I've added The Penderwicks to the wish list. And here I was doing so well at resisting book bullets!

#50: I was hoping my local library would have a copy of that one. I should have known better - the selection of graphic novels from that source is very limited.

I also enjoyed The Penderwicks a lot; it's exactly the type of old-fashioned children's book I loved as a child and I'm so glad Jeanne Birdsall has decided to write some modern books in that style.

I've been on the fence about trying Shiver for a while and I think your review has made me decide to leave it for now.

138. Son Of The Shadows by Juliet Marillier - 4 stars



Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier is the second book in the Sevenwaters Series. I have been anticipating this book for some time, as I have loved all the other Juliet Marillier books I have read. This book carries on the story of the family that dwells at Sevenwaters, and they are recovering from the curse that was put upon them in the first book. Even though they have had years of peace and prosperity, still hanging over their heads is a prophecy of what is yet to come.

Juliet Marillier draws on the history of the Celts and using their legends and traditions, develops a magical, romantic story of Liadan and Bran, the Painted Man. With dark forces and ancient powers circling ever closer, Liadan comes into her full power to ensure the safely of her family and loved ones.

A beautifully written historical fantasy that was a very satisfactory read. Most of the immediate story plots were attended to, but of course this is only book two of a five book series, so not everything has been brought to a conclusion. I am looking forward to continuing this saga, and finding out what happens next.

Great books and great reviews Judy! I will be adding a couple of the books to my ever growing list and some of the books that I already own will be bumped on my TBR list. :)

Judy

I was able to obtain a copy of The Penderwicks for 1.25 at a local store that sells recycled books. The book looks brand new and it is on my tbr pile for September. Thanks for your comments.

Also, I've added Blow Your House Down to be huge TBR pile.

I was also delighted by the The Penderwicks this summer. It really does have the feel of an old-fashioned children's book. I need to get the next book at the library.

Judy, just wanted to say I saw your comment about The Sisters Brothers over on Mark's thread. I started it about an hour ago, am 75 pages in and really enjoying it. It's a quirkiness I feel right at home with.

#54: I need to return to that series. I have only read the first book, Daughter of the Forest.

I think anyone who enjoys that "old-fashioned" feel to their books will enjoy The Penderwicks, I am definitely planning on reading it again with my granddaughter when she gets a little older.

As for Juliet Marillier, she has become one of my favorite authors.

I am about 1/3 of the way into The Sisters Brothers and I know already this, for me, is a special read. I love the back-and-forth between the two brothers, the interesting people they meet (and sometimes kill) along the trail, and just the general tone of the book. This is a book that lives up to it's hype and was worth the wait.

Judy- I'm glad you are loving The Sisters Brothers. I need to mention this to Ilana also, but try to find Doc. It's even better, if you can believe it.

Doc is on my wishlist and my planned reading for next year, Mark.

Ok, ok, adding Doc to the wish list... since you insist Mark. ;-)

Judy, I completely agree that Sisters Brothers lives up to the hype and you describe well the things that make it such a good read. You and I are about at the same place—I'm just about to jump into Part 2: California.

Ok, ok, adding Doc to It seems Doc is already on my wish list... since you insist so you obviously managed to convince me earlier on Mark ;-)

Judy, I completely agree that Sisters Brothers lives up to the hype and you describe well the things that make it such a good read. You and I are about at the same place—I'm just about to jump into Part 2: California.

Hi Ilana, I am now just starting Part III Herman Kermit Warm, still loving this book! Finding it hard to put down to give any attention to my other book, which is also good.

139. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt - 5 stars



What a great read. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt is a unique, quirky new-style Western that relies on the author’s impressive writing as we follow along with two hired killers on the trail of their latest victim. Eli and Charlie Sisters live a life of casual violence, the back and forth conversations between these two sparkle with humor, earthiness and a brotherly connection that is hard to ignore.

As our killers wander haphazardly across Oregon and California, they meet a series of eccentric characters, some they help, some they ignore and a few they dispatch. Eli, the younger more introspective brother, narrates the story, while Charlie, who likes to think he is the brains of the outfit, exists for his next drunken spree. I loved these two brothers who nitpick at each other, but who always have each other’s backs.

From the trials and tribulations of Eli’s horse, Tub to Eli’s discovery of dental care, and his gentle musings on the nature of the opposite sex, I found this book to be mesmerizing, humorous and insightful. For a story that works on many levels, I highly recommend The Sisters Brothers.

Sounds great. I just reserved it at my library.

Judy - Glad you liked The Sisters Brothers so much. It was a fun read.

I read your review with eyes half closed, since, as you know, I'm still reading this one, but found I needn't have worried. No spoilers and a good writeup I fully agree with.

Another great review of The Sister's Brothers that I think I will have to add this to my list.

Thanks Judy!

Wow, so many great reviews, my list of wishlisted reads is bulging at the seams. I especially want to thank you for the heads up on The Plain Janes as I love hearing about good new graphic novels.

140. The Sable Doughboys by Tom Willard - 4 stars



The Sable Doughboys is the continuation of the story of a Black American family that was started in Buffalo Soldiers. The original characters Augustus and Selona Sharps have grown older and now must step aside as they watch their two sons go off to war. It is 1917, and Adrian and David Sharps have been accepted as officer candidates at Fort Des Moines before shipping out to France.

Facing a hard training program designed to weed out the weakest, they also face discrimination and violence from white racists. As they arrive in France as part of the 93rd Division, they experience more racial discrimination from some of their own officers. And yet, as proud Americans they endure the horrors of trench warfare and serve their country well.

Willard continues his well researched, action packed story that focus on one family, and yet traces the military history of Black Americans. An altogether engrossing follow-up to his first book, I am looking forward to the continuation of this family’s history.

Hmmm, I think I want to add Buffalo Soldiers to my wish list. It looks like a good series of reads.

Ellen, Buffalo Soldiers was a five star read for me, and I would definitely recommend that you start this series at the beginning. Hope you enjoy!

Looks like a good series to start. Sure hope my library has them.

Judy- Wow, both Buffalo Soldiers & The Sable Doughboys sound great, a perfect match for me. I will slap them on the WL, asap!

Yehhh! My library has Buffalo Soldiers and The Sable Doughboys. Was planning to go to the library tomorrow.

Judy, I've just added Buffalo Soldiers on the wish list too. They don't have it at the library, or I should say they do—but in French translation, which is out of the question. I'm particularly interested in WWI these days, so The Sable Doughboys sounds especially appealing to me.

Hi, Judy! Some great reviews here. But I'm trying to resist the book bullets . . . though if my library had the Buffalo Soldiers series, I think I'd add it to the List.

Hi Judy - Catching up a bit. Agree wholeheartedly on the Frost books! Great bittersweet series but tragically short and RD Wingfield is no more unfortunately. In the UK it was made into a series starring the very popular UK actor David Jason and he got Frost off pat. I heard that there is an attempt to franchise more Frost novels which will be interesting but probably not as good. The Pat Barker and De Witt also look sure fire winners.

Good morning, I hope everyone enjoys Buffalo Soldiers when they get to it.

Paul, I keep hoping that the Frost series will get a replay over here, I've checked my library and they don't have it either, but I would love to see it. I'm hoarding the last book in the series but will probably give in and read it sometime next year.

In the same way, I have been hoarding the final Rebus book, Exit Music but I have vowed to read it this month.

141. In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis by Doug Stanton - 4 1/2 stars



I am finding it very hard to sum up my feelings about In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis by Doug Stanton. I think what I mostly feel is anger at the system that helped this ship to it’s disaster and sadness for both the men and the captain of this ship that suffered horribly and, perhaps, needlessly.

