Athabasca - Personal reading journal 2011 part 2

Continued from here
100 books read already this year - I'm looking forward to see how many more I'll manage.

Wishlist

My soul to take by Rachel Vincent (in library cat.)
The Virginian by Owen Wister
Cavalier of the Apocalypse by Susanne Alleyn
James Joyce by Richard Ellmann (in library cat.)
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Keep this forever by Mark Halliday
French illustrators: Benjamin Lacombe/Rébecca Dautremer
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman
The Sisters of Sinai by Janet Soskice (in library cat.)
Will the Vampire People Please Leave the Lobby? by Allyson Beatrice
The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Bel canto by Ann Patchett (in library cat.)
Doc by Mary Doria Russell
Black prism by Brent Weeks (in library cat.)
Lamy of Santa Fe by Paul Horgan
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (in library cat.)
My reading life by Pat Conroy
Point of Honour by Madeleine E. Robins
Broken Blade by Kelly McCullough

TIOLI September

#1 Read a book with a first sentence of five words or less: Revelation by Carol Berg Just at the moment, I cannot be bothered with this one! Seyonne whines!
#2 Read a book about Judaism: Outwitting history by Aaron Lansky (Shared read)
#3 Read a book with a tag that reminds you of school: Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher
#7 Read a book with 9 letters in the title: Wolfblade by Jennifer Fallon; Saltation by Sharon Lee
#9 Read a book where the LT work number ends in 9: City of bones by Cassandra Clare (Shared read); Rebels and lovers by Linnea Sinclair; The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett (My first challenge)
#14 Read a book where the title is related to the 5 senses: The sight by David Clement-Davies Uninteresting talking wolves
#18. Read a book that was on the NY Times bestseller list on 9/11/2001: The map that changed the world by Simon Winchester (Shared read)
#19 Read a book found through the tag recommendation list; Open season by Linda Howard (recommended from Carnal innocence by Nora Roberts)

Attempted 11, Read 8, Abandoned 3
TBR pile 6, Library 5
3 shared reads
Favourites: Outwitting history; The uncommon reader

Gone tomorrow by Lee Child #101
Crime; own book; re-read

One of the later Jack Reacher books with our hero taking on a large Al-Quaeda cell in his usual one-man-army fashion. Not the best in the series - there are just too many different groups involved and it's difficult to really care about whatever is going on, but entertaining enough.

Rebels and lovers by Linnea Sinclair #102
TIOLI September; Read a book with an LT work no. ending in 9
Own book; science fiction

A fairly slight romance set against an sf background - not as good as the rest of the series, but a fun wee read. The characters aren't as well drawn or the action as exciting as the earlier books - I really must go back and read them again sometime.

Candy is dandy by Ogden Nash #103
TIOLI August; Read a book by an author born in August
Library book; poetry

I forgot to mention this. Like Willa Cather, I was introduced to Ogden Nash by August's TIOLI and what a pleasure that was. He was born 19/08/02. A fun, irreverant poet who wrote lines like:

There is something about a Martini,
A tingle remarkably pleasant;
A yellow, a mellow Martini;
I wish I had one at present.
There is something about a Martini,
Ere the dining and dancing begin,
And to tell you the truth,
It is not the vermouth--
I think that perhaps it's the gin.

How could you resist a poet who understands Martini! This was a great collection with a lot of humour. An undeniably pleasant way to spend some time. I read it at work during lunch and it was a great escape method. I really should read more poetry.

OK - resolutions for the next few months:

Read more poetry
Read more world literature
Read more about China

That and TIOLI should keep me out of mischief for a while!

I LOVE Ogden Nash. I don't recall reading his Martini poem before. :)

>8 MrsLee: Mrs Lee, the poem is called: A Drink With Something In It - I think the Martini verse is the first one. I really loved Ogden Nash - I'm shocked I haven't encountered him before!

The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett #104
TIOLI September; Read a book with an LT work no. ending in 9
Library book

What a cracking wee book! It's great fun, with a wry tone and a fantastic ending. It describes what happens when HRH takes up reading! The disruption that follows is amusing and poignant at the same time. You can hear Alan Bennett's distinctive voice throughout and there are some great one-liners like "You don't put your life into your books. You find it there."

