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1mmignano11
This is my thread for 2012's 75 book challenge.
This year I am challenging myself to read the biographies and autobiographies that fill my shelves. They are mostly those of writers, authors that I enjoy. As I read their bio's I hope to read the books they have written, also, to give a cohesive picture of the person and how their life has affected their writing.
In any case, I will be reading fiction which will most likely be a bit lighter than the biographies. I enjoy historical fiction, debut novels, mysteries with a historical bent like those by Ariana Franklin, books in a series, such as the Game of Thrones series, books about books are a decided favorite, books that include an element of magic, and books that surprise me. I am excited to begin but must first finish the books that I am reading.
1) Mrs.Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin-reviewed
2) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote-reviewed
3) A World Possessed by Joanna O'Neill-reviewed-#3 of Trilogy
4) The Cranefly Orchid Murders by Cynthia Riggs-reviewed
5) The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skete-reviewed
6) The Island by Elin Hildebrand-reviewed
7) Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness-reviewed
8) Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
9) Knit Two by Kate Jacobs-reviewed
10) The Red Queen by Phillippa Gregory-reviewed
11) Burnt Mountain by Anne River Siddons-reviewed
12) One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber-reviewed
13) The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie
14) The Island by Victoria Hislop-reviewed
This year I am challenging myself to read the biographies and autobiographies that fill my shelves. They are mostly those of writers, authors that I enjoy. As I read their bio's I hope to read the books they have written, also, to give a cohesive picture of the person and how their life has affected their writing.
In any case, I will be reading fiction which will most likely be a bit lighter than the biographies. I enjoy historical fiction, debut novels, mysteries with a historical bent like those by Ariana Franklin, books in a series, such as the Game of Thrones series, books about books are a decided favorite, books that include an element of magic, and books that surprise me. I am excited to begin but must first finish the books that I am reading.
1) Mrs.Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin-reviewed
2) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote-reviewed
3) A World Possessed by Joanna O'Neill-reviewed-#3 of Trilogy
4) The Cranefly Orchid Murders by Cynthia Riggs-reviewed
5) The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skete-reviewed
6) The Island by Elin Hildebrand-reviewed
7) Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness-reviewed
8) Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
9) Knit Two by Kate Jacobs-reviewed
10) The Red Queen by Phillippa Gregory-reviewed
11) Burnt Mountain by Anne River Siddons-reviewed
12) One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber-reviewed
13) The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie
14) The Island by Victoria Hislop-reviewed
2rosalita
I like the sound of your reading plan, Mary Beth! I think I had better clear some space on my wishlist ...
3susanj67
Hello, I have starred your thread as we seem to like many of the same types of books. I am also trying to read some of the things I already have...without huge success so far!
5mmignano11
rosalita-I forgot to add that I plan to read many books of short stories as I am a writer and try to write every morning. I like to study the form as it helps to know how other authors go about it.
susanj67-I'll be sure to check out your thread. Even this morning I caught sight of a couple more books I had to add to my TBR pile, bio of Truman Capote and The Invisible Bridge. Oops, forgot those!
drneutron-Welcome back yourself! I hope to check out every thread at least once. I am so impressed with the assortment of people that are part of this group!~ It's amazing how varied and talented this group is!
susanj67-I'll be sure to check out your thread. Even this morning I caught sight of a couple more books I had to add to my TBR pile, bio of Truman Capote and The Invisible Bridge. Oops, forgot those!
drneutron-Welcome back yourself! I hope to check out every thread at least once. I am so impressed with the assortment of people that are part of this group!~ It's amazing how varied and talented this group is!
6ChelleBearss
Hi Mary Beth, thanks for stopping by my thread. I have you starred and I'll keep an eye out for what you are reading :)
8mmignano11
Today I stopped into a new local consignment shop, and checked out the book section (of course!) I found quite a few books by Catherine Cookson, not an author I normally read, but what interested me was that there was a book consisting of pictures of the area that she most often wrote about, apparently where there is a great deal of coal mining and another book of essays and short talks on the radio-midnight chats, I think it said, and browsing through I though she had something to say, so I bought those and two books of fiction by her. It is on the idea of what I plan to do this year by reading biographies of writers and then some of their writing so...I'd be interested to know if anybody has read anything by her and/or knows anything about her.
9mmignano11
#1-Mrs. Tom Thumb-by Melanie Benjamin-448 pgs.-checked out of my local library-Novel-Fiction based on fact-Historical fiction
By its very nature this was a difficult book to read, although in many ways it was clever and entertaining. Lavinia Warren Bump (Mrs. Tom Thumb) a diminutive "little" woman with aproportionately small body, had many exciting adventures as she traveled all over the world in contract with P.T, Barnum. In the early days, travel was treacherous. They met with bad road conditions, wild animals and Indians. Accomodations were often primitive. Ms. Bump did not care to be pawed at and her size commented on while on the show circuit, but she realized that this way of life enabled her to live like a queen. So while travel to exotic places and meeting other notable people of the day made her life and the book interesting, there are other factors that made me uncomfortable. Lavinia Bump speaks frankly throughout the book and in many ways has the conventional prejudices of that day and time. She often learns to broaden her views, redeeming herself. Some of her experiences would have been difficult for anyone, but more so for her, particularly because of her size. She is portrayed as being openly disgusted by the dwarfs that she finds herself traveling with in P. T. Barnum's Circus. This was not uncommon for that time, but is difficult to read about, since she suffered the opinions of others her whole life and felt badly about being slighted on a regular basis.
So while it was not always an easy read, it was always interesting. Although, as with many books, I find that it could have used substantial editing about mid-way through the book. Much of the story becomes redundant, particularly during her travels with her husband, General Tom Thumb, mainly a marriage of convenience arranged by P.T. Barnum. For the most part, though the book is able to give the reader a unique view of the world, from a different time and a different standpoint in the world, the world of a little person, who lived a very big life.
By its very nature this was a difficult book to read, although in many ways it was clever and entertaining. Lavinia Warren Bump (Mrs. Tom Thumb) a diminutive "little" woman with aproportionately small body, had many exciting adventures as she traveled all over the world in contract with P.T, Barnum. In the early days, travel was treacherous. They met with bad road conditions, wild animals and Indians. Accomodations were often primitive. Ms. Bump did not care to be pawed at and her size commented on while on the show circuit, but she realized that this way of life enabled her to live like a queen. So while travel to exotic places and meeting other notable people of the day made her life and the book interesting, there are other factors that made me uncomfortable. Lavinia Bump speaks frankly throughout the book and in many ways has the conventional prejudices of that day and time. She often learns to broaden her views, redeeming herself. Some of her experiences would have been difficult for anyone, but more so for her, particularly because of her size. She is portrayed as being openly disgusted by the dwarfs that she finds herself traveling with in P. T. Barnum's Circus. This was not uncommon for that time, but is difficult to read about, since she suffered the opinions of others her whole life and felt badly about being slighted on a regular basis.
So while it was not always an easy read, it was always interesting. Although, as with many books, I find that it could have used substantial editing about mid-way through the book. Much of the story becomes redundant, particularly during her travels with her husband, General Tom Thumb, mainly a marriage of convenience arranged by P.T. Barnum. For the most part, though the book is able to give the reader a unique view of the world, from a different time and a different standpoint in the world, the world of a little person, who lived a very big life.
10mmignano11
#2-In Cold Blood-by Truman Capote-Audiobook
If you haven't read this book, you have most likely heard of it. This book details for the reader the true story of the murders of a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. The book was made into a movie and helped bring fame to the writer, although his quirky personality and other writings contributed to his celebrity, also. Truman Capote created a masterpiece with this book, based on both the material and the journalistic approach he used. The story is told factually, with fair reporting of the personalities of the players, both the victims and the killers. It is often difficult to listen to the Richard Hickock and Perry Smith as they talk about their motivation for the crime. They clearly take the lives of the family without much apparent forethought, as easily as they would wring the neck of a chicken for the stewpot. The family is a kind, churchgoing family, well-liked by their neighbors and townspeople. They were not killed out of revenge, unless you take into account that Smith and Hickock often feel as though the world has not been fair to them.
The title is apt. "In Cold Blood" fits because the outstanding fact in this story is that the Clutter family was killed for no reason other than the fact that they were in the house that Richard Hickock had chosen to find money and/or valuables for him and Smith to use to begin a new life for themselves. They were delusional in many ways about what awaited them. They failed to believe that they would not succeed in their attempt to continue on this path until they found the ideal place to live and spend their ill-gotten riches. (The tragedy deepens in that they found little to no money or valuables at the Clutter house.)
Truman Capote writes a riveting account of the evil that lurks inside outwardly "normal" men. The same experiences that Smith and Hickock had as children have not proved the ruin of other men and women. At some point evil took hold of these two men and the fate of the Clutter family was sealed long before the day they met Perry and Dick.
I would recommend this book, in written or audio form. It is a superb example of clean, crisp writing. It is a fine example of story-telling. And it is an emotional roller-coaster as we watch everything fall apart. The murders are described in detail but only when they occur. The rest of the book is a portrait of the main players, allowing readers to decide for themselves if the murders needed to happen or could have been prevented if they had been recognized as the dangerous men they had become.
If you haven't read this book, you have most likely heard of it. This book details for the reader the true story of the murders of a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. The book was made into a movie and helped bring fame to the writer, although his quirky personality and other writings contributed to his celebrity, also. Truman Capote created a masterpiece with this book, based on both the material and the journalistic approach he used. The story is told factually, with fair reporting of the personalities of the players, both the victims and the killers. It is often difficult to listen to the Richard Hickock and Perry Smith as they talk about their motivation for the crime. They clearly take the lives of the family without much apparent forethought, as easily as they would wring the neck of a chicken for the stewpot. The family is a kind, churchgoing family, well-liked by their neighbors and townspeople. They were not killed out of revenge, unless you take into account that Smith and Hickock often feel as though the world has not been fair to them.
The title is apt. "In Cold Blood" fits because the outstanding fact in this story is that the Clutter family was killed for no reason other than the fact that they were in the house that Richard Hickock had chosen to find money and/or valuables for him and Smith to use to begin a new life for themselves. They were delusional in many ways about what awaited them. They failed to believe that they would not succeed in their attempt to continue on this path until they found the ideal place to live and spend their ill-gotten riches. (The tragedy deepens in that they found little to no money or valuables at the Clutter house.)
Truman Capote writes a riveting account of the evil that lurks inside outwardly "normal" men. The same experiences that Smith and Hickock had as children have not proved the ruin of other men and women. At some point evil took hold of these two men and the fate of the Clutter family was sealed long before the day they met Perry and Dick.
I would recommend this book, in written or audio form. It is a superb example of clean, crisp writing. It is a fine example of story-telling. And it is an emotional roller-coaster as we watch everything fall apart. The murders are described in detail but only when they occur. The rest of the book is a portrait of the main players, allowing readers to decide for themselves if the murders needed to happen or could have been prevented if they had been recognized as the dangerous men they had become.
11mmignano11
#3-A World Possessed by Joanna O'Neill-246 pgs-LT Author-Books Off The Shelf-Science fiction
Rebecca, Connor, Michael, Geoffrey, Uriel Passenger,and the Three Dons,are all key players in Joanna O'Neill's trilogy of time travel, magic and Faeries. Both people from the Real World and players from the World Invisible figure in to this literary trio chock full of puzzles, riddles and cryptic messages.Beginning with A World Invisible O'Neill brings readers along on a journey with Rebecca, Connor and Michael, who find they must form a union to solve the mysteries plaguing each of them. In A World Denied the story intensifies and they find answers, but the reader leaves the novel with some questions still unanswered. In A World Possessed O'Neill plunges headlong in pursuit of those unanswered questions and the answers are the foundation on which the novel rests. As each mystery unfolds, the story beckons to the reader and we follow willingly, eager to peel back each layer and make sense of the clues, along with Rebecca and Connor. This book is Rebecca's mostly and she is faced with hard decisions. O'Neill's World Invisible does not exist in a vacuum and much of what happens there has an effect on the Real world, the world known to us. I enjoyed each of the books, but found the third book to be the best. It is a quick read in that it is only 246 pages but also it is the kind of book you want to finish in one reading. Only my life prevented me from doing so. Animals must be fed, as well as spouses and children. O'Neill's prose is strikingly clear and conscise, while being descriptive in a way we would expect from an artist. Whether we are in the Real world with Rebecca or in the World Invisible with the Queen of Clover the descriptive passages enfold us and make us feel as though we have stepped into that world. Her characters are as clearly drawn as if they are illustrations and maintain their attributes throughout each successive book. Although time travel could be confusing without a science background, O'Neill is careful to help the reader to comprehend and with each successive book brings us closer to understanding the science without overloading us with details too complex for laymen. The actual focus of the book is the fact that the two worlds do exist and that just as this world needs care in order not to destroy itself, or be destroyed, so too does the Invisible World. And who shall be its caretaker? Don't wait to find this trilogy on Amazon and get started. You will enjoy it without question and then want to share it with your reading friends.
Rebecca, Connor, Michael, Geoffrey, Uriel Passenger,and the Three Dons,are all key players in Joanna O'Neill's trilogy of time travel, magic and Faeries. Both people from the Real World and players from the World Invisible figure in to this literary trio chock full of puzzles, riddles and cryptic messages.Beginning with A World Invisible O'Neill brings readers along on a journey with Rebecca, Connor and Michael, who find they must form a union to solve the mysteries plaguing each of them. In A World Denied the story intensifies and they find answers, but the reader leaves the novel with some questions still unanswered. In A World Possessed O'Neill plunges headlong in pursuit of those unanswered questions and the answers are the foundation on which the novel rests. As each mystery unfolds, the story beckons to the reader and we follow willingly, eager to peel back each layer and make sense of the clues, along with Rebecca and Connor. This book is Rebecca's mostly and she is faced with hard decisions. O'Neill's World Invisible does not exist in a vacuum and much of what happens there has an effect on the Real world, the world known to us. I enjoyed each of the books, but found the third book to be the best. It is a quick read in that it is only 246 pages but also it is the kind of book you want to finish in one reading. Only my life prevented me from doing so. Animals must be fed, as well as spouses and children. O'Neill's prose is strikingly clear and conscise, while being descriptive in a way we would expect from an artist. Whether we are in the Real world with Rebecca or in the World Invisible with the Queen of Clover the descriptive passages enfold us and make us feel as though we have stepped into that world. Her characters are as clearly drawn as if they are illustrations and maintain their attributes throughout each successive book. Although time travel could be confusing without a science background, O'Neill is careful to help the reader to comprehend and with each successive book brings us closer to understanding the science without overloading us with details too complex for laymen. The actual focus of the book is the fact that the two worlds do exist and that just as this world needs care in order not to destroy itself, or be destroyed, so too does the Invisible World. And who shall be its caretaker? Don't wait to find this trilogy on Amazon and get started. You will enjoy it without question and then want to share it with your reading friends.