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese submarine while on it’s way from Guam to the Philippines. They has just completed a top secret mission of delivering parts of the atom bomb that was about to bring a close to the war. Captain McVay was never informed that a Japanese sub was known to be hunting is these waters. The ship was hit twice and went down in twelve minutes. Of the 1,200 men that were on the ship, only 317 survived. It is estimated that 300 died in the original blasts, but the rest suffered and died while waiting for a rescue that took four days to arrive. Heat exposure, lack of water, sickness from swallowing fuel and oil, and most frightful of all, shark attacks. Navy procedures at the time, meant that the ship, even though overdue, was not a cause for concern. Distress signals sent at the time of the sinking were ignored, misplaced or garbled to the point of misunderstanding.

To top it all off, Captain McVay was then forced to face a court martial with the charges being that he failed to run a zig zag course and that he failed to abandon his ship in a timely manner. McVay, being a Navy man through and through did little to help himself or fight these charges. But since his self-inflicted death in 1968, survivors and interested parties have been able force a congressional exoneration, but to this day the navy holds firm to it’s court martial verdict of guilty.

Doug Stanton lays out this story in a timely, factual manner, allowing it to build slowly. Thoroughly researched, with vivid eyewitness accounts, we are treated to a story of the selfless heroism of the men caught up in this gruesome tragedy and then it’s infuriating conclusion which I found heartbreaking. A fascinating and informative read.

Great review, Judy! It sounds like a worthwhile read.

#82 Interesting review Judy. Sounds just my thing and goes into the bermuda triangle of my TBR list.

I was able to obtain a copy of Sisters, Brothers from my local library. Now, I just need to have time to read it. I am woefully short on time to read these last weeks. I miss the pleasure of reading. Sadly, work is very demanding right now.

That sounds like a fascinating read Judy!

Great review Judy, I am very intrigued and might even break my library ban to have a look at that one. It's so hard to believe that the verdict of guilty still stands.

Judy- Excellent review of In Harm's Way. I already had this one on the WL, after reading Stanton's latest, Horse Soldiers. It's also one I highly recommend.

Thumbs up from me for the review of In Harm's Way - and adding the book to the wishlist.

ETA - and there it already is on the Hot Reviews list! Congratulations!

Wow, a Hot Review! This was a book that I had a very emotional response to, as a daughter of a Canadian Naval officer I have a great respect for the military services, and I felt quite let down by the Navy's attitude in this book. But of course, it was a different time and thank heaven, their emergency response today seems to be given the highest priority.

87> library ban
Why?

Judy, it really was awful how Navy practices of the time led to so many unnecessary deaths in the sinking of the Indianapolis. I read a book about it a few years ago (before I kept track on LT) and am very frustrated that I can't remember which one I read, as there are a number that have been written. I'm sure it was from the library, so it was probably Abandon Ship by Richard Newcomb, which I see is in our current library catalog. Anyway, as I recall, the author I read seemed to feel that the shark factor was exaggerated or over-emphasized in most accounts -- he felt that careful research showed that most of the sailors perished from exposure, thirst, etc. However you look at it, they suffered terribly and far too many died because of the delay in rescue efforts. It was very upsetting to read about it!

#91 - Ellen, I think Leonie (KiwiNyx) has given herself a library ban so she will turn to her TBR shelves, which is something I should probably be doing as well.

Bingo! I got so carried away at the library for the first six months of this year and I was supposed to be concentrating on my own books. But every now and then I will allow myself a wee peek at something particularly good. Still trying to get the books read off my own shelf tally higher than my library books read total though.. almost there.

Ah ha!! -- I can completely relate to that since I've got five books waiting for me at the library (having put them on hold at various times and, of course, having them all "come up" at the same time!) which means the TBRs on my shelves are going to sit there, staring at me, for a few more weeks.....

eta: I'm glad it wasn't a dislike of libraries.... :-)

Why do all the books on hold always come in at the same time -- no matter when you have placed the hold?

I think it's an evil conspiracy on the parts of the libraries to drive us to brink of madness..haha

I wonder if it's just an administrative thing and easier for them to process things as a batch? The librarians here on LT would be able to give us the inside scoop, unless it's a closely guarded secret??? :)

Actually, here in Seattle our library has a very cool option to "suspend" a hold until a specific date. While your hold is suspended, you still move up in the queue (a very good thing: my place in the queue has been known to be as high as 487 with something like 50 copies of the book in the system). So, in theory, I could have 52 books on hold and have just one become re-active each week of the year. But your position in the queue is still pretty unpredictable so sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't....

My library system covers quite a large area and I think the expense of moving books around has a lot to do with all my orders arriving at once. I have noticed that books I request are often ready for pickup on a Thursday. I think the truck only comes once a week to my library in order to save money on gas, driver's wage etc.

142. An Heir For Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 4 stars



An Heir For Burracombe by Lilian Harry is the 5th book in the Burracombe Village series, and it starts up immediately where the 4th in the series left off. It is the morning after the new Queens’ Coronation and the village is in the process of cleaning up after the celebrations. Up at the manor, the busy day is interrupted by the arrival of two strangers, a young, French woman with her twelve year old son. Their arrival is no accident, she has come bearing a wedding certificate, along with the announcement that her son is the son of Baden, the eldest boy of the family who didn’t return from Dunkirk.

This event draws the curious villagers to speculate on who the heir of Burracombe is and what is going to happen in the future. Along with this main storyline, we catch up with all of the various village characters. From the planning of weddings, expecting a baby, or choosing a new puppy, life at Burracombe Village is always interesting and varied.

I had thought this was going to be the last book in the series, but I see there is a 6th books already out, and of course, I will be looking forward to reading it as well. These simple books, set in the years after World War II and now into the 1950’s have a genuine appeal and are great comfort reads of a quieter, gentler time and place.

Just stopping by to say hi, Judy! I must say I admire your broad variety of reads! Really amazing!

Hi Deb - My varied interests are probably to blame for the size of my TBR, there aren't too many books mentioned here that don't spark an interest in me, and as the size of my TBR shows, I'm not very disciplined when it comes to book buying.

>97 jolerie: haha, as one of the librarians here I can attest to the fact that it's coincidental (at least, on our part - maybe I can blame the ILL delivery drivers?). It happens to us, too...

>98 EBT1002: our library has something similar, but we have a limit of 10 holds whether they've got a "not until" date or no.

Oh, and almost forgot - Hi Judy!!!

#103 _ Hi Mary. (waves)

143. China Star by Bartle Bull - 4 stars



This exotic adventure story is the sequel to Shanghai Station and takes place around the world starting in Paris, with stops in Egypt, Ceylon and Shanghai. In China Star all the familiar characters are in place, a few new ones are added and we are off on the epic adventure of the White Russian Count, Alexander Karlov.

Count Alexander reunites with his sister in Paris, and although her last four years have changed her a lot, he wishes to take her back to Shanghai and protect her. They embark on the China Star but, of coursed, they are followed and harried on their trip. While on board, Alexander meets and falls in love with the lovely Laila Hammond, a tea planters’ wife from Ceylon, which causes more complications in his life. Eventually they all arrive in Shanghai for a final confrontation with the evil Viktor Polyak.

As in all Bartle Bull stories, there is adventure, greed, romance and lots of sex. His bad guys here have no real finesse, they are violent, brutal murderers. His men are manly, his women sexy, his stories are bigger than life. Pretty much what I look for in a swashbuckling historical adventure. I found China Star to be a real page turner.

#105 Sounds like another good one, Judy - adding still another series to the wishlist. Thanks to you.

Hi Sandy, if you are ever in the mood for a great adventure with exotic settings, Bartle Bull is your man! His African trilogy, starting with The White Rhino Hotel is excellent as well.

Love your reviews, Judy. Your description of the Burracombe series was especially nice, and sounds like one I need to look for.

144. Sold by Patricia McCormick - 4 stars



This is a book to chill the soul. Sold by Patricia McCormick tells the story of Lakshmi, a twelve year old girl from Nepal who is sold by her stepfather and finds herself a resident of the “Happiness House” in a large city in India. Beaten, starved and eventually drugged, she is forced to service male customers.