Outwitting history by Aaron Lansky #105
TIOLI September; Read a book about Judaism
Library book; non-fiction

Another fine read. Almost an adventure story as a young man fights to save Yiddish books being lost as the older Yiddish-speaking generation of Jews dies out. Very readable, if rather poignant.

Open season by Linda Howard #106
TIOLI September; Read a book found through tag recommendation
Library book; romance

Oh dear...from the sublime to the ridiculous! Plain spinster librarian tries to catch a man and instead finds herself in the middle of a prostitution ring and murder. A rather silly romance trying to segue into a thriller with bad guys and date rape drugs aplenty. Pleasant tosh.

Academ's fury by Jim Butcher #107
TIOLI September; Read a book with a tag that has a connection with school
Own book; fantasy

Second in the Codex Alera series. This was a fun read, with definite Harry Potter touches. An interesting magic system and even more baddies than the first book. A little repetitive - there were at least two "last stands" that were conveniently resolved without much harm to the main characters. So, quite a lot of jeopardy, but a happy ending (mostly). The series is developing well, but does seem a little juvenile.

City of bones by Cassandra Clare #108
TIOLI September; Read a book where the LT work no. ends with a 9
Library book; urban fantasy, YA

An interesting start to a Buffyesque series - some interesting characters. There is a lot going on and I'm not sure it all works - the book perhaps struggles to contain all the complex world-building. I also found the main plot "surprise" a tad predictable. An OK series I may continue with - better than many in this genre.

Death masks by Jim Butcher #109
Library book; urban fantasy

Another cracking Harry Dresden. Harry continues to battle the Red Court while recovering the Turin Shroud from a particularly nasty demon. Some interesting story threads are being developed while others seem to be being brought to a close, including Harry's antecedents and the quasi-vampire girlfriend.

Saltation by Sharon Lee #110
TIOLI September; read a book with a title 9 letters long
Own book; science fiction

A Liaden novel carrying on from Fledgling. A mixture of a coming-of-age story and the continuation of the Old Tech plotline from earlier books. A good read, that will mean a lot more to fans of the series. Theo is a good central character, but the plot is a bit all over the place - trying too hard to synchronise events from several different series. That said, I'm looking forward to the next book.

The map that changed the world by Simon Winchester #111
TIOLI September; Read a book in the NYT Bestseller lists on 09/11
Library book; non-fiction

An interesting history of the man who drew the first geological map of England, and almost invented the modern science of geology along the way. William Smith's life was full of ups and downs - he ends up in a debtor's prison at one point and spent most of his life at odds with a dilettante, aristocratic geological hierarchy. However, this book gives him back his place as one of the fathers of geology.

Agree on The whole Fury series, it is much more childish than the HD one. I didn't much like any of them. Similarly with CoB, Not bad, plenty much worse, however I found the next couple declined somewhat, and I'm not bothered to read any more. DM - Isn't the close of any storylines, merely a mark along the way! So many more to read I envy you that pleasure.

Sharon Lee - I've heard her name quite a bit, but still haven't got around to finding the beginning of the series. Can you pick it upmid-way through?

>18 reading_fox: reading_fox - I wouldn't advise picking up the Liaden books mid-series, or at the beginning for that matter, as the first two books are really odd. I would start with Local custom, which is no. 4 of the novels chronologically and then read in order at least to I Dare, which is no. 10. The authors had a whole lot of problems getting published and there are a lot of prequels, sequels and short stories, originally published as chap-books. But those 6 books, I think, form the core of the series and from there it's easy to go backwards or forwards!

For all the chaotic writing and publishing chronology, I would recommend the series - sort of Georgette Heyer in space, but there is a fairly high schmaltz factor!

#17 I read and hugely enjoyed that a month or 3 back, and will support all you say. I think @DaynaRT would find that one tailor-made for her!

Read it!

I wish it was more about the mapping and less about the man, but that's the map geek in me complaining.

>21 DaynaRT: @DaynaRT - I quite agree, he completely glossed over the cartography - it would have been interesting to know more about the technical issues to do with drawing a map so accurate with so little technology. I have another map geek friend - any recommendations??

>22 by @Athabasca

Of course!