12mmignano11
#4-The Cranefly Orchid Murders by Cynthia Riggs-Audiobook
This audiobook took place in Martha's Vineyard, providing a delightful setting. The description of the Island is undoubtedly accurate as the author,Cynthia Riggs, lives on Martha's Vineyard. Her feisty, 92 year-old amateur sleuth, Victoria Trumbull, regarded as an honorary deputy to the West Tisbury Police Department for all her help in solving another crime in Riggs' first book, is at it again. She is asked by the Conservation Trust on the Island to find the beautiful, delicate and endangered Cranefly Orchard on land that has been sold by a crotchety inhabitant of the Island to a local developer. As she searches with her 11 year old assistant, whom she grows very fond of, they discover the body of a local attorney. The suspense builds and the ending does not fail to excite us as Victoria bravely carries on in the face of crafty criminals trying to get away with their plan. I would be willing to listen to another book in this series and am going to find the first one, since I started out of order with the second. The reader was quite good, also. I listened to this on a Playaway, one of the local Libraries newest methods of media.
This audiobook took place in Martha's Vineyard, providing a delightful setting. The description of the Island is undoubtedly accurate as the author,Cynthia Riggs, lives on Martha's Vineyard. Her feisty, 92 year-old amateur sleuth, Victoria Trumbull, regarded as an honorary deputy to the West Tisbury Police Department for all her help in solving another crime in Riggs' first book, is at it again. She is asked by the Conservation Trust on the Island to find the beautiful, delicate and endangered Cranefly Orchard on land that has been sold by a crotchety inhabitant of the Island to a local developer. As she searches with her 11 year old assistant, whom she grows very fond of, they discover the body of a local attorney. The suspense builds and the ending does not fail to excite us as Victoria bravely carries on in the face of crafty criminals trying to get away with their plan. I would be willing to listen to another book in this series and am going to find the first one, since I started out of order with the second. The reader was quite good, also. I listened to this on a Playaway, one of the local Libraries newest methods of media.
13mmignano11
#5-The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skete-000pgs-checked out at my local library
What I did enjoy about this book is that I agree with way the Monks view puppies. I agree with the attitude that the first year of their life, the first 3 months, the second 3 months, etc, are crucial in their adjustment to humans and the life they will lead away from their mother. What they experience in the pack is of utmost importance in their relationship to the family that ends up bringing the puppy into their human pack.
While every method of training can have its questionable merits, I think what is important is that owners find a breeder or owner with puppies for sale, that agree with the importance of their early life being spent with their mother.
Often puppies are given up much too soon (before they are 8 weeks old, I think they should stay until they are 12 weeks old) and do not gain the valuable behavior "pointers" that only the canine pack can supply. From their siblings and parents, (not always the father) they learn the way to play, how to submit, not to be threatened by another dog sharing toys, family members(human) and even food.
The mother teaches her pups to respect the alpha dog and how to play as opposed to fight. She also teaches them how to fight without hurting them. She teaches them their "manners" basically. She allows them to grow up without fear, and to venture bravely into new experiences knowing she is there, nearby. They grow up close to her warm, fragrant love. The same love that we humans feel from our beloved pets is felt by puppies as they snuggle with the pack at night, keeping each other warm.
I have witnessed this, on a daily basis, as I watched my litter of 9 American Bulldogs grow and play, under the watchful eye of Lyla, their mom. We were lucky to have their father, Remy, with them too, as he proved to be very gentle, allowing them to crawl over him, tugging at his lips and ears, jumping on his tail, sleeping cuddled under his chest and in the curve of his belly for a nap. I have watched these big dogs (102 lbs-male and 85 lb. female) share their food, bones and toys with puppy after puppy, never losing patience. If they did reprimand , it was gently, considering what they were capable of doing. Now that the puppies are older, they wrestle around much more with their parents, but no matter what, when they nap, they all cuddle together squished into one crate, even with the option of two others to choose from.
So, while I am not in agreement with every aspect of the Monks teachings when it comes to training puppies, I agree with the most important aspect, which is that it is crucial to understand the early lives of puppies and their interaction with their mother and the rest of the pack. It won't hurt to read this book as the more information about raising your dog the better. The more well-informed pet owners are the safer both humans and animals are in our world. We owe it to our pets to be incredibly well-informed.
What I did enjoy about this book is that I agree with way the Monks view puppies. I agree with the attitude that the first year of their life, the first 3 months, the second 3 months, etc, are crucial in their adjustment to humans and the life they will lead away from their mother. What they experience in the pack is of utmost importance in their relationship to the family that ends up bringing the puppy into their human pack.
While every method of training can have its questionable merits, I think what is important is that owners find a breeder or owner with puppies for sale, that agree with the importance of their early life being spent with their mother.
Often puppies are given up much too soon (before they are 8 weeks old, I think they should stay until they are 12 weeks old) and do not gain the valuable behavior "pointers" that only the canine pack can supply. From their siblings and parents, (not always the father) they learn the way to play, how to submit, not to be threatened by another dog sharing toys, family members(human) and even food.
The mother teaches her pups to respect the alpha dog and how to play as opposed to fight. She also teaches them how to fight without hurting them. She teaches them their "manners" basically. She allows them to grow up without fear, and to venture bravely into new experiences knowing she is there, nearby. They grow up close to her warm, fragrant love. The same love that we humans feel from our beloved pets is felt by puppies as they snuggle with the pack at night, keeping each other warm.
I have witnessed this, on a daily basis, as I watched my litter of 9 American Bulldogs grow and play, under the watchful eye of Lyla, their mom. We were lucky to have their father, Remy, with them too, as he proved to be very gentle, allowing them to crawl over him, tugging at his lips and ears, jumping on his tail, sleeping cuddled under his chest and in the curve of his belly for a nap. I have watched these big dogs (102 lbs-male and 85 lb. female) share their food, bones and toys with puppy after puppy, never losing patience. If they did reprimand , it was gently, considering what they were capable of doing. Now that the puppies are older, they wrestle around much more with their parents, but no matter what, when they nap, they all cuddle together squished into one crate, even with the option of two others to choose from.
So, while I am not in agreement with every aspect of the Monks teachings when it comes to training puppies, I agree with the most important aspect, which is that it is crucial to understand the early lives of puppies and their interaction with their mother and the rest of the pack. It won't hurt to read this book as the more information about raising your dog the better. The more well-informed pet owners are the safer both humans and animals are in our world. We owe it to our pets to be incredibly well-informed.
14sandykaypax
Hi Mary Beth! Thanks for stopping by my thread. Dropping off a star.
Sandy K
Sandy K
15sibylline
I thought the New Skete book was very good for its time, but I believe it is is considered dated now, I think. The pack theory, for ex. - we tried it with one of our dogs and never felt it worked at all, and then read that it wasn't really effective. Can't remember the argument details, though. Been a long time. We're about to get a new puppy so I will have to comb the recent literature!
16mmignano11
#6-The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
Spoilers!!!
I enjoyed this book. An audiobook requires a good reader and I like a story that isn't overwhelmed by dialogue. Antd the dialogue must move the story along. The dialogue should provide enough background but not so much that there is nothing left to uncover for the story. The Island features Tuckanuck Island just off the big island, Nantucket. It is vacation home to Birdie, Chess, Tate and India. Birdie and India are sisters. Birdie is mother to Chess and Tate. Chess is mourning the death of her ex-fiance and Tate is feeling the pangs of first love. Each character is well-developed, and have a storyline that is followed through to completion. The author does not disappoint. It is a light romantic tale and goes quickly. I would recommend it if you are not looking for anything heavy.
Spoilers!!!
I enjoyed this book. An audiobook requires a good reader and I like a story that isn't overwhelmed by dialogue. Antd the dialogue must move the story along. The dialogue should provide enough background but not so much that there is nothing left to uncover for the story. The Island features Tuckanuck Island just off the big island, Nantucket. It is vacation home to Birdie, Chess, Tate and India. Birdie and India are sisters. Birdie is mother to Chess and Tate. Chess is mourning the death of her ex-fiance and Tate is feeling the pangs of first love. Each character is well-developed, and have a storyline that is followed through to completion. The author does not disappoint. It is a light romantic tale and goes quickly. I would recommend it if you are not looking for anything heavy.
17mmignano11
#7-A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness-
I enjoyed this book and if this is the kind of book you normally enjoy,you will too. Harkness has a talent for creating characters you love, and love to hate. Her main characters are fully fleshed out and the reader becomes invested in their welfare. Will the relationship between Diana and Matthew survive the many hazards they face? The relationship between Diana, a witch, and Matthew, a vampire, is frowned upon by witches,vampires and daemons, the otherwordly characters that Harkness introduces her readers to in A Discovery of Witches. But the path of true love is never easy, especially for lovers whose very differences draw them together. Diana has been in an ongoing battle with her witchy side all her life. She wants her accomplishments recognized in terms of her hard work, not her ability to cast spells. But as much as she tries to resist, she is unable to resist the overwhelming pull of her destiny. Matthew Clairmont, from a long line of vampires, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right, and the inevitable union is accompanied by fireworks, sulfurous smoke and stars,that's right, they spawn stars in their delight with each other.
If you are looking for sex, or concerned that younger readers might find too much of it here, Harkness handles it very tastefully, and in his love for Diana, Matthew is extraordinarily respectful when it comes to consummating their relationship. There is no lack of fireworks, though. They are a combustible match, and when they get together, there are sparks, literally and figuratively. Matthew is every girl's dream,looks good,smells good, and has knowledge enough to fill an entire set of encyclopedias. Wait until you find out how long he has been around!
What I really enjoyed about the book was that Harkness clearly did her research, based on the historical and scientific. Nothing too heavy though. It is always easy to understand, and that is a good thing as much of their dilemma is based on the role that science plays in Diana's physical make-up.
The best part of the book is that there is a sequel. Yes, Shadow of Night comes out in the summer of 2012! I don't know if I can wait that long. For those of you who enjoyed Twilight I think this book is far better.
I enjoyed this book and if this is the kind of book you normally enjoy,you will too. Harkness has a talent for creating characters you love, and love to hate. Her main characters are fully fleshed out and the reader becomes invested in their welfare. Will the relationship between Diana and Matthew survive the many hazards they face? The relationship between Diana, a witch, and Matthew, a vampire, is frowned upon by witches,vampires and daemons, the otherwordly characters that Harkness introduces her readers to in A Discovery of Witches. But the path of true love is never easy, especially for lovers whose very differences draw them together. Diana has been in an ongoing battle with her witchy side all her life. She wants her accomplishments recognized in terms of her hard work, not her ability to cast spells. But as much as she tries to resist, she is unable to resist the overwhelming pull of her destiny. Matthew Clairmont, from a long line of vampires, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right, and the inevitable union is accompanied by fireworks, sulfurous smoke and stars,that's right, they spawn stars in their delight with each other.
If you are looking for sex, or concerned that younger readers might find too much of it here, Harkness handles it very tastefully, and in his love for Diana, Matthew is extraordinarily respectful when it comes to consummating their relationship. There is no lack of fireworks, though. They are a combustible match, and when they get together, there are sparks, literally and figuratively. Matthew is every girl's dream,looks good,smells good, and has knowledge enough to fill an entire set of encyclopedias. Wait until you find out how long he has been around!
What I really enjoyed about the book was that Harkness clearly did her research, based on the historical and scientific. Nothing too heavy though. It is always easy to understand, and that is a good thing as much of their dilemma is based on the role that science plays in Diana's physical make-up.
The best part of the book is that there is a sequel. Yes, Shadow of Night comes out in the summer of 2012! I don't know if I can wait that long. For those of you who enjoyed Twilight I think this book is far better.
18mmignano11
#8 Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
19mmignano11
# 9 Knit Two by Kate Jacobs- on audiobook-sequel to The Friday Night Knitting Club-
Five years after the end of Friday Night Knitting Club finds Dakota Walker a freshman at NYU and the yarn store being run by the members of the FNKC, Catherine,Darwin,Anita,Perry Lucie ,Marty and James return for this sequel. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It was good to see the issues for the characters resolved and to have the same sort of motherly advice running throughout the book. One gets the feeling that they are receiving kindly advice from a mother or big sister, and as the characters learn life lessons the reader can learn something as well. I did listen to this on audiobook and I would suggest listening to it to anybody interested as well, though it would probably be a good read, I felt it dragged in some places and it was easier to take in audiobook form than if I had been reading it. I find that problem with 90% of the books I read. There is always a spot where the author could have cut a considerable amount from the book and I wonder the editor didn't see that. Maybe that is why I am not an editor?
Five years after the end of Friday Night Knitting Club finds Dakota Walker a freshman at NYU and the yarn store being run by the members of the FNKC, Catherine,Darwin,Anita,Perry Lucie ,Marty and James return for this sequel. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It was good to see the issues for the characters resolved and to have the same sort of motherly advice running throughout the book. One gets the feeling that they are receiving kindly advice from a mother or big sister, and as the characters learn life lessons the reader can learn something as well. I did listen to this on audiobook and I would suggest listening to it to anybody interested as well, though it would probably be a good read, I felt it dragged in some places and it was easier to take in audiobook form than if I had been reading it. I find that problem with 90% of the books I read. There is always a spot where the author could have cut a considerable amount from the book and I wonder the editor didn't see that. Maybe that is why I am not an editor?
20mmignano11
#10 The Red Queen, A Novel The Cousin's War by Phillipa Gregory
I have heard it said (or written) by scholars of history that Phillipa Gregory distorts history sometimes in the interest of dramatizing events. Not being a scholar of history, I can't be sure, but she IS certainly a prolific author of historical fiction. I have listened to many of her novels on audiobook.