Lakshmi clings to the idea that she will eventually buy her freedom, even though every time she thinks she is close, she is told she owes even more. Holding to the idea that the money she is earning is being sent home to her family, she learns to endure. She gradually forms friendships with some of the other girls in the house, and one day she learns the truth, she will never be free of this place until she is old, used-up or diseased, then she will be thrown out onto the street. Making a decision that is fraught with danger, she reaches out for help to escape this horror of a life.

Knowing that this buying and selling of young girls is common practise in poor countries where life is held so cheaply makes this book a difficult read. The author presents the story in a simple, straight forward style that makes for a very quick read, but the research she has done and her writing skill has produced a touching yet inspired story of one young girls’ nightmare of being robbed of her childhood and being forced into the sex trade.

Oh wow, excellent review there. It is such a sad but true part of our world and I think it would be a difficult read for me but probably one I would make an exception for as you almost feel that you owe it to the girls who have to live through situations like that to read the story and make yourself more aware of their plight. Was this based on a real girls story?

As I read your review of Sold, I had a vague recollection of reading a similar story, or maybe seeing a movie about it? I have an audio version of The Blue Notebook which I believe is based on the same premise, but takes on a different direction, with the girl inventing stories of her own.

#110 - Leonie, Sold is a work of fiction, but the author went to Nepal and India, tracing the routes the girls were taken. She interviewed girls that escaped and girls that were still in the trade. One character (not the main one) she named after a girl that escaped and helped her with her research, but she kept very close to the truth, I believe.

#111 - Ilana, I have The Blue Notebook on my TBR as well, but I actually thought from the write-up that The Blue Notebook would be a little more graphic and violent. Sold was published as a YA title, and was graphic enough for me at this time.

The issue of sex slavery is addressed in Half the Sky, too. And there was a PBS documentary on this topic not too long ago. Chilling.

Excellent review Judy! Books on that subject matter are always hard to read but then I think there are people who are actually living through that nightmare so me having to read the words is a far cry from what "difficult" really means.

#113 & 114 - Chilling indeed. I thank my lucky stars that I and my two daughters were born in a country with built-in laws for our protection.

145. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers - 3 1/2 stars



The second book in her Lord Peter Wimsey series, Clouds of Witness has Lord Peter trying to clear his brother of a murder charge. Aided by his faithful valet, Bunter, and his police Chief Inspector friend, Parker, they embark on witness interviewing and clue gathering, knowing full well that Lord Denver is incapable of murder, even though he refuses to alibi himself.

With their ingenious detective skills they wade through the evidence, and realize that Lord Denver is not the only one who is not telling the exact truth, Lord Peter’s sister Mary, who was the fiancée of the murder victim, is also bending the facts and evading the truth.

With great skill Dorothy L. Sayers weaves a delightful mystery with multiple storylines and a few red herrings to keep the reader on their toes. Lord Peter is a intriguing character, and one that I definitely want to continue to follow. I particularly love the brittle, humorous dialogue that puts an upper crust edge to this story of clearing the family name.

Judy, I've already got the first book in the Lord Peter Wimsey series on the wishlist, so I missed getting hit by Clouds of Witness. However, you got me again with Sold - an unspeakably horrible situation, what happens to so many young women, isn't it? I hope to share the book with my daughter (age 20) and I'm sure we'll be joining you in our gratitude to be living in a country that offers some protection against this kind of thing.

Summer is winding down and we've finally had a couple of 70-something days - I thought of you having an entire summer of such lovely weather, and realized that it probably wouldn't have been so nice to go an entire summer without any hot weather. After all, without the beastly heat of summer, what would the lovely cool of fall be compared to?

Looking forward to seeing what you're reading next - as always!

We really didn't have much summer weather this year until August. July was definitely on the cool side. We have just come off a couple of glorious weeks of hot, sunny weather, today it was a shock to wake up to cloudy skies. I am hoping we get an Indian summer as we are thinking of taking a trip up to the mountains later on this month.

Judy- I just landed a copy of Buffalo Soldiers. I got it from Bookmooch. It's a worn MM, but the text is fine. Hopefully I can squeeze it in, in the next couple months.

The Peter Wimsey books are ones I visit again and again. Not only are the characters fun, Sayers is a good writer.

This makes a nice contrast from Sold. Not to rain on your parade but we do have sex trafficking here -- especially vulnerable are runaways.

You have been reading a nice variety.

Wow - Sold sounds intense and excellent. And I'm glad you followed it with a Lord Peter Wimsey! I've not read any Sayers but I don't know why since I love mysteries. I like to read series in order, so I'd start with the first one.

#119 - Mark, I hope you enjoy Buffalo Soldiers when you get to it. Starting to be a year of westerns for you with The Sisters Brothers, Doc and now this one.

#120 - Beth, yes, it is a world wide crime and one that has been going on since the beginning of time as well. Dorothy Sayers made a good contrast, she has a very light and witty touch.

#121 - Ellen, I am the same way, I absolutely have to read my series in order. I have loved Agatha Christie for years but it's only been the last couple of years that I turned my attention to some of her cohorts like Dorothy Sayers and Josephine Tey. I don't know how I missed them until now.

Sold sounds so very interesting. So much that we take for granted in North America -not to say that some sexual slavery does not go on here. I'm sure it does.

146. Exit Music by Ian Rankin - 4 stars



The final book in Ian Rankin’s excellent series featuring DI John Rebus, Exit Music continues to uphold the high standard I‘ve come to expect. I’ve been a little nervous about reading this last book, as I wasn’t sure how the author would chose to draw the curtains around Rebus. I need not have worried so much as Ian Rankin gives the series a very fitting end, and as usual, turns his focus on the dark side of Edinburgh.

Covering the last 10 days before his retirement, Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke are called to a homicide outside of a car park in downtown Edinburgh. As they investigate, certain discrepancies come up that make them believe this is much more than a mugging gone wrong. An once his long-time nemesis, Big Ger Cafferty comes into it, Rebus is convinced they are dealing with a major conspiracy.

This story was written with a slightly nostalgic feeling, I have to admit I have been dreading his retirement as much as Rebus. His life is so defined by his work, that the thought of him sitting in his flat, alone in the dark with his music was very depressing. I guess Ian Rankin felt the same way, so he gave us a slam bang cliff-hanger ending that leaves the door slightly ajar.

I will miss this doggedly determined, slightly self-destructive, deceptively vulnerable character.

Oh yeah, another series I need to get to. I think I read the first Rebus novel a few years ago and didn't "get into" the series, but it sounds like a series I would like now. I can add this to Lord Peter Wimsey and others on the "series I want to read" list..... I know we've all said it before, BUT: so many books, so little time!

Yep Judy Rebus is a great series if a little frustrating how he never managed to get the credit for his collars and was able to screw up everything except his nose for a villain. Of the same ilk is the Sgt Logan MacRae series by Stuart MacBride. How on earth can someone solving the cases he does remain a lowly Seargeant! Great reads though.

Hello Judy! Found you, starred you...trying to catch up with everyone!. Excellent reviews always make visiting your threads a pleasure - and such eclectic tastes! Adding Buffalo Soldiers to the wishlist - and I nearly got through unscathed (especially as I already have The Sisters Brothers! (I am trying to be really tough with myself and get the WL below 10 pages. As if! It's been years since I read a Rebus book - but I was very fond of him, too.

Hi Ellen, Paul and Prue. I hope you give Rebus another try Ellen, I think his books improved as they went along. Or maybe I just got more and more attached to him.

I love Stuart MacBride's books, Paul. I think poor Logan just keeps getting screwed by his immediate supervisors - I love all the characters in his books, and the humor!

Prue, it's great to see you back on the threads, let me know if you manage to curtail your wishlist - and if you do - let me know how to do it (bearing in mind, I have no self control when it comes to books).