Maps: Finding Our Place in the World
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Medieval World
Atlas, Schmatlas: A Superior Atlas of the World
The Map Book
Strange maps : an atlas of cartographic curiosities
Cartographia: Mapping Civilizations
Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania, and Other States That Never Made It

and my favorite
Oxford Atlas of World History - http://www.librarything.com/work/2983106

>18 reading_fox: @reading_fox For Sharon Lee's Liaden series, I suggest starting with Partners in Necessity. It collects the first three novels, Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change and Carpe Diem. Great fun.

Thanks @DaynaRT - there's probably a Xmas gift in there somewhere!

TIOLI October

#2 A characteristic work of 75ers: The tenderness of wolves by Stef Penney (shared read); The beekeeper's apprentice by Laurie R King
#4. Read a book by an author using anything other than the simplest version of their name; Magic burns by Ilona Andrews
#8 Read a book about a civil war: March by Geraldine Brooks
#9 Author's first or last name starts and ends with a vowel: The secrets of Jin-Shei by Alma Alexander; Magic bites by Ilona Andrews; The cat's table by Michael Ondaatje (shared read)
#11 Author's first and last name have same no. of letters: The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom (shared read); Graceling by Kristin Cashore
#14 Read a book from the International Space Station's Legacy Library: The rule of four by Ian Caldwell (shared read)
#17 Read a book with an X in the title: Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene
#18 Read a book mentioned in less than 150 conversations: The warmasters by David Weber; Blood rites by Jim Butcher

Completed 13
TBR pile 10, Sourced for TIOLI 3
4 shared reads
Favourite; The secrets of Jin-Shei

I really enjoyed Magic Bites and was thrilled to have a new urban fantasy author to read.

Athabasca, I really loved The Uncommon Reader and it has stuck with me since I read in '08 or '09 -- not something I would have anticipated since it's a really short book. I think because it was about the way an individual schools his or herself in learning how to read at a deeper level.

> Morphy - I had tried it before and not made much headway with it. After your reviews of later books in the series, I'm prepared to have another go! I did like their other series - the Edge.

>Jillmwo - I thought The uncommon reader was great - really funny in a very dry way and I could almost hear Alan Bennett's voice in my head.

The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom #112
TIOLI October: Read a book where the author's first and last names have the same no. of letters
Library book; fiction

A great wee book and a very fast read. A simple description of what heaven might be like. (Warning: box of hankies alert!) I'm glad I read it, as it had a simplicity and clarity that I liked. However, apart from the "justification of an ordinary life" theme, I'm not sure there was all that much to it.

Magic bites by Ilona Andrews #113
TIOLI October: Read a book where the author's first or last name begins and ends with a vowel
Library book; urban fantasy

I had started this book once before and gave up halfway - it just seemed a bit too like all the other urban fantasy series with a kickass heroine, a shapechanger love interest with an ego the size of Wales and undead (and unkillable) bad guys. It was better second time around. Still a journeyman work, I think, but with characters you want to find out more about and the potential to develop into an interesting series.

Statistics for July-September 2011

Books read 41

39 new; 2 re-reads
23 female authors; 18 male authors
11 own books; 30 library books

Crime 11
Historical fiction 6
Non-fiction 6
Fantasy 6
Urban fantasy 4
Thriller 2
Science fiction 2

e-books 2

Favourite read: Under heaven; The uncommon reader

Amalgamated statistics - January to September 2011

Books read 111

101 new; 10 re-reads
52 female authors; 42 male authors
30 own books; 81 library books (note to self - start concentrating on that TBR pile!!)

Crime 35
Urban fantasy 25
Fantasy 18
Historical fiction 11
Non-fiction 10
Science fiction 5
Thriller 2

e-books 2

I just can't imagine reading that many books. A lot of folks here do, I know. Me, I'm happy if I can get through four a month.

majkia - I find my reading fluctuates. Sometimes I read a lot, sometimes very little. I do tend to read fairly easy stuff, so it doesn't take me long to get through a book. Also, I suspect I have far fewer distractions than most other people!

The beekeeper's apprentice by Laurie R King #114
TIOLI October; Read a book characteristic of the 75 book challenge group
Library book; crime

What fun. Sherlock Holmes acquires an apprentice who happens to be young, American and female! After a fairly quick description of Mary's appenticeship, we then get involved in a difficult case that threatens to put an end to the partnership before it can really begin.