The Red Queen is one of the saddest novels. While many of her books focus on traumatic events in England's history, they fluctuate between joyous occasions in the characters lives, and occasions of sadness and mourning. Just like real life, if you ask me. The Red Queen focuses primarily on the trials of Margaret of Lancaster, who believed her sole purpose in life is to put her son on the English throne.Her life is determined by the political machinations of the people closest to the Royal Family, maneuvering for positions of power. Her 1st and 2nd husbands, both arranged marriages, are lost to the brutalities of war. Neither of these marriages, facilitated by her controlling, manipulative mother, brought her any happiness, with the exception of the birth of her son, Henry. Her joy is short-lived however, as Henry spends the majority of his life away from her, in order to keep him safe. As a potential rival to the throne, he lives in exile with his uncle Jasper, Margaret's 1st husband's brother and the only man she has ever truly loved.
Margaret sees herself as divinely appointed by God to put her son on the throne but throughout the novel the House of York prevails requiring her to succumb to their rule and falsely place herself in court, eventually becoming one of the most beloved and trusted of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. She eventually becomes godmother to one of the Princesses. This role in court requires yet a third loveless, passionless marriage, this time to Lord Stanley, under the promise that there will be no more children from this union. They are ultimately a perfect match, as Stanley is a man who keeps a foot in both camps, and thus his head on his shoulders, always protecting his interests while appearing fully invested in whoever is in power at the moment. Margaret can appreciate this approach as she is willing to do anything to see her son on the throne. It is obvious that this is a prescription for disaster.
Fate intervenes time and again to prevent Henry from becoming King, but Margaret never loses faith in God or her belief that her son was born to be King of England.
I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as I listened to this book. I am sure it is close to the truth, and many worthy, intelligent women wasted their lives in bad marriages, trying to manipulate fate that would never allow their most fervent wishes to come to fruition. Margaret's fate is predictable, but I would recommend this book in audio form, as the reader , first name Bianca, is extraordinary, and brings a pathos to the story that literally brought me to tears several times. I can't remember her last name but the audiobook should be easy enough to find.
I have heard it said (or written) by scholars of history that Phillipa Gregory distorts history sometimes in the interest of dramatizing events. Not being a scholar of history, I can't be sure, but she IS certainly a prolific author of historical fiction. I have listened to many of her novels on audiobook.
The Red Queen is one of the saddest novels. While many of her books focus on traumatic events in England's history, they fluctuate between joyous occasions in the characters lives, and occasions of sadness and mourning. Just like real life, if you ask me. The Red Queen focuses primarily on the trials of Margaret of Lancaster, who believed her sole purpose in life is to put her son on the English throne.Her life is determined by the political machinations of the people closest to the Royal Family, maneuvering for positions of power. Her 1st and 2nd husbands, both arranged marriages, are lost to the brutalities of war. Neither of these marriages, facilitated by her controlling, manipulative mother, brought her any happiness, with the exception of the birth of her son, Henry. Her joy is short-lived however, as Henry spends the majority of his life away from her, in order to keep him safe. As a potential rival to the throne, he lives in exile with his uncle Jasper, Margaret's 1st husband's brother and the only man she has ever truly loved.
Margaret sees herself as divinely appointed by God to put her son on the throne but throughout the novel the House of York prevails requiring her to succumb to their rule and falsely place herself in court, eventually becoming one of the most beloved and trusted of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. She eventually becomes godmother to one of the Princesses. This role in court requires yet a third loveless, passionless marriage, this time to Lord Stanley, under the promise that there will be no more children from this union. They are ultimately a perfect match, as Stanley is a man who keeps a foot in both camps, and thus his head on his shoulders, always protecting his interests while appearing fully invested in whoever is in power at the moment. Margaret can appreciate this approach as she is willing to do anything to see her son on the throne. It is obvious that this is a prescription for disaster.
Fate intervenes time and again to prevent Henry from becoming King, but Margaret never loses faith in God or her belief that her son was born to be King of England.
I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as I listened to this book. I am sure it is close to the truth, and many worthy, intelligent women wasted their lives in bad marriages, trying to manipulate fate that would never allow their most fervent wishes to come to fruition. Margaret's fate is predictable, but I would recommend this book in audio form, as the reader , first name Bianca, is extraordinary, and brings a pathos to the story that literally brought me to tears several times. I can't remember her last name but the audiobook should be easy enough to find.
21mmignano11
#11-Burnt Mountain- by Anne Rivers Siddons-
Summary-Thayer Wentworth is a tomboy, growing up in a family that depends on feminine wiles, appearances and making a "good marriage". Her relationship with her mother is strained, so she relies on her relationship with her grandmother, "Grand" to help her through the tough times we all face growing up. As a young girl, at summer camp, Thayer meets, Nick Abrams, whom she considers the love of her life. However, they are soon parted after entangling themselves in circumstances that come back to haunt Thayer later in life. Eventually, at a local college,Thayer meets and subsequently marries Aengus O'Neill, a professor and himself a student of Irish and Celtic Folklore. At this point Rivers Siddons does some of the best writing in the book, and some of the worst. Much of her character building, while interesting is not believable, unusual for her. So while I was intrigued by the possibilities the characters had before them, it was with a sense of disbelief that I approached the CD player. And I think the fact that I listened to the book, rather than read it, kept me listening till the end. Rivers Siddons has proved again and again that she can turn out a good book, so I persisted even when there were obvious editorial errors, in timing of the plot specifically. Having said that I did enjoy the suspense that begins to develop around Thayer's relationship with Aengus. Summer camp again begins to play an important part in Thayer's life, and that eerie feeling the reader has when Thayer talks about Burnt Mountain begins to make sense. Nick Abrams makes another appearance and there is a climactic ending that comes across especially well in audio book form.
Burnt Mountain is written in Rivers Siddons customary eloquent style, urging the reader along with irresistible prose, creating characters we care about. Her characters lives evolve into the stories that are guaranteed to haunt us long after we are done reading, a hallmark of an excellent writer, IMHO.
One factor that makes her novels stand out is in the development of the plot.While the first part of the novel relates the background of the characters lives, Siddon's special ability lies in throwing a twist into the plot of an otherwise well-told but not unconventional story. Suddenly, we find ourselves not only wondering just when it all changed but how the author managed to pull the different facets of the story together to accomplish this gradual but decisive move. Now, the characters are faced with a dilemma.
I enjoy Rivers Siddons' skill and style but mostly I like that the climax of her books grab the reader without ringing false. A lesser writer would fall short at the attempt. Reaching for an exciting climax can appear stilted. Our lives don't play out that way. If they did we wouldn't have to read. Rivers Siddons gives us characters whose lives while believable conspire to intrigue us, managing to create a story and ending that defies the banal by being unusual and suspenseful.
Having said all of this about Anne Rivers Siddons writing, I do feel that Burnt Mountain is not one of her best novels, to date, but she has more than made up for that in her prior books, any of which I would recommend.
Summary-Thayer Wentworth is a tomboy, growing up in a family that depends on feminine wiles, appearances and making a "good marriage". Her relationship with her mother is strained, so she relies on her relationship with her grandmother, "Grand" to help her through the tough times we all face growing up. As a young girl, at summer camp, Thayer meets, Nick Abrams, whom she considers the love of her life. However, they are soon parted after entangling themselves in circumstances that come back to haunt Thayer later in life. Eventually, at a local college,Thayer meets and subsequently marries Aengus O'Neill, a professor and himself a student of Irish and Celtic Folklore. At this point Rivers Siddons does some of the best writing in the book, and some of the worst. Much of her character building, while interesting is not believable, unusual for her. So while I was intrigued by the possibilities the characters had before them, it was with a sense of disbelief that I approached the CD player. And I think the fact that I listened to the book, rather than read it, kept me listening till the end. Rivers Siddons has proved again and again that she can turn out a good book, so I persisted even when there were obvious editorial errors, in timing of the plot specifically. Having said that I did enjoy the suspense that begins to develop around Thayer's relationship with Aengus. Summer camp again begins to play an important part in Thayer's life, and that eerie feeling the reader has when Thayer talks about Burnt Mountain begins to make sense. Nick Abrams makes another appearance and there is a climactic ending that comes across especially well in audio book form.
Burnt Mountain is written in Rivers Siddons customary eloquent style, urging the reader along with irresistible prose, creating characters we care about. Her characters lives evolve into the stories that are guaranteed to haunt us long after we are done reading, a hallmark of an excellent writer, IMHO.
One factor that makes her novels stand out is in the development of the plot.While the first part of the novel relates the background of the characters lives, Siddon's special ability lies in throwing a twist into the plot of an otherwise well-told but not unconventional story. Suddenly, we find ourselves not only wondering just when it all changed but how the author managed to pull the different facets of the story together to accomplish this gradual but decisive move. Now, the characters are faced with a dilemma.
I enjoy Rivers Siddons' skill and style but mostly I like that the climax of her books grab the reader without ringing false. A lesser writer would fall short at the attempt. Reaching for an exciting climax can appear stilted. Our lives don't play out that way. If they did we wouldn't have to read. Rivers Siddons gives us characters whose lives while believable conspire to intrigue us, managing to create a story and ending that defies the banal by being unusual and suspenseful.
Having said all of this about Anne Rivers Siddons writing, I do feel that Burnt Mountain is not one of her best novels, to date, but she has more than made up for that in her prior books, any of which I would recommend.
22sandykaypax
I think I have The Island at home somewhere...I've read 3 books by Elin Hilderbrand: The Beach Club, Barefoot, and Silver Girl. It seems as though all of her books are set on Nantucket...which is a nice comfort read escape.
Sandy K
Sandy K
23mmignano11
They are all set on Nantucket. What I found interesting about the book was she really develops her characters and makes them unlikeable if she has to, she is not afraid to show the more unattractive side of people in order to move the story along, and let's face it, we all have some not so pretty moments. But she points out the thought processes a person has to go through to work through the rough patches. And even family relationships aren't smooth-sailing all the time.
24sandykaypax
I agree, she creates very believable characters. There is a scene in Silver Girl where one of the characters has too much to drink, and Hilderbrand doesn't shy away from showing the unattractive bits.
Sandy K
Sandy K
25mmignano11
My 18 and 23 year old daughters can read them also. Good clean messes. I did find myself getting frustrated with the mother when she butted in if the sisters were fighting. Let them have at it I say! They can figure out the solution for themselves, they don't need a referree. I think the author is a bit of a control freak and plays it out in her books! These are rather light fare for me, but I need a break from the heavier stuff once in a while. I'll be reading some Agatha Christie to change up a little. And some short stories.
26sandykaypax
I have to admit, I am not a short story fan...but I am a fan of Agatha Christie! I like to read a mystery to cleanse the palate once in a while!
You know, your comment got me thinking about my own sisters--I don't ever remember my mother butting in to settle a disagreement. Not that we had that many, but my mom was definitely of the "work it out yourselves" school. I think that's a good thing.
Sandy K
You know, your comment got me thinking about my own sisters--I don't ever remember my mother butting in to settle a disagreement. Not that we had that many, but my mom was definitely of the "work it out yourselves" school. I think that's a good thing.
Sandy K
27VioletBramble
Hi Mary Beth! The Joanna O'Neill books sound good. I'm adding them to the wish list.
Did you like Storm of Swords?
Did you like Storm of Swords?
28mmignano11
The O'Neill books are good, and quick reads and I like the fact that the last one was the best! I am still finishing Storm of Swords. Its a big'un! I took several breaks as I read the series because I get bored, not because the book isn't good but I just need a new subject or style. I have truly enjoyed each book of the series. Storm... Is bringing lots of things to a head that happened in book one and two. I would recommend it Martin is a very thorough writer.
29mmignano11
Sandyk-I couldn't help but be annoyed by Birdie, the mother because she couldn't help from interfering and she didn't really know what her daughters wanted! Tate, also is a bit of a spoiled brat. I think I enjoy getting exasperated at characters, though as there is no aftermath to deal with!=)
30Whisper1
Hi Mary Beth
In Cold Blood is quite an incredible book. I'm fascinated by the life of Truman Capote. As you may know, he was the childhood friend of Harper Lee who wrote the Pultizer Prize winning To Kill a Mockingbird. The character Dill in Harper's book was based on Truman.
Harper Lee traveled with Truman to Kansas and helped pave the way for much of the informational gathering.
Sadly, when she won the Pulitzer, his mean spiritness came to the forefront. While it is believed she may have helped him a great deal in writing his book, he was the one who wrongfully took credit for helping write her book.
In his later life, his insecurities did him in.
Thanks also for your excellent comments about Mrs. Tom Thumb. This book is long on my tbr pile and after reading your review, I must move it up closer to the top.
All the best,
Linda
In Cold Blood is quite an incredible book. I'm fascinated by the life of Truman Capote. As you may know, he was the childhood friend of Harper Lee who wrote the Pultizer Prize winning To Kill a Mockingbird. The character Dill in Harper's book was based on Truman.
Harper Lee traveled with Truman to Kansas and helped pave the way for much of the informational gathering.
Sadly, when she won the Pulitzer, his mean spiritness came to the forefront. While it is believed she may have helped him a great deal in writing his book, he was the one who wrongfully took credit for helping write her book.
In his later life, his insecurities did him in.
Thanks also for your excellent comments about Mrs. Tom Thumb. This book is long on my tbr pile and after reading your review, I must move it up closer to the top.
All the best,
Linda
31mmignano11
I'm anxious to begin reading the biography I have called Capote. So much depends on the biographer, though, and if you aren't privy to information on how well-lauded or recognized the biographer is you take the chance of reading lots of false information, or simply poorly researched. I did not know those things about Truman and Harper Lee. Thanks for filling me in. Imagine having to interview those guys! I think it was rumored that Truman Capote got a bit too close with one of them, but I'm sure I will find this covered in his bio. Mrs Tom Thumb was an enjoyable read, but I suggest googling some info on her real life story since this is more of a novelized account of her life. Her real life was interesting enough!
32sibylline
I'm listening to a book by David McCullough about Americans in Paris in the 19th century The Greater Journey and he mentioned General Tom Thumb and P.T. Barnum -- he was a sensation in Paris. (This was before he married.)
33mmignano11
#12-One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber-
Debbie Macomber, a familiar name in women's fiction has more than 140 million copies of her books in print.Her books have been translated into 23 languages. This book is not her first foray into non-fiction or Christian literature. In it's own way, this could be considered a self-help book.Within, she suggests choosing a word through prayer and contemplation and spending an entire year learning about and experiencing the word. She relates her won experiences over many years of choosing a word to focus on.