147. Empire Rising by Sam Barone - 3 1/2 stars



Empire Rising is Part 2 of the Eskkar Trilogy abut the early days of civilization when people stopped their nomad way of life in favor of gathering together, growing crops, and setting up trade. The first village and cities started to appear. Eskkar and his wife Trella, rule over one of the larger cities to spring up between the two great rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. Of course, this rich city eventually draws the attention of barbarians who desire to pillage and loot.

The first book dealt with how they decided to built walls around their city, stand their ground and fight off the barbarian horde that attacked them. This book deals with Eskkar’s desire to spread his territory to other villages and farms, but while he is away expanding his kingdom, his wife must deal with a new kind of invader. Korthac, an Egyptian, realizes that the way to take control is from inside the walls. And so sets himself and his men up as jewel traders while working all the while to take over the city with plans to enslave the population and become it’s ruler.

This was a fun read, with lots of fighting and swordplay to keep the readers attention. Is it history? Probably not, more speculative than accurate, but nevertheless, a good action story, with strong characters and plenty of excitement.

Hi Judy, Empire Rising sounds like good fun, though I'm not so keen on lots of swordplay myself. Trying to catch up with everyone... a hopeless goal of course! Have a great weekend!

Just stopping by to say hi! You are amazing with the speed with which you read and write wonderful reviews! I stand in awe!!

I love your reviews of Sam Barone's Eskkar Trilogy, they are on my TBR list but not available in the library - so I always like to hear if they are a good read before I buy them.

I do not think that any books about civilizations without writing are completely accurate, we simply don't know enough. But, that doesn't mean the books can't be good and as accurate as they can be, while speculating about what might have happened. Does Barone include an author's note about what we actually know about that time period?

I read Exit Music last year, and thought it was very good. I joined the Rebus experience part way through the series, have read all from the middle onwards, and am now going back to the early ones to see what I missed there. I've not yet tried Rankin's more recent book The Complaints which does not feature Rebus. Have you read that one?

Hi Ilana and Deb, I know what you mean about trying to catch up on the threads, an impossible task.

#132 - Hi Samantha_kathy: There is no author's notes or any reference to research except for the blurbs that praise the books call it "well researched". You're right though, it's pretty hard to be accurate when there are no written records, I'm sure he kept within what is known about civilization at that time.

#133 - Hi Genny - I haven't read any other Ian Rankin other than the Rebus series, don't know why as he is certainly an excellent writer. I must check into his catelogue and make some additions to my wishlist!

148. The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy - 4 1/2 stars



Set in Vancouver’s Chinatown during the 1930s and into the 40s, The Jade Peony tells the story of one Chinese family through the words of three of the family’s children. Jook-Liang, the only girl child in the family; Jung-Sum, the adopted son; and Sek-Lung, the youngest and third boy in the family. Although the book fills us in on world politics, the Japanese invasion of China, and conditions that Canadian Chinese live under, at heart it is a simple story of family. A little girl discovers that a kindred soul can be a person of any age, a young boy deals with his sexual identity while another young boy learns to adjust to life in Grade Three.

These children are the first born Canadians in their Chinese family and all are bothered by questions of whether they are Chinese first or Canadian. As their elders, particularly their venerable grandmother, try to instil a sense of tradition and ancestry, their thoughts often fly to Shirley Temple or Joe Lewis. While Canada is at war with the Germans, the Chinese are aghast at the Japanese invasion of mainline China. The youngest child dreams of being a fighter pilot and bringing down Japanese planes. He is confused by the growing relationship between his neighbour, Meiying and a young Japanese boy.

A poignant, heart-felt story both of Canada’s shameful treatment of these immigrants and of growing up in a family that has ties to two countries. Beautiful written, with realistic settings and characters. The grandmother, Poh-Poh, with her “heart-cramps” and catch phrase of “I die soon” when things don’t go her way are priceless. The Jade Peony was an insightful and eloquent read.

Judy, The Jade Peony sounds wonderful. I've not heard of it before. Have you read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet? It's not perfect, but it's an interesting novel (set here in Seattle, which is kind of fun) that also considers the tense relationship between Chinese and Japanese immigrants (to the U.S., in this case) during WWII as well as the shameful treatment of both by the US government and citizens. Also a sweet love story.

Loved that review, Judy!

Judy The Jade Peony is yet another for the TBR mountain. Good review!

Two great reviews Judy!

#136 - Ellen, yes, I read The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet earlier this year. These two books do have a lot in common.

149. Torch by Lin Anderson - 3 stars



Torch by Lin Anderson is the second book in her Rhona MacLeod series, and frankly, I found this entry rather mediocre. In this outing Dr. MacLeod, a forensic scientist, is on the trail of an arsonist. Evidence suggests that fires in both Glasgow and, forty miles away, Edinburgh are being set by the same person. She and the Chief Fire Inspector of Edinburgh must put aside their differences and try to work together to solve the puzzle.

I found the story a little disjointed, and at times the plot severely stretched my imagination. The author obviously does her research when it comes to the medical facts and figures, but the story could have done with some tightening and clarity. A warning for animal lovers, the book contains violence and injury to a couple of dogs.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I have the third book in the series sitting on my shelves, I doubt I would be continuing on with this series, but as I do, I hope the next book is more like the first, which I remember as being quite good.

Judy: The Jade Peony sounds great -- another book added to my list.

My husband and I are heading out tomorrow on a 10 day road trip, so I have gathered all my TIOLI books for the month to take with me. Probably won't get through as many as I want to, but hopefully will finish a few. We are heading up to the mountains - Jasper, Banff and then will drop over the border for visiting relatives and some shopping. Plan on taking the laptop, so hopefully will stay in touch.

Wow, that trip sounds wonderful. Have a great time!!!

Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy! I know that I rarely get all the books I take read. The one exception to this was a trip to the Bahamas about 3 years ago. I ended up having to buy a book in the Fort Lauderdale airport (after I got off the cruise ship) where my choices were extremely limited.

Judy, Have a great holiday - have you planned the route for your road trip or are you going to see where the road takes you?

Have a great road trip Judy, I'll get my wishlist ready for when you come back and hit me with more great recommendations.

Have a great time Judy. Sounds like a wonderful trip.

We are in Kamloops, B.C. tonight, it's a smallish city in central B.C. We often stop here as there is a restaurant that we love, or I should say, there used to be a restaurant. It's closed. : ( Tomorrow we head further north to Prince George, B.C.

I brought so many books with me, it looks like I am ready to open my own bookstore! So, I should be reading, but here I am catching up on LT!

#149 I always take far too many books away on holiday too! Enjoy your break.

Have a great trip Judy! Hauling a suitcase of books sounds about right. I am sure that is something everyone here can relate to. :)

Judy: Getting a Nook reduced my luggage count -- not to mention now my family doesn't know how many books I actually bring on vacation. It cuts down on the teasing. But, really, what would happen if I ran out of things to read?

Have a great vacation. I hope you have nice weather.

Judy- Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Enjoy! Careful toting that library around with you.

150, A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter - 4 stars



With A Faint Cold Fear, Karin Slaughter has taken her Grant County series up a notch. Fast
paced action combined with great character development kept the pages turning, and I am looking forward to the next installation.

The main storyline revolves around a series of deaths at the local university. At first glance they appear as suicides, but are they? They must be connected, but Sherrif Jeffrey Tolliver is having difficulty finding the connection. His ex-wife, Medical Examine Sara Linton is involved with a nightmare of her own involving her family. I found the most interesting plotline was of Lena Adams, former Grant County deputy, now working as security at the university campus. Her life has been in a downward spiral since the first book, and she seems to be hitting rock bottom in this, the third book. I am curious to find out what is going to happen to this character.

A Faint Cold Fear is a solid thriller, the author doesn't pull any punches, she takes us on
a thrilling ride with skillful writing, great imagination and excellent characters.

#154 Ooh, that one sounds great. I've already got the series on my wishlist, now I need to take the next step and actually begin reading it!