I have enjoyed that Holmes series from the very first title. Like all series, I thought it dropped off around book #5 or #6, but Laurie King is a good writer and I think she develops very interesting themes.

I began the beekeepers apprentice quite some time ago. I don't believe I finished it though. Perhaps I'll give it a go again.

>Jean, I found the beginning of The beekeeper's apprentice very episodic and did nearly give up. However, it changes about halfway through and becomes a much more involving mystery.

Oh, good. Perhaps that's what happened with me. Thanks, Athabasca!

I love the Holmes/Russel books, and even though they are not as delightful now as the early ones, I still enjoy the reads. The early ones have better mysteries IMO.

The tenderness of wolves by Stef Penney #115
TIOLI October; Read a book characteristic of the 75 book challenge group
Own book; crime

Mmmh... dunno. Well-written and atmospheric, but with a lot of characters and a lot of stuff going on that seems pretty pointless. The plot took forever to get anywhere and, by the end, it was difficult to really care.

The warmasters by David Weber #116
TIOLI October: Read a book with less than 150 conversations
Own book; science fiction

An OK collection of short stories - one Honor Harrington, one Belisarius and one Hammer's Slammers. Pretty enjoyable military SF, if you like that sort of thing (and I do).

Magic burns by Ilona Andrews #117
TIOLI October: Read a book by an author using anything other than the simplest version of their name
Library book; Urban fantasy

OK - this series is definitely getting better - a more coherent plot and some good character development. The main character seems to be coming into her own and developing more confidence in her own ability (as are the authors). I'll certainly be looking for the next one.

March by Geraldine Brooks #118
TIOLI October: Read a book about a civil war
Library book; historical

A great book - a searing indictment of the notion of a "righteous war". Not for the faint-hearted, as the brutality of war and slavery at times make this a difficult read, as does the destruction of the main character's idealism.

I love near all of Brooks' work.

Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene #119
TIOLI October: Read a book with an X in the title
Library book; historical

A quaint wee book. A re-enactment of Don Quixote by a Spanish peasant priest and his Communist friend. Lots about religion and politics, but even more about love and friendship.

Blood rites by Jim Butcher #120
TIOLI October: Read a book with less than 150 conversations
Library book; urban fantasy

Another rollicking Harry Dresden - full of vampires, curses and revelations. As expected the family thing is starting to come together for Harry - in fact the whole book is about families (the good things and the bad).

The secrets of Jin-Shei by Alma Alexander #121
TIOLI October:Read a book where the author's name begins and ends with a vowel
Own book; historical

A great read - more machinations in the Chinese Imperial Court, this time from the point of view of the women. Lots of different plotlines, maybe a bit dependant on co-incidences to really work, but a rollicking read with great characters.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore #122
TIOLI October: Author's first and last name have same no. of letters
Library book; fantasy

A great wee fantasy - well-plotted with great characters. A bit old-school, but very enjoyable, with an interesting magic system. The world set-up does look like it'll offer quite a bit of material for the rest of the series. Perhaps a little clunky in some of its story arc, it is a bit episodic, but I rather liked the interplay between the characters.

Rule of four by Ian Caldwell #123
TIOLI October: Read a book from the International Space Station legacy library
Own book; thriller

If you loved the Da Vince code, you'll love this! I don't think so - for all it's faults The Da Vinci code is fast-paced and energetic - this is more like Beautiful Mind meets Gaudy night (really badly - you're halfway through the book before anything happens). There just seems no point to it. I'm afraid they wasted their time taking this one to the Space Station - I suppose it's difficult to throw out books up there.

The blue sword by Robin McKinley #124
Own book; fantasy; re-read

A great wee fantasy with fab characters and an understated romance. Lovely background and great interactions between characters. One of those books I keep coming back to.

The hero and the crown by Robin McKinley #125
Own book; fantasy; re-read

The prequel to The blue sword. Another fine fantasy - perhaps a bit darker in tone, but I really like the main character.

I do enjoy Robin McKinley's books. I read both of these decades ago, but seem to recall that I liked The Blue Sword better than the prequel.