She puts it on rocks in her garden, embroidrs it on pillows. puts it on bookmarks and in this way will contemplate it every time she comes across it. This is a quick read and gives the reader much to think about in terms of what is important in our everyday life and relationship with God.
Debbie Macomber, a familiar name in women's fiction has more than 140 million copies of her books in print.Her books have been translated into 23 languages. This book is not her first foray into non-fiction or Christian literature. In it's own way, this could be considered a self-help book.Within, she suggests choosing a word through prayer and contemplation and spending an entire year learning about and experiencing the word. She relates her won experiences over many years of choosing a word to focus on.
She puts it on rocks in her garden, embroidrs it on pillows. puts it on bookmarks and in this way will contemplate it every time she comes across it. This is a quick read and gives the reader much to think about in terms of what is important in our everyday life and relationship with God.
34mmignano11
#13-The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
35mmignano11
#14-The Island by Victoria Hislop
This is a book filled with much sadness but also with much joy. Through the telling of this story we discover how people react when they are faced with the fragile balance between love and hate, forgiveness and the burden of regret.
On the Cretan island of Plaka, many families have been touched by the spectre of leprosy. It hovers over the island, filling the inhabitants with dread, bringing out caring and love in many, fear and loathing in others. Lepers beset by the disease on Plaka or or other nearby islands, are sent to the island of Spinalonga, always within sight of Plaka, but a world unto itself. There always seems to be two stories going on, but connected in some way to the other.
The story begins when Alexis goes to Plaka to uncover her mother's past. What she discovers both shocks her and determines her future.
What I enjoyed most about "The Island" was the very unique writing style of the author. One of the few drawbacks to reading constantly is finding that so many authors write in styles similar to another author. It is always a joy to discover an author whose style "stands out". Hislop's empathetic prose does not interfere with the telling of the story, but rather adds to the sense of realism. The reader feels as though they are experiencing the heartbreak of the patient suffering from leprosy or a family member losing their loved one as the "patient" goes to live on the lepers island. They are so close and yet so far away on Spinalonga. The inhabitants of the lepers island set up their own government and public works, have their own elections and try with what little they have to make the island their "home".
In another example of the choices that life constantly offers us, a relationship develops between one of the doctors and a patient. This development is unusual because there is rarely any kind of commitment between lepers and those free of the disease because of the impossibility of a future together. But "The Island " is one of those rare books that reminds us of the balance between hope and despair and revealed through dire circumstances, that life offers us if we dare to embrace the opportunity.
I recommend this as a quick read-473 pages-of great depth and good writing.
This is a book filled with much sadness but also with much joy. Through the telling of this story we discover how people react when they are faced with the fragile balance between love and hate, forgiveness and the burden of regret.
On the Cretan island of Plaka, many families have been touched by the spectre of leprosy. It hovers over the island, filling the inhabitants with dread, bringing out caring and love in many, fear and loathing in others. Lepers beset by the disease on Plaka or or other nearby islands, are sent to the island of Spinalonga, always within sight of Plaka, but a world unto itself. There always seems to be two stories going on, but connected in some way to the other.
The story begins when Alexis goes to Plaka to uncover her mother's past. What she discovers both shocks her and determines her future.
What I enjoyed most about "The Island" was the very unique writing style of the author. One of the few drawbacks to reading constantly is finding that so many authors write in styles similar to another author. It is always a joy to discover an author whose style "stands out". Hislop's empathetic prose does not interfere with the telling of the story, but rather adds to the sense of realism. The reader feels as though they are experiencing the heartbreak of the patient suffering from leprosy or a family member losing their loved one as the "patient" goes to live on the lepers island. They are so close and yet so far away on Spinalonga. The inhabitants of the lepers island set up their own government and public works, have their own elections and try with what little they have to make the island their "home".
In another example of the choices that life constantly offers us, a relationship develops between one of the doctors and a patient. This development is unusual because there is rarely any kind of commitment between lepers and those free of the disease because of the impossibility of a future together. But "The Island " is one of those rare books that reminds us of the balance between hope and despair and revealed through dire circumstances, that life offers us if we dare to embrace the opportunity.
I recommend this as a quick read-473 pages-of great depth and good writing.
36mmignano11
#15-Crimes By Moonlight by Charlaine Harris and others
37mmignano11
#16-Aging As a Spiritual Practice-
Although Richmond's book approaches aging through a Buddhist's viewpoint, I never felt constricted by that. Rather, this is a user-friendly exploration of the familiar aspects of aging that most people find frightening. Richmond wants his readers to regard their death and the preceding one or two decades in a way that is foreign to Western thinkers. For most of us, it is the prelude to death that frightens us. The aspects of aging such as loss of memory, agility and control of bodily functions become of primary concern. They all signal loss of control of one's existence, independence and identity.
The reality we face as we age is not just the need to confront the changes in our lives, but to face the fact of what Richmond defines as "Irreversible change-for better or worse". It is change in which "there is no going back".
Having recognized that irreversible change is happening to us as we age, we then begin to become aware of and recognize or "truly wake up" to our aging. Richmond refers to this as "Lightning Strikes". Now, he says, we have reached a "tipping point," where we begin to see things as they actually are. Now we can begin to "pay attention". And as we do, we can begin our spiritual life. We can begin to enjoy, focus and reflect on the assets and skills that come with aging. Richmond sees the reader through reviewing their life and encourages a positive assessment of who we are, on a deeper level than we have yet explored.
In addition to the mental exercises, Richmond writes about various activities such as mindfulness of breath, spending time in nature and planning a day away from home and all the old routines. Pick a place, prepare and enjoy. I think my review reveals that there is nothing to be frightened of in Richmond's book, in terms of having religious beliefs thrown at us, or forced down our throats. This is a very gentle approach to a subject that is gracefully handled. Not only is the advice sound, but the writing is artful, in that his stories are entertaining, and they make the point. They are interspersed throughout the book, preventing it from being the pedantic, run-of-the-mill book that we often see in the self-help genre. I highly recommend Lewis Richmond's book, Aging As A Spiritual Practice and look forward to passing it on to a friend.
Although Richmond's book approaches aging through a Buddhist's viewpoint, I never felt constricted by that. Rather, this is a user-friendly exploration of the familiar aspects of aging that most people find frightening. Richmond wants his readers to regard their death and the preceding one or two decades in a way that is foreign to Western thinkers. For most of us, it is the prelude to death that frightens us. The aspects of aging such as loss of memory, agility and control of bodily functions become of primary concern. They all signal loss of control of one's existence, independence and identity.
The reality we face as we age is not just the need to confront the changes in our lives, but to face the fact of what Richmond defines as "Irreversible change-for better or worse". It is change in which "there is no going back".
Having recognized that irreversible change is happening to us as we age, we then begin to become aware of and recognize or "truly wake up" to our aging. Richmond refers to this as "Lightning Strikes". Now, he says, we have reached a "tipping point," where we begin to see things as they actually are. Now we can begin to "pay attention". And as we do, we can begin our spiritual life. We can begin to enjoy, focus and reflect on the assets and skills that come with aging. Richmond sees the reader through reviewing their life and encourages a positive assessment of who we are, on a deeper level than we have yet explored.
In addition to the mental exercises, Richmond writes about various activities such as mindfulness of breath, spending time in nature and planning a day away from home and all the old routines. Pick a place, prepare and enjoy. I think my review reveals that there is nothing to be frightened of in Richmond's book, in terms of having religious beliefs thrown at us, or forced down our throats. This is a very gentle approach to a subject that is gracefully handled. Not only is the advice sound, but the writing is artful, in that his stories are entertaining, and they make the point. They are interspersed throughout the book, preventing it from being the pedantic, run-of-the-mill book that we often see in the self-help genre. I highly recommend Lewis Richmond's book, Aging As A Spiritual Practice and look forward to passing it on to a friend.
38mmignano11
#10-The Red Queen by Phillipa Gregory-Audiobook-The Review
I have heard it said (or written) by scholars of history, that Phillipa Gregory distorts history sometimes in the interest of dramatizing the events in her novels. Not being a scholar of history myself, I can't be sure but she is certainly a prolific author of historical fiction. I have listened to many of her novels on audiobook.
The Red Queen is one of the saddest novels she has written. While many of the novels focus naturally on traumatic world changing events in our history, or most often, England's history, they fluctuate between joyous occasions and occasions of sadness and mourning. This novel focuses primarily on the trials experienced by Margaret of Lancaster, whose sole purpose in life is to put her son on the English throne. Her life is determined by the political machinations of the people maneuvering for posiions of power closest to the royal family. She loses her first husband to war, as well as her 2nd husband,
Both are arranged marriages at the hands of her mother, neither of which brought her any happiness, except for the birth of her son, Henry. Most of his life is spent away from her,though, in order to keep him safe as a potential rival to the throne., he lives in exile with his uncle Jasper, the only man Margaret has ever loved, despite his being her husband's brother.
The reader of the audiobook, Bianca ? is one of my favorite readers. Her voice as the young Margaret is filled with pathos, and as the older Margaret, is filled with bitterness and regret. Margaret sees herself as divinely appointed by God to put her son on the throne, but throughout the novel, the House of York prevails, requiring her to succumb to their rule and falsely place herself in court as one of the most beloved of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. She even becomes godmother to one of the Princesses. This role in Court requires yet a third loveless, passionless marriage, this time to Lord Stanley, under the promise there will be no children from this union.They are a perfect match, though, as Stanley is a man who keeps a "foot in both camps always", protecting his interests while appearing fully invested in whoever is in power at the moment. Margaret can appreaciate this approach as she is willing to do anything to see her son on the throne.
Fate intervenes time and again to prevent Henry from becoming King, but Margaret never gives up, nor does she lose her faith in God, who she believes wants the same things for her son that she does. She longs to be called,"My Lady, the King's mother, and to sign herself Margaret Regina.
I have heard it said (or written) by scholars of history, that Phillipa Gregory distorts history sometimes in the interest of dramatizing the events in her novels. Not being a scholar of history myself, I can't be sure but she is certainly a prolific author of historical fiction. I have listened to many of her novels on audiobook.
The Red Queen is one of the saddest novels she has written. While many of the novels focus naturally on traumatic world changing events in our history, or most often, England's history, they fluctuate between joyous occasions and occasions of sadness and mourning. This novel focuses primarily on the trials experienced by Margaret of Lancaster, whose sole purpose in life is to put her son on the English throne. Her life is determined by the political machinations of the people maneuvering for posiions of power closest to the royal family. She loses her first husband to war, as well as her 2nd husband,
Both are arranged marriages at the hands of her mother, neither of which brought her any happiness, except for the birth of her son, Henry. Most of his life is spent away from her,though, in order to keep him safe as a potential rival to the throne., he lives in exile with his uncle Jasper, the only man Margaret has ever loved, despite his being her husband's brother.
The reader of the audiobook, Bianca ? is one of my favorite readers. Her voice as the young Margaret is filled with pathos, and as the older Margaret, is filled with bitterness and regret. Margaret sees herself as divinely appointed by God to put her son on the throne, but throughout the novel, the House of York prevails, requiring her to succumb to their rule and falsely place herself in court as one of the most beloved of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. She even becomes godmother to one of the Princesses. This role in Court requires yet a third loveless, passionless marriage, this time to Lord Stanley, under the promise there will be no children from this union.They are a perfect match, though, as Stanley is a man who keeps a "foot in both camps always", protecting his interests while appearing fully invested in whoever is in power at the moment. Margaret can appreaciate this approach as she is willing to do anything to see her son on the throne.
Fate intervenes time and again to prevent Henry from becoming King, but Margaret never gives up, nor does she lose her faith in God, who she believes wants the same things for her son that she does. She longs to be called,"My Lady, the King's mother, and to sign herself Margaret Regina.
40mmignano11
#18-Death of A Witch by M.C. Beaton
Hamish Macbeth loves the town of Locdugh but it has caused him some grief in his personal life and relationships, When he finds his sleepy town threatened by seemingly supernatural forces he starts an enuiry that does not make him populat with the townspeople, especially the men. Apparently, a witch has taken up residence in the neighborhood and has begun treating the men to tea and medicine that both beguiles them and causes them to itch in a very private place. While the men don't appreciate his inquiries, Hamish has a crime to solve. He is a serious fellow, but the audiobook has its funny moments, and I recommend it for light entertainment with a twist.
Hamish Macbeth loves the town of Locdugh but it has caused him some grief in his personal life and relationships, When he finds his sleepy town threatened by seemingly supernatural forces he starts an enuiry that does not make him populat with the townspeople, especially the men. Apparently, a witch has taken up residence in the neighborhood and has begun treating the men to tea and medicine that both beguiles them and causes them to itch in a very private place. While the men don't appreciate his inquiries, Hamish has a crime to solve. He is a serious fellow, but the audiobook has its funny moments, and I recommend it for light entertainment with a twist.
41mmignano11
#19-The Silver Chalice by Thomas B. Costain
This novel begins in Antioch, shortly after Christ's death and resurrection. Ambrose, a young boy, is sold after his father's death(a common custom in those days)to make good on his father's debts. It is a difficult transition for a boy who is accustomed to the typical freedom of youth, as well as never giving a thought to how fortunate he was to eat well and have more than decent clothes to wear. After he is purchased as a slave his name is changed to Basil, and he begins to perform as a slave for a silversmith where he learns the trade, masters the art and soon outshines those who taught him. His imagination and talent causes his work to have an aspect that brings life to it. He soon catches the eye of Luke, the apostle, as he is seeking a man of particular talents. Basil is talented, modest and clean living. Luke approaches him and asks him to create the case or the chalice that will hold the silver cup that Christ and his disciples drank from at what would become known as the Last Supper. The design Basil comes up with includes the likenesses of the disciples, and most importantly, that of Christ.
Quickly, it becomes obvious that it is necessary to move Basil, as his greedy older brother seeks to harm him, if only he can discover his whereabouts. He is brought to stay with Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and devout follower of Christ, and the grandfather of the lovely and pious Deborah.