Hi Sandy, I know how hard it is to fit a new series into the reading schedule when we all have so many other series already on the go, but this is shaping up to be a great series. I think you'll enjoy them when you are able to fit them in.

Enjoy your stay/ trip to Jasper! I hope you get some nice sunny weather. I've read several books by Karin Slaughter and enjoyed them. Enjoy your new series! Oh you are heading to Prince George! I'm embarrassed to say I've not been that far north in BC....;) Kamloops would be about it - we usually head out of the province via the number 1 when we take road trips, though I've been to Jasper a couple of times.

I keep hearing Karin Slaughter's name a lot, looks like a very good series.

151. Heaven Is A Long Way Off by Win Blevins - 3 stars



Heaven Is A Long Way Off by Win Blevins is the fourth book in his series about mountain man, Sam Morgan. In this book, Sam, still recovering from the death of his wife, makes a perilious journey back to California in order to rescue his infant daughter, and his brother and sister-in-law. The group makes their escape to New Mexico and while wintering in Santa Fe, Sam meets and falls in love with a beautiful Spanish widow.

Come spring though and he feels he must leave to take his daughter back to the Crow Indians and introduce her to her grandparents. Knowing he is not welcome there as he and Meadowlark ran off to be married against her parents wishes, Sam still wants his daughter to grow up among her large extended Crow family. He plans on leaving his daughter to be raised by her grandparents while he goes back to fur-trapping.

As this is an on-going series, the storyline was left hanging, and even though after four books I am getting a little tired of this series, I will probably continue on and read the last two books. This particular book was just ok, as it was completing the California storyline and setting a few plotlines in place for the next book.

Hi Judy!!! *waves*

Just trying to say hello to all the folks I've been missing the past couple of days. Whew - two days away and the number of posts on LT goes through the roof!

Love your review of Jade Peony. Great job Judy! I loved that book.

Hi Judy forget to give my congrats for becoming a double member of the group (150 books and running!!)

We are still on our road trip, and have had two wonderful days driving and walking through Jasper, Banff, and Kootenay National Parks. We have now driven south and crossed into Idaho. We are staying at Sandpoint tonight, one of our favorite little towns.

On top of wonderful scenery, and wonderful weather, I have been reading an excellent book - review follows.

152. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson - 5 stars



Case Histories has been sitting on my shelves for more than a couple of years, and I could just kick myself for not getting to it sooner. A wonderful blend of rich character development and a cleverly plotted story that immediately draws the reader in and totally holds your attention. I quite literally couldn't put this book down.

The story revolves around Jackson Brodie, a private investigator, as he tackles three cold cases. A little girl gone missing from her back yard, a young woman brutally murdered in a senseless act of violence, and a young, depressed new mother who goes to jail for murdering her husband. The author Kate Atkinson delivers complex, intelligent mysteries but where this book shone for me was in her characters. Each one has a complete and interesting backstory, a reason to be involved and their own individual identity.

I heartily recommend Case Histories, but be ready, this author's talent draws you into the story and doesn't let go until the end of the book. And then, you just simply want more.

#164 Glad you enjoyed Case Histories :-)

Judy: I'm so glad you liked Case Histories. It's my favorite Jackson Brodie. Can't wait for the PBS series.

It is a good series which reminds me the latest one is still on my hitlist. Her 'serious' fiction is good but these are better.

Glad to hear that you're enjoying your trip, Judy!

We often stop here as there is a restaurant that we love, or I should say, there used to be a restaurant. It's closed. : (

Oh, I hate when that happens!

#134 I don't know if he has written much else, until now that he's finished with Rebus and has started something new. But I think there are one or two earlier ones he published under a different name.

And I'm so glad there's another fan for Jackson Brodie and Kate Atkinson. I've just finished the 4th Jackson Brodie book, and it too was excellent, with what sounds like a promise of more to come, certainly one or two unresolved relationships and questions...

Genny - He did release a few books under the name of Jack Harvey - I have one of them somewhere on my shelves but it is not very near the front at the moment.
To be fair I havent come across anyone with a bad word to say about the Jackson Brodie books. 'Serious' writers turning to crime (so to speak) is becoming fashionable - have you read any Benjamin Black books which is actually John Banville in another guise?

Great review of Case Histories. It's been on my wish list for a bit, maybe I should bump it closer to the top!

Great review of Case Histories indeed Judy. You get a thumbs up from me. I had pretty much the same experience with the book as you did. Let it sit around for a long time then... "WOW this is amazing!" Now I'm doing the same thing again with the follow up books, which have also been sitting there for a while. Well, maybe less than a year, but still. I'm sure I'll wonder how I ever managed to wait so long when I finally get to them.

#170 That's it, Jack Harvey - I couldn't remember the name and was too lazy to look it up!

172 Let it sit around for a long time then... "WOW this is amazing!" I did that with the 4th book Started early, took my dog - just because there are now so many good books in my possession competing for attention. I read the previous ones as soon as I bought them, because that was pre-LT and I didn't have a huge stockpile of TBRs in those days. But I knew I was in for a treat when I did get round to it, and I was not disappointed!

Yay! Another fan of Case Histories!! I don't know that I would give it the full five stars but I very much enjoyed it and look forward to the second one in the series.

Got home from our trip this evening around 8:00 pm, I helped unload the car and then rushed to my computer to check out the October TIOLI Challenges. It's now just about 11 pm here, and I have listed fourteen books for the challenges. Still have one more to complete for September which I should wind up tomorrow.

I had Ian Rankin's The Complaints in my hand the other day but I didn't buy it as I am trying to rein myself in on book buying right now, but it's the first book in his new series featuring Malcolm Fox, a cop who investigates other cops. Sounds good.

153. Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid - 3 1/2 stars



As with all Val McDermid books, I found Beneath the Bleeding to be a highly compulsive read. This is her fifth outing featuring Criminal Profiler Tony Hill and Police Inspector Carol Jordan, and the series still holds my attention with her fresh and inventive plotlines.

In this outing Carol Jordan’s team is called out to investigate the bizarre death of a famous footballer, while Tony languishes in hospital recovering from a brush with an axe wielding mental patient attempting an escape. Of course the story escalates with more strange poisonings and the bombing of a football stadium. Are these crimes connected, is it terrorism or is it something else? These are all questions that Carol, Tony and the MCI team must answer.

Val McDermid is an accomplished psychological thriller writer and from the explosive opening pages she draws the reader into her story and delivers a compelling story. Her characters are believable and complex, and in this book she introduces Tony Hill’s mother-from-hell which helps to fill in a lot of Tony’s background. Beneath the Bleeding is a good, solid addition to this series and I look forward to getting my hands on the next book.

Judy: I hate to add another series to my list, but the Val McDermid books sound good; I've seen the series, which is very interesting. I hope you had a great trip.

Judy I must get cracking with more Val McDermid she is sorely under-represented in my collection.

Hmm... I'm not familiar with Val McDermid. Must remedy that!

Welcome back Judy :-)

Hi everyone, I am just so out of it today. I guess after 10 days of hotel and restaurant living it's hard to get back into the routine. When asked what's for dinner I just blankly look at my husband. I have managed to put together a big pot of clam chowder and will make some cornbread later, but that's about all I can manage today.

For anyone who is interested in Val McDermid but doesn't want to invest in another series, she has some very good stand-alones as well. A Place of Execution is excellent, and I remember liking The Distant Echo as well.

So glad you enjoyed Case Histories , Judy! I loved the book so much I read all of Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie series books one after another. I'm the reigning president/ or queen of the Jackson Brodie Fan club! Glad you are now a subject of mne!;)

I just LOVED Stitches and I really enjoyed my kindle too! Thanks for the encouragement!

You know, I've got The Complaints on my shelves -but I've yet to read it...

So glad that you enjoyed your holiday, but I can certainly understand how difficult it is to get back into real life!

Welcome back from your trip Judy! I hope you had a fun and relaxing time. :)

Another rave review for Case Histories which makes me want to go out and buy this one all the more!