>jill, I can never make my mind up with these two - I think I prefer the main character in The hero and the crown, but the plot is a bit too all over the place for me. I prefer The blue sword as a story - it hangs together much, much better. That said, reading one always leads me to reading the other! :o)

TIOLI November

#1 Read a book with an animal on p50: New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
#2 Read a book written by a Native American; The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (shared read)
#4 Read a book where the author's name is a profession: Brothers in arms by Ben Weaver; Dead beat by Jim Butcher
#8 Read a book by an author you have read only once before; Fire by Kristin Cashore
#9 Read a book recommended by other 75er: Involuntary witness by Gianrico Carofiglio
#11 Read a book with a flower in the title; The secret history of the pink carnation by Lauren Willig
#13 Read a book in a series next in no. to the book above; Revelation space by Alastair Reynolds (shared read); Crown of crystal flame by CL Wilson
#15 Read a book with a piece of jewellery in the title; The ring by Deborah Chester; The girl with a pearl earring by Tracy Chevalier; The man with the golden torc by Simon Green; Ring of lightning by Jane Fancher (my second challenge)

Attempted 12, Abandoned 1
TBR pile 9, new for TIOLI 3
1 shared read
Favourites: New York to Dallas and The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian

The cat's table by Michael Ondaatje #126
TIOLI October: Read a book where the author's name begins and ends in a vowel
Library book

A great read - three young boys make the journey from Sri Lanka to London aboard a liner. The writing is lyrical and draws you into a very particular view of the voyage by a trio of ragamuffins who, unknown to themselves, impact on the lives of several of the other passengers. This was my first Ondaatje. I'll definitely be looking out for the others.

The man with the golden torc by Simon R Green #127
TIOLI November; Read a book with an item of jewellery in the title
Library book; fantasy

A fun read, not unlike Rivers of London in tone. Eddie Drood is an agent of a super-family who protect humankind from the bad guys - or do they? Declared rogue and on the run, Eddie struggles to get to the truth about his family and the world he thought he knew. Some mild Bond quips and a fairly light-hearted approach to mayhem make this an OK read - not sure I'll bother with the sequels.

I have a Simon R. Green book, Something from the Nightside, on my wishlist. Think I'll stick with that one for my first taste of his work though the Rivers of London note makes me interested.

I've lots more of Robin's works to get around to as I find them. (Note Don't read Pegasus until she's finished the sequels in 2013+ the ending is horrendous for all the beauty of the story). She writes an entertaining daily blog over at her fansite if you're really into her work.

Enjoy Alistair Reynolds and Jane Fancher - two very different takes on Science Fiction!

>Wolfy - Something from the Nightside seems to have a fairly similar tone to both The man with the golden torc and Rivers of London. I would say that Aaronovitch is probably the better writer.

>Reading_fox - thanks for the advice - I'll hold off on Pegasus - my TBR pile is bad enough, at the moment. Reynolds/Fancher - I decided I hadn't been reading enough SF recently, so I was going for variety! :o)

New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb #128
TIOLI November: Read a book with an animal on p50
Library book; crime

Another smashing Eve Dallas. Eve returns to Dallas, chasing a paedophile - lots of angst in this one. Perhaps a better book because it doesn't have all the usual cast of thousands and Eve is out of her comfort zone. A must for all fans of the series.

The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie #129
TIOLI November: Read a book written by a Native American writer
Library book; YA

What a fab wee book! In the mould of Adrian Mole, but a good bit darker, the book follows the adventures of a young Indian boy trying to escape a background full of love, but steeped in poverty. Both funny and rather sad with great illustrations.

I loved that book. Glad you enjoyed it.

The secret history of the pink carnation by Lauren Willig #130
TIOLI November: Read a book with a flower in the title
Library book; historical romance

A pretty slight historical romance a la Scarlet Pimpernel. Fun characters, a nice piece of fluff, but I don't know that I would bother with the rest of the series.

Haven't commented here in awhile, but wanted to let you know I'm still reading your lists with interest. :)

#65 reminds me of an awful shaggy-dog story much loved by the uncle in Southampton. The punchline involves a pink-car nation; I'll spare you the rest.