The characters that Basil confronts, those that care for him and those who are his enemies are well-drawn, and form the basis of the book. Without the help of many, Basil would not accomplish his work and thus achieve his destiny. The nefarious characters that wish him ill are equally important in this book. Basil is constantly in a struggle with good and evil, light and dark.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Basil's journey from Antioch to Jerusalem is accomplished only with the help of many others. These characters are both well-developed and believable. Basil's struggle with the relationship that he develops with two beautiful young women (again portraying the struggle between good and evil)is both exciting and revealing. Basil is a young man with the desire to be righteous and at the same time kind. He can feel the tug of desire while himself desiring nothing more than to be recognized by the woman he truly loves.
After looking at some other reviews I realize that they there exists varying opinions on the novel. While I was engrossed in the story, it seems some readers found the writing amateurish and dull. I could not disagree more with that opinion. It is quite a long book,so some parts do tend to drag, but I find that in every book I read there is one if not several passages that could have been edited more closely. Those parts only left me looking forward to the more entertaining parts of the book. If you have ever read any of Taylor Caldwell's historical fiction, it is very similar, in that it takes a long distant past and makes it seem relevant. At the least, I would say to give the book a shot.The beginning dragged a bit, as did a few other parts, but not enough to make me abandon reading. The rest of the book was delightful enough to disregard a few slow passages.
Hugely recommended.
This novel begins in Antioch, shortly after Christ's death and resurrection. Ambrose, a young boy, is sold after his father's death(a common custom in those days)to make good on his father's debts. It is a difficult transition for a boy who is accustomed to the typical freedom of youth, as well as never giving a thought to how fortunate he was to eat well and have more than decent clothes to wear. After he is purchased as a slave his name is changed to Basil, and he begins to perform as a slave for a silversmith where he learns the trade, masters the art and soon outshines those who taught him. His imagination and talent causes his work to have an aspect that brings life to it. He soon catches the eye of Luke, the apostle, as he is seeking a man of particular talents. Basil is talented, modest and clean living. Luke approaches him and asks him to create the case or the chalice that will hold the silver cup that Christ and his disciples drank from at what would become known as the Last Supper. The design Basil comes up with includes the likenesses of the disciples, and most importantly, that of Christ.
Quickly, it becomes obvious that it is necessary to move Basil, as his greedy older brother seeks to harm him, if only he can discover his whereabouts. He is brought to stay with Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and devout follower of Christ, and the grandfather of the lovely and pious Deborah.
The characters that Basil confronts, those that care for him and those who are his enemies are well-drawn, and form the basis of the book. Without the help of many, Basil would not accomplish his work and thus achieve his destiny. The nefarious characters that wish him ill are equally important in this book. Basil is constantly in a struggle with good and evil, light and dark.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Basil's journey from Antioch to Jerusalem is accomplished only with the help of many others. These characters are both well-developed and believable. Basil's struggle with the relationship that he develops with two beautiful young women (again portraying the struggle between good and evil)is both exciting and revealing. Basil is a young man with the desire to be righteous and at the same time kind. He can feel the tug of desire while himself desiring nothing more than to be recognized by the woman he truly loves.
After looking at some other reviews I realize that they there exists varying opinions on the novel. While I was engrossed in the story, it seems some readers found the writing amateurish and dull. I could not disagree more with that opinion. It is quite a long book,so some parts do tend to drag, but I find that in every book I read there is one if not several passages that could have been edited more closely. Those parts only left me looking forward to the more entertaining parts of the book. If you have ever read any of Taylor Caldwell's historical fiction, it is very similar, in that it takes a long distant past and makes it seem relevant. At the least, I would say to give the book a shot.The beginning dragged a bit, as did a few other parts, but not enough to make me abandon reading. The rest of the book was delightful enough to disregard a few slow passages.
Hugely recommended.
42mmignano11
#20-The Dogs of Bedlam Farm-by Jon Katz-
You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate this book by Jon Katz. Because although this is a book about the dogs in Jon's life, it is also about his life and his search for a means of becoming the person he wants to be. Katzs' search for insight gives the reader perspective into what is required of us as we attempt to become a useful, participating player in our own lives. Many of his moments of awareness begin when he is working with one of his beloved border collies, but he also benefits from relationships with his helpful neighbors and his sister who he sees for the first time in years in the course of writing this book.
I enjoyed this book so much I plan to read the others he has written. His need to become the best person he can be is given a jump-start in the course of caring for his dogs. He recognizes that in order to keep them he needs to develop patience, tolerance and understanding. The dogs don't respond in positive ways when he is impatient with them. He feels responsible not only for their physical well-being but also for their lives as well-adjusted dogs, capable of enjoying their lives, and returning the love they are given. Border Collies have a high work drive and if kept strictly as pets they become destructive. They must be given a purpose and kept motivated, which includes exercising them daily. Herding is an instinct Border Collies have in spades, they will herd a refrigerator if that is their only choice. If an owner is not prepared to understand their particular breed's needs they may find themselves unprepared to care for the dog. Jon Katz knew what he was getting into when he took on his Border Collies and he purchased a farm to fulfill those needs. It was not the answer to all his problems, of course, the dogs still needed training, mostly Jon needed training. That is what this book is about. He puts himself in a position that is entirely new to him, for love of his dogs. I recommend this book. It is well-written and pulls at the heart strings if you love animals, if you don't it may help you discover a soft spot in your heart for dogs after all. If you do, there are millions of dogs in shelters just waiting to fit into some owner's life. Just research the breed you are interested in and be sure it is the dog for you. Who knows maybe one day you will be writing a book about your experience with your much loved dog.
You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate this book by Jon Katz. Because although this is a book about the dogs in Jon's life, it is also about his life and his search for a means of becoming the person he wants to be. Katzs' search for insight gives the reader perspective into what is required of us as we attempt to become a useful, participating player in our own lives. Many of his moments of awareness begin when he is working with one of his beloved border collies, but he also benefits from relationships with his helpful neighbors and his sister who he sees for the first time in years in the course of writing this book.
I enjoyed this book so much I plan to read the others he has written. His need to become the best person he can be is given a jump-start in the course of caring for his dogs. He recognizes that in order to keep them he needs to develop patience, tolerance and understanding. The dogs don't respond in positive ways when he is impatient with them. He feels responsible not only for their physical well-being but also for their lives as well-adjusted dogs, capable of enjoying their lives, and returning the love they are given. Border Collies have a high work drive and if kept strictly as pets they become destructive. They must be given a purpose and kept motivated, which includes exercising them daily. Herding is an instinct Border Collies have in spades, they will herd a refrigerator if that is their only choice. If an owner is not prepared to understand their particular breed's needs they may find themselves unprepared to care for the dog. Jon Katz knew what he was getting into when he took on his Border Collies and he purchased a farm to fulfill those needs. It was not the answer to all his problems, of course, the dogs still needed training, mostly Jon needed training. That is what this book is about. He puts himself in a position that is entirely new to him, for love of his dogs. I recommend this book. It is well-written and pulls at the heart strings if you love animals, if you don't it may help you discover a soft spot in your heart for dogs after all. If you do, there are millions of dogs in shelters just waiting to fit into some owner's life. Just research the breed you are interested in and be sure it is the dog for you. Who knows maybe one day you will be writing a book about your experience with your much loved dog.
43mmignano11
#21-The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
44mmignano11
#22-The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie-
This is a Tommy and Tuppence story, the first of its kind. One of Christie's early stories, it is fast-paced in terms of its dialogue. The book counts on its dialogue to move it along. Some of the language is difficult to understand because the terminology is unusual. First, its British, second it is from an era that is not familiar to readers in 2012. I'm not sure I would consider this as one of my favorites. I will plod along though and see how her writing develops. Still, it is very professionally done for one of her early books. I did guess who the villian was though.
This is a Tommy and Tuppence story, the first of its kind. One of Christie's early stories, it is fast-paced in terms of its dialogue. The book counts on its dialogue to move it along. Some of the language is difficult to understand because the terminology is unusual. First, its British, second it is from an era that is not familiar to readers in 2012. I'm not sure I would consider this as one of my favorites. I will plod along though and see how her writing develops. Still, it is very professionally done for one of her early books. I did guess who the villian was though.
45mmignano11
#23-The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice-audiobook-narrated by Ron McClarty
Leave it to Anne Rice to put a new spin on an old classic. Rice's werewolf or morphenkinter is a gentle, sensitive creature with the capacity to use reason although strongly influenced by animalistic drives and urges. The transformation is given a different bent. Rice's werewolf experiences waves of sensation that borders on the orgasmic. No inhuman shrieks or rending of clothes here. But the writer needs a dilemma for their main character to ponder so Ruben struggles with his God-like ability to hear and locate society's dregs, and then punish them for their evil tendencies. And just when Ruben begins to feel most alone, he discovers the werewolves equivalent to a pack.
While I enjoyed the premise and the variety of interesting and well-developed characters in this story, much of the story tended to go on for too long. Rice's settings are picturesque and evocative and the dialogue of the characters as they ponder their current situation is thought-provoking and relevant. I just wish her editors were a bit more diligent. Rice tends to ramble and like Stephen King, she is brilliant but perhaps writing allows them to escape their own world and they find it difficult to come back to reality.I recommend listening to the audiobook to avoid the issue of the author's rambling, as it isn't so evident when one is being read to, and Ron McCLarty gives a fantastic performance.
Leave it to Anne Rice to put a new spin on an old classic. Rice's werewolf or morphenkinter is a gentle, sensitive creature with the capacity to use reason although strongly influenced by animalistic drives and urges. The transformation is given a different bent. Rice's werewolf experiences waves of sensation that borders on the orgasmic. No inhuman shrieks or rending of clothes here. But the writer needs a dilemma for their main character to ponder so Ruben struggles with his God-like ability to hear and locate society's dregs, and then punish them for their evil tendencies. And just when Ruben begins to feel most alone, he discovers the werewolves equivalent to a pack.
While I enjoyed the premise and the variety of interesting and well-developed characters in this story, much of the story tended to go on for too long. Rice's settings are picturesque and evocative and the dialogue of the characters as they ponder their current situation is thought-provoking and relevant. I just wish her editors were a bit more diligent. Rice tends to ramble and like Stephen King, she is brilliant but perhaps writing allows them to escape their own world and they find it difficult to come back to reality.I recommend listening to the audiobook to avoid the issue of the author's rambling, as it isn't so evident when one is being read to, and Ron McCLarty gives a fantastic performance.
46mmignano11
#24-Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller-
If you are considering reading a memoir, or often do, don't miss this one. Alexandra Fuller writes in her own distinctive style. She appears, at first, an unreliable narrator, as she writes in the voice of a child. She is awkward, blundering and naive. But, if anything, this allows her observations to be full of the truth of her innocence. She reports what she sees; she doesn't understand the behavior she witnesses, although she tries. Her family has chosen a difficult life, in an inhospitable land. At first, it is impossible for the reader to understand the draw Africa has for her parents. The indescribable land and weather and dangerous political climate would be enough to dissuade one from choosing a life there. Instead, her parents choose a dangerous location during a time of political unrest. There is risk involved in simply riding on the roads as they are peppered with land mines remaining from prior conflicts. It is difficult to make anything grow with drought descending on the land. Constant assaults by insects and the more dangerous large animals does not dissuade the Fullers from living here. So, their love for Africa transcends the hazards for them. They still are molded by their environment into tough ,resilient people. It is the human hazards that create the harshest punishments though. Nicola Fuller, Alexandra's mother, is deeply affected by the loss of her babies. This more than anything determines the ups and downs emotionally and otherwise of the Fullers.
I will return to finish this review and others.
If you are considering reading a memoir, or often do, don't miss this one. Alexandra Fuller writes in her own distinctive style. She appears, at first, an unreliable narrator, as she writes in the voice of a child. She is awkward, blundering and naive. But, if anything, this allows her observations to be full of the truth of her innocence. She reports what she sees; she doesn't understand the behavior she witnesses, although she tries. Her family has chosen a difficult life, in an inhospitable land. At first, it is impossible for the reader to understand the draw Africa has for her parents. The indescribable land and weather and dangerous political climate would be enough to dissuade one from choosing a life there. Instead, her parents choose a dangerous location during a time of political unrest. There is risk involved in simply riding on the roads as they are peppered with land mines remaining from prior conflicts. It is difficult to make anything grow with drought descending on the land. Constant assaults by insects and the more dangerous large animals does not dissuade the Fullers from living here. So, their love for Africa transcends the hazards for them. They still are molded by their environment into tough ,resilient people. It is the human hazards that create the harshest punishments though. Nicola Fuller, Alexandra's mother, is deeply affected by the loss of her babies. This more than anything determines the ups and downs emotionally and otherwise of the Fullers.
I will return to finish this review and others.
47mmignano11
#25-Cocktail Hour Under The Tree of Forgetfulness by Alexandra Fuller-This is a follow-up to "Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight" and has some of the same stories. The stories are told with more of Alexandra's mother's involvement though. What strikes the reader is the difficult life Nicola and her husband have chosen, and the can-do attitude they adopt to survive the harsh conditions and many perils they face. While "Dogs... details the loss of several children while still infants or toddlers, "Cocktails..." doesn't dwell on that but seems to focus on Nicola's struggle with the deep depression that those losses and the constant struggle for survival causes to surface now and then. Her children are affected by her vulnerability as they look to their parents for reassurance and strength in this inhospitable land. But they seem to develop their own thick skin when Nicola is floundering, so this book is as much Bo and Van's book as Nicola's. I highly recommend this quick read but suggest reading "Don't..." first as it has more details about their life and helps to set the stage for "Cocktails..."
48mmignano11
#26-Angel On The Roof: The Stories of Russell Banks by Russell Banks-
Banks tops the list of my favorite writers. Every story in this collection was unique and surprising, not in a purposely shocking sort of way, but in a unique, creative and perceptive way. While Banks is known as a novelist, he is a master at the short form. While he writesfrom a distinctly male point-of-view, his stories do not lack empathy.
In Angel On The Roof he writes about lives of loneliness and desperation, the action taking place in a trailer park. Banks often explores the relationship between father and son. Most of his characters appear in several stories, giving "Angel..." a sense of continuity. His male characters tend to be oblivious, but we care about them. In "Fisherman", an old ice fisherman stashes away his $50,000.00 lottery winnings, causing the inhabitants of the trailer park to reveal their true natures as they vie for his largesse. Throughout these stories we experience a landscape deeply lived in, and lives that, because they will not respond to change or grow, are faced with a grim future. Most important are the relationships we uncover through Banks powerful writing. They remain the focus of the collection, gleaned from over 25 years of Banks best short writing. Hugely recommended.