Judy - what a lady "a big pot of clam chowder and will make some cornbread later, but that's about all I can manage today." What the heck is on the menu when you are feeling up for it! (Have to stop to wipe the keyboard due to excess salivating!) My heart bleeds for you after ten days of hotel service and restaurants he he - hope you had a lovely holiday.

Deb, Valerie - I would also add my praises to the Jackson Brodie series and to give her majesty my felicitations upon learning that I am a humble subject of her growing queendom! lol

Judy, I agree with Paul. I was impressed with your dinner menu and then read 'but that's about all I can manage today' and wondered what you cook when in top form. How's your vegetarian dishes and when can I come over? ;)

184 & 185 - Thanks for the vote of confidence in my cooking. I guess I wasn't very clear, I meant all I could get to yesterday was cooking - no tidying or any other housework for me!

I have always enjoyed cooking but as I get older I admit I don't experiment as much as I used to, I tend to rely on the tried and true, of which clam chowder is one.

I would love to host a LT dinner - wouldn't that be fun. I would have to practise my vegetarian dishes as I don't get much call for those around here.

Thanks for your excellent review of Case Histories I have this book on the shelves. I hope to read it soon.

>187 Whisper1: I predict that you'll be glad when Case Histories makes it to the top of your TBR pile.

154. Chinaberry Sidewalks by Rodney Crowell - 4 stars



Rodney Crowell’s memoir, Chinaberry Sidewalks covers his early years. This is not a book about his rise to fame, but more of a loving tribute to his parents. Rodney was often in the middle of his father’s drunken rages against his mother, who in her turn, was a holy-roller who also had a fondness for beer and whipping Rodney. Yet his words are laced with humor, wryness and a loving fondness and the final pages, when he’s by the bedside at first his father and then his mother’s death there is a tender strength that often shows up in his musical lyrics.

Growing up in the 1950’s and 60‘s, his parents were scrabbling to make a living in East Austin. Rodney both idolized and abhorred his father. Together they had a love of music, and Rodney was taken to see Hank Williams Senior, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis by him. But the dark undercurrent that was brought out by his father’s drinking was never far from Rodney’s thoughts. He also had to keep a close eye on his mother at all times as she was epileptic and Rodney had to be ready at a moments notice to administer to her when she had a seizure.

Rodney Crowell is a master lyricist and this ability shines through the pages of this book. Honest, humble, and humorous, he paints a picture of growing up poor, with these damaged parents, yet also is able to portray the love that his family ultimately shared and the value in this upbringing that shaped the man he is today.

Judy - I must get this! Like the genre very much - I have two or three CD's of his in my collection and will be interested to see how was his relationship with the man in black. Intruiging review and good choice for the TIOLI!

Judy- Good review of Chinaberry Sidewalks. Like Paul, I'm also a big fan of Crowell's music. I'll have to look for this one. On a similar subject, try to find Rosanne Cash's memoir. It's also very good.

Judy, I love how well you kept up with LT on your recent vacation. We like traveling along with our people. ;-) I hope you're back in the 'real-life' groove once again.

I've got the first Val McDermid on my TBR list because I love the BBC show Wire in the Blood glad to see you like this series!

>190 PaulCranswick: - Paul, I am hoping that Rodney Crowell continues with his memoirs because this one only covered his young days and his relationship with his parents. I, too would love to read about the early days of his career, his work with Emmylou Harris, his marriage to Roseanne Cash and his relationship with Johnny Cash.

>191 msf59: - Hey Mark, I will definitely be on the lookout for Roseanne Cash's memoir, she's another very talented songwriter and singer who had led an extremely interesting life.

>192 Donna828: - Hi Donna, I am hopelessly addicted to LT. I love the roadtrips that my husband and I take, but I like that I can now travel with the laptop and stay in touch with LT. Since I'm not one for TV, the laptop really helps with those evenings in a hotel room.

>193 susiesharp: - Hi Susie, I hope you enjoy the series - just be warned though - they can be quite graphic with the violence.

My squeamishness saves me! I won't add Val McDermid to my already too-long list.

Welcome back, Judy - I agree about how lovely it is going on trips with LTers. What a world this little group has opened up! I won't have my laptop with me when I go away to Vietnam - it's a work laptop and it weighs a ton! But hopefully I can still find time to check in via Internet cafes and the like...Always interesting reading choices from you!

Hi Judy! Chinaberry Sidewalks sounds just great! Thanks for the review!

155. Fatelessness by Imre Kertesz - 4 1/2 stars



This story opens as we are immediately plunked into a young, 15 year old boys life. We come to realize very quickly that we are reading about World War II and that young Gyuri is Jewish, and getting ready to say goodbye to his father who is being shipped out to a work camp. Set in Hungry, Fatelessness follows along as Gyuri is separated from his family and shipped off to Auschwitz. Trying to make sense of senseless acts, this boy, who doesn’t particularly think of himself as Jewish, slowly loses the last things he owns, his identity and his sense of self.

This story is made all the more powerful by the author, Imre Kertesz, who writes in a matter-of-fact, unsentimental way as he portrays this chilling, haunting story. As we follow Gyuri from Auschwitz to Buchenwald, he slowly becomes aware that he is one of the few that haven’t been immediately killed. He is crammed into a shed with two hundred and fifty other men, kept alive on starvation rations and forced to labour in an adjacent factory. At first he thinks he will get along by being a model prisoner, but polite obedience and a willingness to work until his fingers bleed eventually give way to the slow realization that he is powerless to change things.

A heart-rendering story, Fatelessness, is Imre Kertesz story as well, as he was imprisoned in Buchenwald as a young man, and this, his first novel, does much to shed light upon this terrible moment in history.

Oh dear just when I thought my selections for the month were in place you reminded me of this one. I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure! Will bump up this on my TBR for sure - you're on a veritable reading roll Judy and your review is tip-top! (the word "plunked" is so nder-utilised these days!)

I enjoyed my recent Imre Kertesz read but this one I think will be the next of his I look for. Good review.

> 199 - Hey Paul, I am glad you like my use of under-utilised words. :)

>200 KiwiNyx: - Hi Leonie, it's a quick and easy read, well, easy in the wording. Rather more difficult in the content.

Wow, Judy, Fatelessness sounds like a very interesting read. Great review. I'll have to keep an eye for that one.

156. The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins - 4 stars



An epistolary novel, The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins is told in many voices. Using diaries, journals, written statements and letters the story unfolds with each different narrator having their own tone and style. Originally published in 1859 in serial form, it is widely considered to be among the first mystery novels published.

In order to avoid spoilers, I am not going to describe the plot in any great detail. It is intricate, well thought out and presented in an original way. I admit it took me almost the first hundred pages to really get into the story. I found the first narrator’s tone overly sentimental and flowery, but as other narrator’s took over, and the story was revealed layer by layer, I found myself quite absorbed and captivated by this book.

Wilkie Collins gives us a handful of characters, both true to their time yet original. A couple really stood out to me, Marian Halcombe, with no real rights of her own, destined to spinsterhood, yet independent of nature, brave and extremely protective of her sister. Also the sinister Count Fosco, the arrogant, controlling foreigner, whom both Marian and her sister call a “Monster” is one of the best drawn villains I have ever read about.

The Woman In White is a Victorian Melodrama of the highest order, and I enjoyed my time spent lost in it’s pages.

It is hard to credit that with this and The Moontstone Collins was actually outselling Dickens in his prime! Read his other classic and The Woman in White must make it to the top of my TBR pile in the near future - thanks for the review Judy which baits us in without giving the story away.

I am really hoping to get to The Woman in White this month but it's looking less likely as several books I had on hold just came available at the library.

>204 PaulCranswick: - I read The Moonstone many years ago, and at the time I really liked it, but I think The Woman In White is the better book. I definitely need to read more Dickens, having only read A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist that I remember. I'm whittling away at the classics I have missed over the years, your Nobel November is helping with that as well.