>67 hfglen: Thanks for not sharing! :o)


Ring of lightning by Jane S Fancher #131
TIOLI November: Read a book with a piece of jewellery in the title
Own book; fantasy; re-read

I had read this years ago, but, when I wanted to start the sequel Ring of intrigue, I realised that I could remember nothing about it! So I wanted to re-read it. I found it a fun romp - three brothers fighting a political battle against their powerful aunt, and sometimes each other, against the background of a world powered by ley-lines. It had an interesting plot and some great ideas, that didn't always develop very much. However, it ensnared my interest and I certainly enjoyed it enough to read the sequel.

all of the sequels are available as ebooks at Jane's shared website ClosedCircle - if you're having trouble getting hold of them.

>69 reading_fox: Thanks reading_fox, I'll have a look there once I've read number two.


Brothers in arms by Ben Weaver #132
TIOLI November: read a book by an author whose name is a profession
Own book; science fiction

A pretty mundane military SF. Young recruit gets caught up in alien tech and a murderous civil war. Struggles under the weight of too many ideas and the main storyline never seems to really get off the ground - the main character seemed to spend most of the book being dense to the betrayals going on around him. Not worth bothering about.

The ring by Deborah Chester #133
TIOLI November: Read a book with a piece of jewellery in the title
Own book; fantasy

An OK fantasy of the pig-boy-discovers-he's-the-real-king type. Second in the trilogy and not bad over all. The menace is perhaps a little confused, but perhaps that's because I cannot remember a great deal about the first book.

Involuntary witness by Gianrico Carofiglio #134
TIOLI November: Read a book recommended by another 75er in October
Library book; crime

A great wee read - one of those books that starts off very slowly and gathers momentum as it goes along. As much a character study as a crime/legal thriller, it has a lot of charm and a good deal of intelligence. The earlier parts have a bit of a L'etranger vibe, but the book gradually takes on a more positive note, shadowing the main character's struggle with depression. Quite a different wee book - but a very rewarding one.

Fire by Kristin Cashore #135
TIOLI November; Read a book by an author you have read only once before
Library book; fantasy

A great wee prequel. Interesting main character, some fine inter-personal stuff, perhaps a bit wayward in plot, but it all seemed to come together in the end. A very enjoyable read.

Crown of crystal flame by C.L. Wilson #136
TIOLI November; Read a book in a series next in no. to the book above
Own book; fantasy

Oooh - I'm annoyed. I took this away on holiday without realising I hadn't read the book immediately before it! Gaaah! However, even with being a bit lost at the beginning, I did enjoy this conclusion to the Tairen Soul series. It is an odd series - full of overdone romanticism and schmaltz but also with quite a dark, even sadistic side, which I really disliked. The two different sides never really jelled for me and by the time we came to the fifth book, there were a lot of different elements involved that also didn't seem to jell very well. I suppose it says something that the writing was just able to overcome the disparate threads.

The girl with a pearl earring by Tracy Chevalier #137
TIOLI November; Read a book with a piece of jewellery in the title
Own book; historical

An enjoyable read - atmospheric and well-written. I'd seen the film, but, as usual, the book was better. Delving into the mind of Vermeer's maid, it beautifully describes the lives of the people of Delft - particularly the hardships. This is constrasted with the beauty of the paintings being painted at the same time.

Dead beat by Jim Butcher #138
TIOLI November; Read a book by an author whose name is a profession
Library book; urban fantasy

Another great Harry Dresden - this time he's fighting necromancers. Some very funny moments and great interactions with Thomas and some very interesting new characters. Ends on a more upbeat note than usual.

wow, I've never seen that cover. Interesting!

>76 Athabasca: What ARE those things at the upper right. I've searched all over for a larger view and can't figure it out.

Majkia/Morphidae - they're fingerprints.

I don't much like these covers. They're meant to resemble old-fashioned criminal case files, put together by a sloppy or poor detective - covered in sellotape and odd clues to what's in the book. I cannot remember fingerprints really appearing in Dead beat!

Thanks for the explanation. Such a departure from the covers for Dresden books I'm used to!

The affair by Lee Child #139
Library book, crime

Another great Reacher - this time a prequel, set just before the first book and describing his last case for the Army. Some classic Reacher moments, even 'though it did seem a bit predictable.