Banks tops the list of my favorite writers. Every story in this collection was unique and surprising, not in a purposely shocking sort of way, but in a unique, creative and perceptive way. While Banks is known as a novelist, he is a master at the short form. While he writesfrom a distinctly male point-of-view, his stories do not lack empathy.
In Angel On The Roof he writes about lives of loneliness and desperation, the action taking place in a trailer park. Banks often explores the relationship between father and son. Most of his characters appear in several stories, giving "Angel..." a sense of continuity. His male characters tend to be oblivious, but we care about them. In "Fisherman", an old ice fisherman stashes away his $50,000.00 lottery winnings, causing the inhabitants of the trailer park to reveal their true natures as they vie for his largesse. Throughout these stories we experience a landscape deeply lived in, and lives that, because they will not respond to change or grow, are faced with a grim future. Most important are the relationships we uncover through Banks powerful writing. They remain the focus of the collection, gleaned from over 25 years of Banks best short writing. Hugely recommended.
49mmignano11
#27-Web of Evil by J. A. Jance-
I enjoyed Web of Evil on audiobook. The narrator was quite talented and capable of getting across the personality of each of the characters by intonation and slight changes to each voice to distinguish age and gender. The main character, Ali, having lost her job as a news reporter, is maintaining a popular blog, Cut Loose, chronicling her life, when her soon-to-be ex husband is cruelly murdered. He is left on the side of railroad tracks in the path of an incoming train. When he doesn't show up in divorce court, the wedding to his young, pregnant fiance is likewise cancelled and leaves Ali inheriting his estate. The ensuing investigation uncovers a tremendous amount of facts Ali was not aware of, and along with her mother Edie and an old friend, Dave, a Marine,and police officer she uncovers the truth behind Paul's horrible death on the tracks. Jance is a master at weaving a web of clues, and connections and making the guilty appear innocent until uncovered by the seekers of justice, in this case Ali. There is a lot of fun to be had following Ali through this case. There are many surprises and the characters are quirky and believable. It would be a good read as well as having been an enjoyable audiobook. A good one all around, I'm planning on getting more of Jance.
I enjoyed Web of Evil on audiobook. The narrator was quite talented and capable of getting across the personality of each of the characters by intonation and slight changes to each voice to distinguish age and gender. The main character, Ali, having lost her job as a news reporter, is maintaining a popular blog, Cut Loose, chronicling her life, when her soon-to-be ex husband is cruelly murdered. He is left on the side of railroad tracks in the path of an incoming train. When he doesn't show up in divorce court, the wedding to his young, pregnant fiance is likewise cancelled and leaves Ali inheriting his estate. The ensuing investigation uncovers a tremendous amount of facts Ali was not aware of, and along with her mother Edie and an old friend, Dave, a Marine,and police officer she uncovers the truth behind Paul's horrible death on the tracks. Jance is a master at weaving a web of clues, and connections and making the guilty appear innocent until uncovered by the seekers of justice, in this case Ali. There is a lot of fun to be had following Ali through this case. There are many surprises and the characters are quirky and believable. It would be a good read as well as having been an enjoyable audiobook. A good one all around, I'm planning on getting more of Jance.
50mmignano11
#28-Mirror, Mirror by Stephanie Hart
51mmignano11
Im happy to say i am back on line! Whoopee and yahoo! Gotta love the hubby! He got me a tablet and got me back on line! Nice surprise!
52rosalita
Welcome back, Mary Beth! If only I could temporarily lose my Internet access, I might be able to finish a few more books and reviews! :)
53mmignano11
Dont ever wish for that! But i definitely got more read than when i was online. It has been a huge hassle though and im not sure i have succeeded yet. I will have so much to catch up on. I have really missed LT and all of you though!
54mmignano11
#29-The Girl In The Garden by Kamala Nair-audiobook
I enjoyed this book. The reader had a perfect voice for the main character and didn't try to sound like a man when necessary but rather used the personality and emotion of the character to develop a voice for each. The author provides a great deal of atmosphere describing the lush gardens or the grueling heat, the lavish cultural setting or the degrading poverty. The setting is as much a part of the story as the plot. The author is a young woman and she captures the struggles of a young girl trying to understand the motivation of adults trying to find happiness as well as do the right thing for their family, and follow the strictures of society. There is a mystery that provides suspense throughout most of the story, but the character's lives provide a sort of tension also, as they set about leaving past mistakes ehind and making the future better for their children. I highly recommend this in audiobook form as it is a great story to listen to but I'm sure it would be a good read also.
I enjoyed this book. The reader had a perfect voice for the main character and didn't try to sound like a man when necessary but rather used the personality and emotion of the character to develop a voice for each. The author provides a great deal of atmosphere describing the lush gardens or the grueling heat, the lavish cultural setting or the degrading poverty. The setting is as much a part of the story as the plot. The author is a young woman and she captures the struggles of a young girl trying to understand the motivation of adults trying to find happiness as well as do the right thing for their family, and follow the strictures of society. There is a mystery that provides suspense throughout most of the story, but the character's lives provide a sort of tension also, as they set about leaving past mistakes ehind and making the future better for their children. I highly recommend this in audiobook form as it is a great story to listen to but I'm sure it would be a good read also.
55susanj67
#46: So glad you enjoyed Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight. I read it a couple of years ago and loved it. I hope your internet access stays with you!
56mmignano11
I am having some issues still so I am not on here as much as I would like but I will keep persisting. It took me 4 hours and speaking with Samsung, MicroSoft, AT&T, tech people mind you and not one of them told me that my phone was not Internet capable. AT&T had simply decided not too provide it for my model phone. I finally got to the bottom of it by going to the actual store locally. Our next alternative is to get a phone capable of putting the internet on it or one of those boxes they have now with wifi. I just want to keep up with my reviews but it is hard.
Anyway Susanj67, if you liked "Don't Let's,..." you will like "Cocktail Hour Under the Tree..." It focuses on her mother more but it is a funny read all the same.
Anyway Susanj67, if you liked "Don't Let's,..." you will like "Cocktail Hour Under the Tree..." It focuses on her mother more but it is a funny read all the same.
57mmignano11
#30-The Translation of the Bones by Francesca Kay-reviewed
#31-The Child Who by Simon Lelic-reviewed
#32- Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge-reviewed
#33-The Gathering of Waters by Bernice McFadden
#34-The Other Life by Ellen Meister
#35-A Theory of Small Earthquakes by Meridith Maran-reviewed
#36-Two For Sorrow-by Nicola Upson-reviewed
#37-Angel With Two Facesby Nicola Upson-reviewed
#38-An Expert In Murder by Nicola Upson-reviewed
#39-Autobiography of Mark Twain, Complete and Authoritative Volume by Mark Twain and others
#40-Sophie The True Story of a Castaway Dog by Emma?-reviewed
#41-A Big Little Life A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz
#42-Candles Burning by Tabitha King
#43-The Best Horror Stories of The Year Horror 2012
#44-Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
#45-The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
#46-The Yard by Alex Grecian
#47-The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Woods
#48-Three Weeks In December by Audrey Schulman
#49-Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
#50-Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel
#31-The Child Who by Simon Lelic-reviewed
#32- Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge-reviewed
#33-The Gathering of Waters by Bernice McFadden
#34-The Other Life by Ellen Meister
#35-A Theory of Small Earthquakes by Meridith Maran-reviewed
#36-Two For Sorrow-by Nicola Upson-reviewed
#37-Angel With Two Facesby Nicola Upson-reviewed
#38-An Expert In Murder by Nicola Upson-reviewed
#39-Autobiography of Mark Twain, Complete and Authoritative Volume by Mark Twain and others
#40-Sophie The True Story of a Castaway Dog by Emma?-reviewed
#41-A Big Little Life A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz
#42-Candles Burning by Tabitha King
#43-The Best Horror Stories of The Year Horror 2012
#44-Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
#45-The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
#46-The Yard by Alex Grecian
#47-The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Woods
#48-Three Weeks In December by Audrey Schulman
#49-Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
#50-Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel
58mmignano11
I will be back to review The Silver Chalice which I ended up truly enjoying after a bit of a rough start. I highly recommend it.
59mmignano11
I will return to review most if not all of these books. Laundry calls!
60mmignano11
In looking over my list I realize I have failed to read the bio's I had hoped to but there is still time. If I discipline myself to stop taking books out of the library every time I pass the New books shelf, I can include some bio's.
61mmignano11
I must say it's a bit lonely here and mainly just talking to myself, while others have posts in the mid-hundreds. I suppose I could blame the fact that I wasnt on here too much because of issues with my internet. Whatever the case, I can always answer myself, i guess!
62rosalita
You're not just talking to yourself, Mary Beth! I'm out here lurking and passing through but not posting much anywhere. I have some of the books in your latest list on my wishlist, so I'm looking forward to your reviews when you get to them.
Are there any particular biographies that you had on your list to read? Very few of my friends are interested at all in nonfiction or biographies, so I'm always looking for tips to good choices.
Are there any particular biographies that you had on your list to read? Very few of my friends are interested at all in nonfiction or biographies, so I'm always looking for tips to good choices.
63mmignano11
Its nice to hear from you. I have quite a few bio's, many of author's I've had some interest in, such as Raymond Carver, Isak Dinesen, Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, Richard Yates,.There may be a few more but those are daunting enough for now.
66mmignano11
Very encouraging! I have quite a few reviews to do and now i feel motivated just to know that somebody is out there after all. I do try to write in a way that will entertain, but mostly encourage folks to read books I have truly enjoyed.
67PaulCranswick
Mary Beth I thought I would look you up since you kindly sent me your PM. Saddened by your post #61 - no need to talk to yourself only - feel free always to jump right in at my thread and many of the others where the hosts are nothing if not friendly.
I'll get along fairly often to keep you company too henceforward don't fret.
I'll get along fairly often to keep you company too henceforward don't fret.
68mmignano11
#35-A Theory of Small Earthquakes by Meredith Maran
At Oberlin College in 1983 Alison meets and falls in love with Zoe. What follows is not only the telling of their passionate love for each other and the lust that insistently draws them together. It is a recalling of the years they spent trying to affect the political climate and influence presidential elections through activism including strikes, marches and door-to-door lobbying. AsThey watch George W. Bush win two elections, Alison realizes how important it has become to her to have a family. And though she and Zoe try artificial insemination, Alison comes to realize she fears raising a child in the current political atmosphere, so she leaves Zoe for a more conventional arrangement. While it does not make her happier, she feels more secure and doesn't regret her decision. The only thing she lacks is her relationship with Zoe. When she mends their relationship and her husband Mark begins to fall for Zoe, life takes on an appearance of normalcy that Alison can finally live with. There is always a fly in the ointment, though, and we watch as she and Zoe work together to overcome the obstacles in the way of a "normal" life. This story is at times frustrating, tender, bewildering and unsettling. It is, i think, meant to be a portrayal of life, and it succeeds. Like life, there is often great sorrow to balance the many moments of joy and "Theory..." does not neglect those moments. Recommended with a red flag for sad scenes.
At Oberlin College in 1983 Alison meets and falls in love with Zoe. What follows is not only the telling of their passionate love for each other and the lust that insistently draws them together. It is a recalling of the years they spent trying to affect the political climate and influence presidential elections through activism including strikes, marches and door-to-door lobbying. AsThey watch George W. Bush win two elections, Alison realizes how important it has become to her to have a family. And though she and Zoe try artificial insemination, Alison comes to realize she fears raising a child in the current political atmosphere, so she leaves Zoe for a more conventional arrangement. While it does not make her happier, she feels more secure and doesn't regret her decision. The only thing she lacks is her relationship with Zoe. When she mends their relationship and her husband Mark begins to fall for Zoe, life takes on an appearance of normalcy that Alison can finally live with. There is always a fly in the ointment, though, and we watch as she and Zoe work together to overcome the obstacles in the way of a "normal" life. This story is at times frustrating, tender, bewildering and unsettling. It is, i think, meant to be a portrayal of life, and it succeeds. Like life, there is often great sorrow to balance the many moments of joy and "Theory..." does not neglect those moments. Recommended with a red flag for sad scenes.
70mmignano11
#32-Domestic Affairs by Elizabeth Goudge
I would not have thought that a story basing itself on the lives of two families and the relationships that develop between them would have kept my interest. There was no mystery to solve, no great adventures to be had. Instead, this book centers on the realization that despite cultural and financial differences people have the same needs to be met. And the fact that the families are built on mutual feelings of love, and meeting each others needs unselfishly, not on DNA.
As a child, Abigail's mother is a housekeeper for Vaughn and Lila's family. When she is discovered to be having an affair with their father, she is fired for stealing and the families go their separate ways. Surprisingly, what the future holds brings the families together again, giving them a second chance to repair the damage done to each of them in the past.
Recommended. A fairly quick read. A good beach book.
I would not have thought that a story basing itself on the lives of two families and the relationships that develop between them would have kept my interest. There was no mystery to solve, no great adventures to be had. Instead, this book centers on the realization that despite cultural and financial differences people have the same needs to be met. And the fact that the families are built on mutual feelings of love, and meeting each others needs unselfishly, not on DNA.
As a child, Abigail's mother is a housekeeper for Vaughn and Lila's family. When she is discovered to be having an affair with their father, she is fired for stealing and the families go their separate ways. Surprisingly, what the future holds brings the families together again, giving them a second chance to repair the damage done to each of them in the past.
Recommended. A fairly quick read. A good beach book.
71rosalita
A Theory of Small Earthquakes sounds like something I might like. I'll add it to the wishlist!
And thanks to your encouragement, Mary Beth, I just posted the rest of my August reviews over on my thread! (If you don't mind, let's agree between ourselves not to mention the enormous list of books I read in September and have yet to review, OK?)
And thanks to your encouragement, Mary Beth, I just posted the rest of my August reviews over on my thread! (If you don't mind, let's agree between ourselves not to mention the enormous list of books I read in September and have yet to review, OK?)
72SandDune
Hi Mary-Beth, found your thread. What did you think of The Translation of the Bones? I read it earlier in the year and found it good, but very sad.
73PaulCranswick
Mary Beth as you can see there are plenty more people taking notice of your thread nowadays. Have a great week.
74mmignano11
#71-It probably seems I have given many "spoilers " in my "Theory..." review but I haven't so go ahead and enjoy it. There is much more to the book to be discovered.