>205 katiekrug: - The Woman In White is a real chunkster at over 600 pages and definitely needs some time set aside for it. I think we've mentioned before how strange it is that library books seem to come available in bunches!

Oooh, The Woman in White sounds really good - adding it to the wishlist...

I did like The Moonstone and have had The Woman in White on a "read soon" pile for a long time. The more good things I hear, the more anxious I am to read it.

Loved The Woman in White glad you liked it!

Fatelessness sounds incredible. I've added it to my ever-growing list.

Hi everybody, I haven't been around much today on LT. This weekend is our Canadian Thanksgiving and to kick off the weekend we are having my husband's brother over for dinner tonight. Then my furnace broke down, we are getting a new one put in tomorrow. Then my grandson was sick at school so I had to go and pick him up, then go back and pick up his sister at three. I am cooking a family dinner of Turkey and all the fixings on Sunday. I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet of Monday with leftovers and lots of reading time!

Have a great Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time with your family

Wow, have a great weekend and enjoy that peaceful Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving, Judy!!

Judy, if you weren't a whole sub-continent away from me, I'd invite myself over for that turkey dinner. Yum! Have a great Thanksgiving with your family, and don't forget to have some Judy time in there too! xx

So blur Judy I didn't realise that Canada celebrated thanksgiving - the USA is later right? Anyway have a very happy celebration - do you also devour turkeys by the score at this time?

157. The Alphabet of Vietnam by Jonathan Chamberlain - 3 1/2 stars



Rather a difficult read, Jonathan Chamberlain’s book, The Alphabet of Vietnam explores the inherent evil that war releases in men.. The main character, Jack, has been left to clean up his brother Joe’s mess after the Joe commits suicide. And what a mess he has left. In a cabin deep in the mountainous Virginia woods a woman, possibly carrying Joe’s baby, is being held hostage. Jack is being asked to help this woman, one in a series of women who have been kidnapped, repeatedly raped and disposed of. What stands in the way is Wash, Joe’s army buddy. They experienced the war in Vietnam together, and brought it’s horrors home with them.

An extremely introspective book, Jack ponders the way of men, the intricacies of male-female relationships, and the ever lasting effects of war. Are these men evil, or did the war bring this about? We follow three main plotlines: Jack’s trip to the cabin, Jack’s present life of raising a young boy while getting to know a woman who may or may not have killed her husband, and, interlaced throughout the book, an alphabet of Vietnam that describes vividly the Vietnam of today.

My problem with the book is the extreme violence, mostly toward women, that is depicted. Relentless, repetitive and very difficult to read. The three plotlines were confusing at times as the story jumps from one to another with very little explanation. At the same time, parts of this book are beautifully written and the questions it raises are thought provoking and important. I would have liked more closure at the end of the book, but I know The Alphabet of Vietnam is one that will linger in my mind.

Thanks for all the Thanksgiving wishes. Ilana, you would be most welcome at our Thanksgiving table.

Paul, yes, we Canadians do celebrate Thanksgiving, but whereas our American cousins celebrate in November with their history of the Indians saving the pilgrims from starving, ours is a celebration of the completed harvest (and an excuse for a three-day weekend). Our traditions do include turkey and pumpkin pie and family gatherings much like the American holiday in November.

Hi Judy! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for your fun story about your hair!

I was out at the bookstore looking for The Woman in White but did not find it. It sounds fascinating! I did pick up a new graphic novel, Two Generals, which I very much enjoyed! That's my second journey into GN and I'm loving them!! Maus is definitely on my list now..

Happy Thanksgiving, Judy!!

Hi Deb and Linda, hope your weekend is going well.

Another convert to Graphic Novels. Maus is on my wishlist, and now I am adding Two Generals.

158. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett - 4 stars



The Uncommon Reader is a small, slim book about the Queen’s discovery of reading for her own enlightenment and enjoyment, and is simply a delightful read that gently pokes fun at all readers, no matter our station in life.

And how like the common reader, this royal is. Her discovery of books, lending libraries, and how one book leads inheritably to another, her creation of reading lists, her enquiries into other’s reading habits and her desire to read over and above all her duties certainly rang a bell with me. In her case it is her secretary and staff who see reading as an act of exclusion and try to curtail this pastime, in mine, I am sure both friends and family have had times when they would wish to do the same. I kept thinking what a treat Library Thing would be for this uncommon reader, a place to step out from under her crown and simply delight in the company of other readers.

This original story of how the Queen picks up the reading habit is very pleasing and tickled the funny bone in a warm-hearted, pleasant way. The ending however, I found to be totally unbelievable and out of character for this very dutiful and traditional Queen.

Sounds like you are having a busy busy long weekend already Judy. Hopefully you will get some time to have some peace and quiet to cuddle with the books before it is all over. :)

ETA: I have The Uncommon Reader on my wishlist and hopefully it won't have to sit there for too long!

#217 Good review of what sounds to be a harrowing book Judy - am in far too good a mood this weekend imagining you all with your turkeys and replete tummys. Had a good morning - we undertake rehabilitation of abandoned housing projects for a liquidation firm on behalf of the housing ministry here. This morning was present at the handing over ceremony of keys in respect of 728 housing units we had "rescued" - it was nice to see the owners get their properties after nearly fifteen years of waiting - they had a thanksgiving of their own I guess.

Hello Judy - glad to see you enjoyed The Woman in White - one of my favourite books. I have never read The Moonstone though - so a bit of a temptation...I also enjoyed the warm heart of The Uncommon Reader and, yes, it did kind of fall away a bit at the end...but I am such a fan of Mr Bennett that I will forgive him anything - and it was interesting to read something by him that didn't have that awful sadness of so many of his monologues...

#224 - Paul - what a fantastically rewarding moment for you and your team! Just wonderful when you are doing work that matters!

Hi Judy- I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I really enjoyed The Uncommon Reader too!

Well Paul is certainly correct about replete tummies! I definitely over-indulged. Today is for relaxing and curling up with a couple of good books. Of course, I couldn't start reading until I checked in here at LT - it's addictive!!

#225 Thanks Prue - it is not all about turning a profit although getting paid once in a while helps a little too. That particular project had been started by an infamous local developer and his project company went into liquidation having taken quite a lot of money from the purchasers (90% of the 728 had been sold). We worked with the liquidators to repackage the remaining works and bring in and manage contractors to finish the work off after a long hiatus. Must say that in quality terms when we took over it was probably the worst I'd seen with staircases sinking into the ground etc etc and to see it finally handed over on Sunday felt good. These sorts of jobs are tough for us as we only collect fees upon bank draw downs upon achieving milestones - in this case handing over the keys - so hopefully my staff will get a little bonus shortly and I a book or two.

Paul, I envy you such interesting work. You are a lucky fellow in more ways than one! Living in paradise, rewarding work, great family and lots of books - what more could one ask for? (And don't tell me Jennifer Lopez - as my husband always does!!)

Hi Judy! I hope you had a nice quiet day , curled up on the couch, reading a book. We sure had a our share of rain today. I went out walking anyway, and ended up in my shirt sleeves, it's still so mild. I took a big umbrella though.... I had a great Thanksgiving and glad to hear that you did too!

No Judy - Jennifer Lopez wouldn't do for me - wouldn't swap her for Hani for a minute - sure she would never beat Hani in a cookery comp and she changes partners like hot dinners - fraid I'm very much a one-woman-man. But you are right I am pretty smug with my lot in Kuala Lumpur - what I'm missing is like minded friends to discuss books and other issues with....no wait I have all of you for that!

Judy, the premise of The Uncommon Reader sounds very interesting! I hope you're doing well. Mostly just stopping by to say hi, as my current very busy life is limiting my LT time.....

All this talk about Thanksgiving is giving me thoughts about pumpkin pie! I'm glad we have our Thanksgiving feast to look forward to on November 24, although I am usually the hostess for the family and it involves major work for me. I usually need a few days of recovery time.