TIOLI December

#1 Read a book whose author’s first and last initials are “stepped”; I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
#3 Read a book by Anne McCaffrey; The Carradyne touch
#4 Read one of the oldest books on your TBR; Mr Darcy's daughters by Elizabeth Ashton (shared read)
#5 Read a book with the word Christmas in the title; A child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (e-audio) (shared read)
#6 Read a book with the exact same title as another on LT; The diamond throne by David Eddings
#7 Read a book with the words 'last' or 'final' in the title; The last werewolf by Glen Duncan (shared read)
#13 Read a book by an author with a 4 syllable surname; The shape of water by Andrea Camilleri
#16. Read a book published after 1900 about authors, works or characters in 19th century literature; Death comes to Pemberley by P.D. James (shared read)
#18 Read a book for your 11 in 11 challenge; My Antonia by Willa Cather (shared read)

Read 9
TBR pile 5, sourced for TIOLI 4
Shared Reads 5, Re-read 1
Favourite: The shape of water

Magic strikes by Ilona Andrews #140
Library book; urban fantasy

Another fine addition to this series. This is really coming together as Kate gets in deeper with the werewolves and their enemies - almost to the point of coming out of hiding to confront her own enemy.

@82, I'll be watching to see what you think of The Last Werewolf as well as I am Number Four and The Shape of Water. I still haven't read either of those last two but Glen Duncan has been added to my favourite authors list recently.

The last werewolf by Glen Duncan #141
TIOLI December: Read a book with "last" or "final" in the title
Library book; Urban fantasy

Well, this one's a bit different...Meyer meets Mailer, I think - a werewolf book chock full of allusions, both literary and pop culture - so much so that you struggle to keep up. However, well-written and a massive improvement on most of the urban fantasy genre. Real characters caught in a real (post-modern) nightmare, then adapting, as humans do. I think this might be one of those books that resonates for ages after you've read it. I'm not sure I 100% liked it, but it was an impressive read. I don't think reading urban fantasy will be a good idea for a while - it may all appear a bit tedious, after the self-awareness of this book.

I didn't really peg this as urban fantasy after I'd read it although it does fit within the definition I'd guess. I think of it as more literary horror than anything else. Does for werewolves what dracula did for vampires. Glad you enjoyed the writing though even if you're not sure of the story yet. I read another of his books straight after and may start another as my next one too.

>86 AHS-Wolfy: Does for werewolves what dracula did for vampires.

I think that's an excellent description of The last werewolf!

The Carradyne touch by Anne McCaffrey #142
TIOLI December: Read a book by Anne McCaffrey
Library book; romance

This is one Anne McCaffrey I have never read before. In essence it's very like her other romances Ring of fear and The Kilternan legacy. An old-fashioned romance set against a horse-breeding background - good fun, if a little on the simple side.

Athabasca - I saw The Last Werewolf in the library today, and based on what you and others on LT have said about it, I borrowed it.

>89 NorthernStar: NorthernStar - I hope you enjoy it!



The diamond throne by David Eddings #143
TIOLI December; Read a book with the same title as another on LT
Library book, fantasy, re-read

I was at the ballet last week and, for some bizarre reason, the first few paragraphs of this book started to 'play' in my head, so I had to re-read it! I do enjoy the opening to this, although I don't think the rest of the book is as great as I thought it 20 years ago. The plotting is pretty dodgy, but a worthwhile read for the characters and the "craic".

The shape of water by Andrea Camilleri #144
TIOLI December: Read a book by an author with a 4-syllable name
Library book, crime

A fine wee crime. I can see why people like this series. An interesting cop, a rather twisted plot and a very dark background. Well-written and rather different. I'll have to keep an eye out for the rest of these.

Eddings' books are like chicken soup - comforting and simple.

Agree with Morphy. I do think DT, RK and SR are the best three he's written. Short enough to keep the interest going, fast paced, and not too repetitive, and slightly more adult than the Belargiad sets.

harry Dresden covers - that's the UK style, the whole series is that way over here, I've not seen any other options. I quite like the understated colours rather than usual brash/dark themse of urban fantasy.

#81 - will have to look out for that, glad he's writing better again, because the last few haven't been as good as the early ones.