75mmignano11
Paul, I hope someday to be at least ON your "posts" list!
76PaulCranswick
Mary Beth - you are on my list already; we'll get you over the 100 mark and then I'll put your name up in lights! Have a lovely weekend.
Surprised there are no takers for a trip over to Malaysia - I don't think your offer of all expenses paid was believed!
This post is clearly in excess of 25 words and I would qualify for my own trip. Of course it goes without saying that you are welcome in sunny Kuala Lumpur any time.
Surprised there are no takers for a trip over to Malaysia - I don't think your offer of all expenses paid was believed!
This post is clearly in excess of 25 words and I would qualify for my own trip. Of course it goes without saying that you are welcome in sunny Kuala Lumpur any time.
77mmignano11
#30-Translation of The Bones by Francesca Kay
Francesca Kay's book was short-listed for the 2012 Orange Prize. It is, at heart, a lovely, lyrical book, presenting its reader with both positive and negative aspects of faith in the Church (as in Roman Catholic) and in relationships with other key people in the characters lives.
Kay's main character,Mary Margaret (her name is no mistake I think) devout and childlike in her reasoning, experiences a miracle: Jesus speaks to her! She is cleaning the statuary in church at the moment, and she falls, breaking her arm. This event has repercussions large and small for all the characters.
Much is covered in this slim book, perhaps too much to give some of the issues enough of a look. Kay looks at motherhood, the mother-child bond,the need to belong and self-acceptance. Don't look for the answers here, though. However, often books are meant to present us with the issues. We can decide what the author means or what it means to us and it can mean something very different to another reader. That is the beauty of books.
.
Francesca Kay's book was short-listed for the 2012 Orange Prize. It is, at heart, a lovely, lyrical book, presenting its reader with both positive and negative aspects of faith in the Church (as in Roman Catholic) and in relationships with other key people in the characters lives.
Kay's main character,Mary Margaret (her name is no mistake I think) devout and childlike in her reasoning, experiences a miracle: Jesus speaks to her! She is cleaning the statuary in church at the moment, and she falls, breaking her arm. This event has repercussions large and small for all the characters.
Much is covered in this slim book, perhaps too much to give some of the issues enough of a look. Kay looks at motherhood, the mother-child bond,the need to belong and self-acceptance. Don't look for the answers here, though. However, often books are meant to present us with the issues. We can decide what the author means or what it means to us and it can mean something very different to another reader. That is the beauty of books.
.
78mmignano11
#31-The Child Who by Simon Lelic
This story involves a 12 year old boy who murders an 11 yr old classmate, but the story focuses on and operates from the viewpoint of Leo Curtice, the boy's solicitor, and Leo's family. Megan, his wife, and Ellie, his daughter don't think he should have decided to take the case, based on what it will do to their lives. The book eventually takes a not unexpected turn, and I was always undecided as to whether it was a good move. It is too much of a spoiler to talk about the rest of the book, but I believe I can honestly recommend this as a good read, by a talented writer. Another quick read.
This story involves a 12 year old boy who murders an 11 yr old classmate, but the story focuses on and operates from the viewpoint of Leo Curtice, the boy's solicitor, and Leo's family. Megan, his wife, and Ellie, his daughter don't think he should have decided to take the case, based on what it will do to their lives. The book eventually takes a not unexpected turn, and I was always undecided as to whether it was a good move. It is too much of a spoiler to talk about the rest of the book, but I believe I can honestly recommend this as a good read, by a talented writer. Another quick read.
79mmignano11
#51-Tigers In Red Weather by Liza Klaussman
#52-Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
#53-Defending Jacob by William Landay
#54-The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
#55-Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
#56-Wicked by Gregory Maguire
#57-Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire
#58-Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire
#59-Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
#60-The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by
Jonathan Evison-reviewed
#61-Alys, Always by Harriet Lane
#62-Life of Pi by Yann Martel
#63-Lush Life by Richard Price
#64-Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
#65-Astray by Emma Donoghue-reviewed
#66-Little Star by John Alvid Lindqvist
#67-Black Dahlia & White Rose by Joyce Carol Oates
#68-Collage Couture by Julie Nutting
#69-The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
#70-The Orchard by Theresa Weir
#71-Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
#72-The Girl In the Garden by Kamala Nair
#73-Vacant Possession by Hilary Mantel
#74-Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
#75-Craving by Kristina Meister
I did it! I really did it! I think there are even a few audiobooks I may have forgotten to put on there! It is a good feeling to finish something, isn't it? Onto 2013 and 75 more books...What fun!
#52-Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
#53-Defending Jacob by William Landay
#54-The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
#55-Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
#56-Wicked by Gregory Maguire
#57-Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire
#58-Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire
#59-Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
#60-The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by
Jonathan Evison-reviewed
#61-Alys, Always by Harriet Lane
#62-Life of Pi by Yann Martel
#63-Lush Life by Richard Price
#64-Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
#65-Astray by Emma Donoghue-reviewed
#66-Little Star by John Alvid Lindqvist
#67-Black Dahlia & White Rose by Joyce Carol Oates
#68-Collage Couture by Julie Nutting
#69-The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
#70-The Orchard by Theresa Weir
#71-Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
#72-The Girl In the Garden by Kamala Nair
#73-Vacant Possession by Hilary Mantel
#74-Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
#75-Craving by Kristina Meister
I did it! I really did it! I think there are even a few audiobooks I may have forgotten to put on there! It is a good feeling to finish something, isn't it? Onto 2013 and 75 more books...What fun!
80SandDune
#77 I can see what you mean when you say that perhaps too much is covered in The Translation of the Bones to give the issues enough of a look. But I did think that the author managed to capture a feeling behind some of those issues very beautifully without going into details. I think it's one of the saddest books about motherhood that I've read for a while.
81mmignano11
#80-Agreed.
82mmignano11
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHUPDC_eIcM/UHV5FuCqkLI/AAAAAAAAJFo/NOrJPWBZD...
HeeHee. I am really trying. I am working at getting pictures on here and this was the best I could do, so while youall ooh and ahh over the series of letters and numbers in my post, those of you who want to actually see a beautiful picture can click on the link for a picture of paradise almost as awe-inspiring as the view from Paul's balcony.
Maybe next time I can get the actual picture!
PS. It was scanned for viruses so I don't think you need to be afraid^,,^
HeeHee. I am really trying. I am working at getting pictures on here and this was the best I could do, so while youall ooh and ahh over the series of letters and numbers in my post, those of you who want to actually see a beautiful picture can click on the link for a picture of paradise almost as awe-inspiring as the view from Paul's balcony.
Maybe next time I can get the actual picture!
PS. It was scanned for viruses so I don't think you need to be afraid^,,^
83mmignano11
A couple acquisitions-
Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution
by Randal Keynes
Isak Dinesen
by Judith Thurman
The Judgement of Strangers
by Andrew Taylor
When The Killing's Done
by T.C. Boyle
A Chance To Die
by ElisabethElliot
The Autobiography of A Face
by Lucy Grealy
Charlotte Gray
by Sebastian Faulks
My commitment to read more biographies and autobiographies in 2012 having gone by the wayside, this is me trying to fit a few in before the end of the year. Having a bit of a hard time with Isak Dinesen. writing is dense and I'm having to go over the same sentences again and again to make it register. Anyway , time for bed (part of my attempt to be a more well-rested, healthier LTer)
Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution
by Randal Keynes
Isak Dinesen
by Judith Thurman
The Judgement of Strangers
by Andrew Taylor
When The Killing's Done
by T.C. Boyle
A Chance To Die
by ElisabethElliot
The Autobiography of A Face
by Lucy Grealy
Charlotte Gray
by Sebastian Faulks
My commitment to read more biographies and autobiographies in 2012 having gone by the wayside, this is me trying to fit a few in before the end of the year. Having a bit of a hard time with Isak Dinesen. writing is dense and I'm having to go over the same sentences again and again to make it register. Anyway , time for bed (part of my attempt to be a more well-rested, healthier LTer)
84mmignano11
Note to self:
Find some Shaun Tan (lots of people talking about him) books. His illustrations seem fantastic in all the genres he appears to have ventured into. Try library first and if I like it, treat myself to one!
Find some Shaun Tan (lots of people talking about him) books. His illustrations seem fantastic in all the genres he appears to have ventured into. Try library first and if I like it, treat myself to one!
85SandDune
I'd strongly recommend The Arrival if you get a chance to look at that. I have to admit that I rarely manage to get through a biography - they always seem a bit too much like hard work!
86mmignano11
#36-Two For Sorrow by Nicola Upson-
I am suprised at some of the other reviews that I have read about this book. I did not find the plot difficult to follow despite the premise-that of a draft of a book being written. I found the mystery full of information about "baby farming", a subject I had little knowledge of prior to reading this book. I felt the facts were enough to educate me, but not too much as to confuse me. The characters were in turn, frightening and yet demanded my sympathy, in ways. The women involved in the crime were not monsters, yet acted monstrously. I would recommend this book, but advise those who might be squeamish about the subject matter.
I am suprised at some of the other reviews that I have read about this book. I did not find the plot difficult to follow despite the premise-that of a draft of a book being written. I found the mystery full of information about "baby farming", a subject I had little knowledge of prior to reading this book. I felt the facts were enough to educate me, but not too much as to confuse me. The characters were in turn, frightening and yet demanded my sympathy, in ways. The women involved in the crime were not monsters, yet acted monstrously. I would recommend this book, but advise those who might be squeamish about the subject matter.
87mmignano11
#37-Angel With Two Faces by Nicola Upson
Although I found this Golden Age mystery slow off the starting block, I came to greatly enjoy not only the plot, and the complicated, intricate characterizations, but the writing itself. Upson's main character, Josephine Tey, is a writer of mystery novels, a singular career for either gender in the early 1900's, but particularly so for a woman. In this as well as Upson's 3rd Josephine Tey novel, the characters within the mystery writer's books seem to claim some small part in Tey's attempt tounderstand the very real mystery unfolding in her life. Since Upson bases these books on real-life events, they have the effect of being a psychological study of the real criminal's life, both in her book and in her main character's work-in-progress. It makes for an ingenious, complex shifting of focus, masterfully handled by Upson. Her characters are well-developed while retaining parts of the personal, still to be discovered through the challenges they face. The setting plays a large part in creating the stage on which the action is carried out.
Although I found this Golden Age mystery slow off the starting block, I came to greatly enjoy not only the plot, and the complicated, intricate characterizations, but the writing itself. Upson's main character, Josephine Tey, is a writer of mystery novels, a singular career for either gender in the early 1900's, but particularly so for a woman. In this as well as Upson's 3rd Josephine Tey novel, the characters within the mystery writer's books seem to claim some small part in Tey's attempt tounderstand the very real mystery unfolding in her life. Since Upson bases these books on real-life events, they have the effect of being a psychological study of the real criminal's life, both in her book and in her main character's work-in-progress. It makes for an ingenious, complex shifting of focus, masterfully handled by Upson. Her characters are well-developed while retaining parts of the personal, still to be discovered through the challenges they face. The setting plays a large part in creating the stage on which the action is carried out.
88mmignano11
#38-Expert In Murder by Nicola Upson
Expert In Murder was my favorite of the three mysteries I have read in this series by Nicola Upson. The story has a plot that allows for the large cast of characters that Upson adroitly handles. The mystery surrounding Josephine Tey, writer, involves her play Richard of Bordeaux. The clues tie her play to the characters who are victims, the first a young girl Josephine meets on the train. The young girl's death touches her and the reader deeply and finding the real connection between her killer and Tey, Tey's play and the deaths of the victims to come, is the meat and potatoes of this book. I found it substantial, like a five course meal, appetizers,soup, salad, entree and dessert, the story delivered to the table and absorbed by the reader, bite by bite, detail by detail, carried by the characters, themselves highly believable and compelling. Upson doles out period detail, not in a surge of encyclopedic re-telling,but as a backdrop for the scenes as they play out, providing the clues needed to piece together the compulsion that drives someone to murder. A highly satisfying mystery, I enjoyed every last drop, and strongly recommend it to those who enjoy Upson, and/or a good , solid mystery.
Expert In Murder was my favorite of the three mysteries I have read in this series by Nicola Upson. The story has a plot that allows for the large cast of characters that Upson adroitly handles. The mystery surrounding Josephine Tey, writer, involves her play Richard of Bordeaux. The clues tie her play to the characters who are victims, the first a young girl Josephine meets on the train. The young girl's death touches her and the reader deeply and finding the real connection between her killer and Tey, Tey's play and the deaths of the victims to come, is the meat and potatoes of this book. I found it substantial, like a five course meal, appetizers,soup, salad, entree and dessert, the story delivered to the table and absorbed by the reader, bite by bite, detail by detail, carried by the characters, themselves highly believable and compelling. Upson doles out period detail, not in a surge of encyclopedic re-telling,but as a backdrop for the scenes as they play out, providing the clues needed to piece together the compulsion that drives someone to murder. A highly satisfying mystery, I enjoyed every last drop, and strongly recommend it to those who enjoy Upson, and/or a good , solid mystery.
90alcottacre
#86: I downloaded that book to my Nook a while back but have not gotten around to reading it. I enjoy Josephine Tey's books quite a bit (especially The Daughter of Time), but have been reluctant to read the mystery series in which she stars. It looks like the books are worth giving a try though!
91mmignano11
Stasia, Thanks for dropping by. I took a look at the Josephine Tey book at the link you provided. Wow, that looks great but I am tempted to start from the beginning of that series. I did listen to one of the books and read the other. Sometimes I think I like a book better simply because it is being read to me, but I think you will enjoy both or either, as they are quick reads and Upson does a great job with character development.
92PaulCranswick
See you snagged Charlotte Gray. Had some mixed reviews generally but I am one of its admirers. The film with Kate Blanchett was also very watchable.
94mmignano11
#40-Sophie-The True Story of a Castaway Dog
Since I returned this book to the Library, I haven't been able to remember the name of the author. It's Emma ? and the touchstones don't work for it. If you come across this book in your literary scavenges, ravages or wanderings, grab it, don't pass it up. It's a book of love, courage, loyalty and those miracles that keep us believing in something larger than ourselves. Really.