I'm going to look for a copy of The Uncommon Reader at next week's big library book sale. Good review, Judy. I know I will love it and want it for my permanent collection, but I'm too cheap to buy it new because of its size. Next week's books will be priced in the 1-to-2-dollar range. I love a good book hunt!

Hi Judy thought you'd find this interesting since you gave Case Histories 5 stars
MASTERPIECE | PBS (Masterpiece Theatre) Case Histories, premiering Oct. 16, 2011...

http://video.pbs.org/video/2149503872

Now I will have to get this book read too!love masterpiece!

Well, I didn't quite have the relazing reading day I had hoped for. My husband decided we really needed a trip to Wallmart. I guess we were desperate for light bulbs and paper towels!!

Lots of love for The Uncommon Reader and rightly so. I hope your book hunt for this is successful Donna.

OMG! Thanks Susie. I'm going to set my PVR immediately for Case Histories. October TV is shaping up for me as The Walking Dead will be starting up later this month as well.

Hi Judy- Thanks to Benita, I have Case Histories all programmed and ready to go. And yes, The Walking Dead, season 2 begins this Sunday. Yah!

159. Unwind by



Unwind by Neal Shusterman is a disconcerting look at how the abortion question is answered in the future.. After a civil war is fought over pro-life issues, laws are passed that protect human life from the moment of conception to the age of thirteen, when the parents get to decide whether to keep the child or to “Unwind” him. The unwinding is a process whereby all useful organs are harvested from the child. Of course this leads to all manner of other problems such as storking, where a unwanted baby is left on a random doorstep, and supposedly must be taken in. And AWOL’s who are children meant to be unwound but manage to escape and go into hiding. If these children can survive until they turn eighteen, they are safe.

There appears to be a lot of candidates for Unwinding. The over-populated government run group homes pass on a certain percentage, people who wish to be free of storked children, religious fanatics who donate a child to be unwound as a tithe or donation to God, and of course, those troubled teens whose families just can’t deal with them anymore.

Although the premise is far-fetched and I personally couldn’t see either pro-life or pro-choice activists settling for this solution, I found myself willing to suspend my disbelief as I became totally invested in this dystopian story of teens trying to escape their unwinding. There were definitely parts of this book that were difficult to read, and, I was left feeling a little dissatisfied by the ending, I guess I thought as this is a YA story everything would be tied up neatly at the end. Nevertheless, Unwind is a good story that manages to pose some very interesting questions.

wow, Unwind sounds like a very weird and interesting book! Added to the WL!

Another book bullet! Thanks Judy for the great review. :)

I'm pretty sure this has been said before, but I am constantly amazed at the quality of YA books that are out there today. I think there is a far greater choice than in my day.

I was quite astounded by my grandson's teacher, who gave the class a preferred reading list with books such as Moby Dick, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Great Expectations, Ivanhoe and Gone With The Wind on it. His only nod to modern books was the Alex Ryder series. He told the class that there aren't very many good modern books being published today! These are kids that are 11 and 12 years old, these older books are great but I think in many cases, forcing them to read these difficult books on their own is just going to turn them off reading. I would rather he chose one or two classics for the class to read and discuss together. He's provided a list of about 45 books, wants each pupil to pick a total of 6 books for the year to read and produce books reports on. I may have to join in with my grandson on a joint read or two, depending on his choices (fingers crossed that he doesn't chose Moby Dick)!

I can't imagine reading Moby Dick at that age and enjoying it. And I would have to disagree with the teacher who says there is no good modern books being published today. I find that rather sad and narrow minded in that he is missing out of so, so, many worthwhile and thought provoking books!

Hi Judy, sounds like you had a good Thanksgiving, am happy for you. The Uncommon Reader has been on my WL for some time, and I guess I'll just (literally) bite the bullet eventually and get it from the library. Unwind sounds like it has an interesting premise, but not quite my cuppa, so I'm happy to walk away unscathed. ;-)

Stopping by to say hi!! Ohh Unwind does not sound like my cuppa either, but bravo for reading so many genres, Judy. BTW - those kids are far to young to be reading such challenging literature - at least I certainly think so.

Moby Dick for a 12-year-old? Insane! (IMHO, anyway.) Now, I did read 2001: A Space Odyssey at about that age, and really enjoyed it. But an 11-year-old reading Great Expectations on his/her own? I do think your grandson's teacher needs schooling on the subject of age-appropriate reading material. And to suggest that there are no good books being published today is just ridiculous!

I must say Unwind doesn't sound like one I'd enjoy, though. And I doubt I could get past my complete disbelief that such a "solution" would satisfy either side in the abortion debate.

Judy, great review, and (for once) a bullet I can dodge. Unwind sounds interesting and (as you say) a bit far-fetched, but I'm always interested in the different ways authors address complicated issues such as abortion and overpopulation. I thought Jonathan Franzen addressed the latter issue (in Freedom) in a somewhat subtle manner that has stuck with me in the months since I read it.

Well, I read Moby Dick in fourth grade. I read everything I could find in those days, and my teacher had it over on her bookshelves under the window. I'm sure all I got out of it was the adventure story, but still--on the other hand, I certainly wouldn't advocate it for assigned reading at those ages.

Actually when I think of a lot of the books on the list, I realize I was reading many of them at that age as well. Perhaps I tend to see my grandson as younger and more 'innocent' than is the case. I have been asked by his mother to help him with his choices and so far I have steered him toward Treasure Island and Captain's Courageous, and gently suggested that Gone With the Wind wouldn't be his cup of tea, I just had to say the word "romance" and he decided against it. I'm not sure about another of his choices, Swiss Family Robinson, which I know is an excellent story, but, I think, a difficult read. I suspect he is looking at it because of the Disney version. Can anyone advise me on the difficulty level of Swiss Family Robinson?

I've also suggested A Christmas Carol which we can read together in December. I think it may be the easiest of the Dicken's that are on the list, and at least it's short.

160. The Man In The Queue by Josephine Tey - 3 1/2 stars



The first book in Josephine Teys’ series that introduces Scotland Yard’s Inspector Alan Grant, The Man In the Queue is a fascinating look at the solving of a murder in the days before forensics and computers. A deceptively simple murder of a man standing in line for a theatre performance. Unfortunately neither the identity of the victim or the murderer will come easy to Inspector Grant.

The story follows along as the Inspector painstakingly tracks down each miniscule clue in order to firstly identify the man that was stabbed in the back, and then to build a picture of his life and who was in it that could possible be the murderer.

The story, the language and it’s careless and casual racism are all a bit dated, but it is interesting to look at this early mystery of hers simply for the influence she has had on future writers. Her many references to World War I, even years after that event, certainly highlight the impact this war had on a generation. Although the ending seems to come out of the blue, the clues are there, but as we are so firmly embedded in Alan Grant’s mindset, we, like him, don’t pick them up right away.

The story, like the solving of this murder, tends to plod along until we switch to the Scottish Highlands, at that point the story took off for me, and I read avidly to the end. I would say not the best of her work, but certainly interesting enough for me to continue with the series.

Nice review, Judy. I've not read any of Josephine Tey's novels though I've long had her on my list. I would enjoy the setting of the Scottish Highlands.

Nice review Judy and whets my appetite nicely for it - I recently bought the book as the series seems to be having a revival with the nice covers that you ably display on your thread.

Judy: Great review -- I agree -- but I will forgive Tey much because of The Daughter of Time, one of the great all-time mysteries.

Another author that I haven't heard of yet!

So far I have preferred her stand-alones, Brat Farrar and Miss Pym Disposes. I have heard a lot of people rave over both Daughter of Time and The Franchise Affair and obsessive reader that I am, I wanted to read her Alan Grant's in order.

I will always love Agatha Christie, probably in part as I discovered her early, but both Josephine Tey and Dorothy Sayers are great additions to my British "Golden Age" Mysteries that I am working my way through.

It's time to move along to a new thread.

Please join me here.