>I do think DT, RK and SR

?

Sorry, in a rush. Diamond Throne, Ruby Knight and Sapphire rose being the first elenium trilogy.

> reading_fox, I agree, the Elenium is probably Eddings at his best.
> Morphy - everyone needs comfort food now and then!



Mr Darcy's daughters by Elizabeth Ashton #145
TIOLI December: Read a book that's been a long time on the TBR shelf
Library book; historical romance

Darcy and Elizabeth have gone off to Constantinople and left their five daughters in London. Much more a modern Harlequin-type romance than an Austenish one, but quite a fun romp, with a few laughs along the way.

A child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas #146
TIOLI December: Read a book with the word Christmas in the title
e-book, poetry

I listened to this while finishing the last of the Christmas cards - a wonderfully evocative telling of a traditional Christmas. It brought back a lot of great memories. I particularly liked the comments from the listener. A lovely find.

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore #147
TIOLI December: Read a book from a stepped sequence of author initials
Library book, YA, SF

This was OK - enjoyable fluff, I thought. An alien youngster with superpowers tries to adapt to a new life in a new high school, with all the usual suspects - geek friend, beautiful girlfriend with a bullying ex. I'm not sure all the different elements gelled particularly. There is a cataclysmic battle at the end, that seems a bit out of place with the pace of the rest of the book. I think the story-arc of this book might have been sacrificed to the series as a whole. I don't think I'll bother with the rest.

Shame you didn't like I am Number Four too much. I picked it up a few weeks ago on impulse to make up the numbers and knew it would fit in my category challenge so stood a chance of getting read.

My Antonia by Willa Cather #148
TIOLI December; Read a book in your 11 in 11 challenge
Library book; historical

Another fine Cather - this time a tale of Nebraska pioneers, particularly the women. A charming story, with a Little House on the Prairie vibe. Lots about the importance of family, upbringing and memory. Some great characters and a sense of the inconsequentiality of man against the landscape of the West.

Death comes to Pemberley by P.D. James #149
TIOLI December; Read a book written about 19th century literature
Library book; historical, crime

This was pretty entertaining, although it's difficult to believe it was written by P.D. James. It was very light, with quite a lot of Austen-type wit and sarcasm, but very little of the depth you would expect from this author. However, as another book in the Austen write-alikes, it's actually a pretty fun read. All the characters you would expect make an appearance (and some surprises).

I'm hoping Death Comes to Pemberley is one of my Christmas gifts! Heaven knows, I dropped some heavy hints.

A discovery of witches by Deborah Harkness #150
Library book; supernatural

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It's very long but only really comes alive in the last few chapters.....kinda Twilight meets the Da Vinci code, with an extremely long introduction. The two main characters don't seem to be well drawn (there's a cat with more personality!) However, there are some interesting ideas and I would want to read the next, hoping that the character development might be stronger. I think there might just be too much going on and the author got carried away with trying to bring together a lot of complex elements in the plot, rather than spend much time on the main characters (Funnily, she does better with the minor characters).

Salvation in death by J. D. Robb #151
own book; crime; re-read

A very enjoyable Eve Dallas. This time it's gangs and priests in Spanish Harlem.

Statistics October-December 2011

Books read 37

32 new; 5 re-reads
20 female authors; 16 male authors
13 own books; 24 library books

Crime 7
Historical fiction 10
Fantasy 8
Urban fantasy 7
Thriller 1
Science fiction 3
YA 2
Poetry 1

e-books 1 (audio)

2012 thread

2011 Statistics

Read: 151
New 136; Re-read 15

Female authors: 85 Male authors: 48
From own shelves 43; From library 105; e-books 3

Crime 42
Urban Fantasy 32
Fantasy 26
Historical 21
Non-fiction 12
SF 8
Thriller 3
Poetry 3

Conclusions - my reading is more wide-ranging than I thought (probably down to LT). I prefer character-driven books with some sort of closure, but not too much in the way of detailed world-building. Crime is very high on my reading agenda, but Urban fantasy is starting to drop off. I'm getting more enjoyment from Historical novels, and there's a good mix of non-fiction and even a few classics. Science fiction is obviously more of a struggle at the moment.