Sophie's story is amazing in more ways than one. Her owners Dave and Jen, began to take their dog, a very agile Blue Heeler, on their boat with them. It seemed a good idea as Sophie was sure-footed and enjoyed the salty spray in her face. One fateful day, though, she was told to remain below-dacks. The water was rough and Dave and Jen needed to focus all their attention on steering the boat through the rough and treacherous waters. But when they went to check on her only minutes later, she was gone. Although they searched for hours there was no sign of her. They felt that there was no way she could have survived the rough water and the length of time she had been in the water. But Sophie was to surprise them, in fact, she surprised people all over the world by surviving apparently purely for the love of her family. Stories like this call to task, a great deal of so-called professional opinion on canine behavior. For the length of time Sophie was stranded, her memory of her prior life would have been vague at best. But her subsequent reunion with her owners made mockery of that assumption. Also, after having to survive such devastating conditions, going feral would have been quite likely, and seemed to have occurred in the few sighting of Sophie. But she returned to civilized life without a hitch.
Sophie's story is told much like a true crime book. I did not want to put the book down until I found out what happend to this brave and spunky little dog, who exemplified love and loyalty. For those readers who steer away from books that rely on stirring up emotions for their success, the reportage in this book reads like any long article on say, a serial killer. She researchs her sources, digs deep to provide additional background to the story. It is this research that makes the story, so interesting and worth reading. She provides facts on Blue Heelers, boating, the waters Sophie disappears into, Dan and Jen's family life, and the wild life and vegatation in the area where Sophie is found.
I enjoyed every moment of this book, and I suggest that you will, also. Highly recommended. Get your daily dose of positive energy, love and undying loyalty and a dog who flew in the face of conventional thought by coming home!
Since I returned this book to the Library, I haven't been able to remember the name of the author. It's Emma ? and the touchstones don't work for it. If you come across this book in your literary scavenges, ravages or wanderings, grab it, don't pass it up. It's a book of love, courage, loyalty and those miracles that keep us believing in something larger than ourselves. Really.
Sophie's story is amazing in more ways than one. Her owners Dave and Jen, began to take their dog, a very agile Blue Heeler, on their boat with them. It seemed a good idea as Sophie was sure-footed and enjoyed the salty spray in her face. One fateful day, though, she was told to remain below-dacks. The water was rough and Dave and Jen needed to focus all their attention on steering the boat through the rough and treacherous waters. But when they went to check on her only minutes later, she was gone. Although they searched for hours there was no sign of her. They felt that there was no way she could have survived the rough water and the length of time she had been in the water. But Sophie was to surprise them, in fact, she surprised people all over the world by surviving apparently purely for the love of her family. Stories like this call to task, a great deal of so-called professional opinion on canine behavior. For the length of time Sophie was stranded, her memory of her prior life would have been vague at best. But her subsequent reunion with her owners made mockery of that assumption. Also, after having to survive such devastating conditions, going feral would have been quite likely, and seemed to have occurred in the few sighting of Sophie. But she returned to civilized life without a hitch.
Sophie's story is told much like a true crime book. I did not want to put the book down until I found out what happend to this brave and spunky little dog, who exemplified love and loyalty. For those readers who steer away from books that rely on stirring up emotions for their success, the reportage in this book reads like any long article on say, a serial killer. She researchs her sources, digs deep to provide additional background to the story. It is this research that makes the story, so interesting and worth reading. She provides facts on Blue Heelers, boating, the waters Sophie disappears into, Dan and Jen's family life, and the wild life and vegatation in the area where Sophie is found.
I enjoyed every moment of this book, and I suggest that you will, also. Highly recommended. Get your daily dose of positive energy, love and undying loyalty and a dog who flew in the face of conventional thought by coming home!
95mmignano11
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96PaulCranswick
Mary Beth (closing on 100 posts I see) - trust that you will have a lovely weekend and it certainly looks to be full of reading.
97mmignano11
Unfortunately, because of the yard sale I wasn't able to post when I should have so I had to pass this time. I didn't get to sit and read either, as I thought I would be able to do and it wasn't because we made a lot of money either. We just had a great deal of work to to do setting up. Tomorrow more of the same, but hopefully we will actually sell something because more of it is out there already. I may do it next weekend also. Last summer I actually went to the flea market in town every weekend and sold used books and a little bit of this and that. Anyway, good wishes for your weekend, also.
98mmignano11
Here are some recent acquistions-
Vacant Possession by Hilary Mantel
Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Sourland by Joyce Carol Oates
The River Wife by Jonis Agee
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Note to self Add these
Vacant Possession by Hilary Mantel
Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Sourland by Joyce Carol Oates
The River Wife by Jonis Agee
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Note to self Add these
99PaulCranswick
Mary Beth - I don't have any of your recent buys although I do have others by Mantel, Oates and Grenville. Will be interested to see what you make of them.
100mmignano11
Paul, Vacant Possession seems particularly interesting, because there is an element of evil to it, which I like to break my reading up with every once in a while. I don't love horror or thrillers, but I like them. And if it is a really well-written book, all the better. I enjoyed Drood by Dan Simmons for instance, and one of my all-time favorites is The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness was okay, but the 2nd book in the series Shadow of Night was a disappointment.
101mmignano11
I'm happy to say that my birthday present to myself arrived today. I ordered a NutriBullet, similar to a MagicBullet, (nothing like a bookbullet) but geared towards really healthy drinks and salads etc. So, I'll keep a bit of a diary in here on the drinks I come up with that actually taste good as well as are good for my husband and I. The goal is to lose weight and feel great!
102mmignano11
The more I see of the ruin that is around us , the luckier I realize we are. It is so very sad. Tonight a woman in her sixties was crying because her house is gone and she and her husband thought that was where they were going to live out the rest of their lives, and it was just swept away in the storm.
Edited by me to get rid of link to a new thread. Try not to waste your day in utter disappointment.
Edited by me to get rid of link to a new thread. Try not to waste your day in utter disappointment.
103mmignano11
Ok, I'm not going to create my own thread since I've learned that good old LT will do it for me. I've been distracted by the new lists feature. I love it!
This link will be for books I have acquired post Storm of the Century-just to be less confusing-just disregard the title
http://www.librarything.com/topic/144324
This link will be for books I have acquired post Storm of the Century-just to be less confusing-just disregard the title
http://www.librarything.com/topic/144324
104Donna828
Hi Mary Beth, I'm also finding those stories of evacuees disturbing...and now it looks like more bad weather is on the way. Mother Nature can be so cruel.
I read Truman earlier this year and found it to be a very interesting and informative biography. About one or two bios per year are about all I can handle! So, is this thread for chat and your new thread for new books?
I read Truman earlier this year and found it to be a very interesting and informative biography. About one or two bios per year are about all I can handle! So, is this thread for chat and your new thread for new books?
105mmignano11
Hi Donna828,
Yes, I kind of started that 2nd thread by mistake so I will be listing the new books I've snagged before I actually list them in my library. I never did that but since I notice others doing that, I've decided to start. It's a good idea because the books just get lost in your library unless one is actually looking through your whole library, and I think it gives people a good idea of what you read and thus, who you are. I started out this year with the idea of reading bio's and autobio's but did not read anywhere near as many as I would have thought. I just got caught up in my fiction reading. I have some awesome bio's, etc. though that I hope to get to relatively soon. I like to read about writer's lives and am doing the group read of Team of Rivals right now also. Nice to hear from you! Good Reading!
Yes, I kind of started that 2nd thread by mistake so I will be listing the new books I've snagged before I actually list them in my library. I never did that but since I notice others doing that, I've decided to start. It's a good idea because the books just get lost in your library unless one is actually looking through your whole library, and I think it gives people a good idea of what you read and thus, who you are. I started out this year with the idea of reading bio's and autobio's but did not read anywhere near as many as I would have thought. I just got caught up in my fiction reading. I have some awesome bio's, etc. though that I hope to get to relatively soon. I like to read about writer's lives and am doing the group read of Team of Rivals right now also. Nice to hear from you! Good Reading!
106mmignano11
As of today- Desperately trying to read and catch up with the Team of Rival Group Read.
Hoping to get several reviews posted-
Need to write some more on my NanoWrimo novel-in-progress
Hoping to catch up on LT threads
Read some more of Hunger Games
Load pics from my phone onto 'puter so I can put some pics on LT at long last!
Post some more of my recent books acquired on my new thread listed on post #103 above
Hoping to get several reviews posted-
Need to write some more on my NanoWrimo novel-in-progress
Hoping to catch up on LT threads
Read some more of Hunger Games
Load pics from my phone onto 'puter so I can put some pics on LT at long last!
Post some more of my recent books acquired on my new thread listed on post #103 above
107mmignano11
As of today-11/17/12
Working on Nanowrimo
Hoping to get some reviews on here TODAY!
Working on organizing my latest Avon delivery and strategy for getting some sales this week ahead
Finishing Hunger Games and on to Life of Pi since the movie is coming out and I think the rest of the world has read it already.
Books have been posted on new thread, but guess what! I just got some more new (to me) books (heehee)
So...need to post books in my Library and put new books acquired on New Books Acquired thread
Working on Nanowrimo
Hoping to get some reviews on here TODAY!
Working on organizing my latest Avon delivery and strategy for getting some sales this week ahead
Finishing Hunger Games and on to Life of Pi since the movie is coming out and I think the rest of the world has read it already.
Books have been posted on new thread, but guess what! I just got some more new (to me) books (heehee)
So...need to post books in my Library and put new books acquired on New Books Acquired thread
109Whisper1
Hello. Sorry for the delay in visiting your thread. Returning to work, even part time, has compromised my energy.
New books? How wonderful.
New books? How wonderful.
110PaulCranswick
Mary Beth - wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday and offering my own thanks to you for your contributions to my thread during the last months.
112mmignano11
OK, today is another day that I am going to try to get some reviews on here. I have at least 10 or 12 to do so I really need to get a move on. It is a beautiful sunny crisply chilly day here in Cedar Run, New Jersey. I try to make a habit of remembering to be thankful every day for my life since Hurricane Sandy and since watching a movie called Trouble the Water about Hurricane Katrina and how it affected New Orleans. I don't ever want to forget what a blessing normal every day living can be when it is taken away from you. You would give anything to have that predictable, boring, routine-filled life back, when everyday is a struggle for shelter, and to provide yourself and others with basic necessities. Thank you, God, for today.
113mmignano11
Here are some more books acquired in December 2012-(I have scads more hiding in the back of my Durango, waiting for me to fetch them and try to blend them in with the rest of the books...)
1) The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter
2) A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown (for my daughter)
3) The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein
4) The Dream: A Memoir by Harry Bernstein
5) The Golden Willow by Harry Bernstein-HC
6) My Curious Uncle Dudley by Barry Yourgrau
7) Seaside by Scarlett Thomas-HC
8) The Return by Victoria Hislop
9) Waterborne by Bruce Murkoff
10) Moby Dick by Herman Melville-HC
11) The Haunting of Lamb House by Joan Aiken-HC
12) Ghost of a Chance by Peter Duchin-HC
13) Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese-HC
14) The Widower by Liesel Litzenburger-HC
15) The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan
16) Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead-HC
17) The Ghost Writer by John Harwood-HC
18) Moose by Stephanie Klein-HC
19) Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell-HC
20) Mr. Ives' Christmas by Oscar Hijuelos-HC
21) The End of Manners A Novel by Francesca Manners-HC
22) Delusion by Peter Abrahams-HC
23) The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander McCall Smith-HC
24) The Odds by Stewart O'Nan-HC
1) The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter
2) A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown (for my daughter)
3) The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein
4) The Dream: A Memoir by Harry Bernstein
5) The Golden Willow by Harry Bernstein-HC
6) My Curious Uncle Dudley by Barry Yourgrau
7) Seaside by Scarlett Thomas-HC
8) The Return by Victoria Hislop
9) Waterborne by Bruce Murkoff
10) Moby Dick by Herman Melville-HC
11) The Haunting of Lamb House by Joan Aiken-HC
12) Ghost of a Chance by Peter Duchin-HC
13) Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese-HC
14) The Widower by Liesel Litzenburger-HC
15) The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan
16) Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead-HC
17) The Ghost Writer by John Harwood-HC
18) Moose by Stephanie Klein-HC
19) Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell-HC
20) Mr. Ives' Christmas by Oscar Hijuelos-HC
21) The End of Manners A Novel by Francesca Manners-HC
22) Delusion by Peter Abrahams-HC
23) The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander McCall Smith-HC
24) The Odds by Stewart O'Nan-HC
114mmignano11
I loved this little book of short and short,short stories by Emma Donoghue. I have not read Room yet for a variety of reasons not the least of which is the subject matter. But don't be afraid to pick up Astray! The book is filled with delightful little vignettes that are basically leaps of imagination on the author's behalf. She researched her subject and then built off that research, plugging in a sort of what if? premise, a takeoff using some familiar stories. There is the story of "Jumbo" the Barnum and Bailey elephant, before he became their headliner. "Man and Boy" finds Jumbo's keeper distressed with losing his elephant to the Yankee keeper for the B and B circus, who shows himself to be unkind to Jumbo. We don't follow Jumbo to his new home but that adds to the pathos of the keeper's feelings at losing his elephant to an uncertain future, apparently for both of them. The stories are followed with a short afterword that explains the origin of the story, an odd sentence found in a newspaper, a letter or a clipping from a newspaper found in museums that feature the history the story is based on, for example, the Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. I would highly recommend this book. It is a quick read and took me about two days to finish. It is fun to see where her imagination took her with the seed of knowledge originally planted. I think writers would especially enjoy this book.
118mmignano11
W#46-The Yard by Alex Grecian
The Yard is Scotland Yard under the leadership of Sir Edward Badford, a one-armed man whose ideas are progressive. He puts Inspector Walter Day in charge, a young, inexperienced man who believes in because he is honest and hard-working. Jack the Ripper is keeping busy and making the detectives look bad. They failed to catch him and the public is losing confidence in Scotland Yard daily.
Bernard Kingsley is the Yard's pathologist and he uses a very progressive
One cled finger marking. He is helpful when a detective is found murdered and stuffed into a suitcase.
I really liked this book, the first of a series. It is really impressive since the author has never been to London. I would like to read the others as they will show the development of forensic science. I liked the characters and the story. There have been some complaints about the dialogue but I didn't notice. I would recommend the book.e
The Yard is Scotland Yard under the leadership of Sir Edward Badford, a one-armed man whose ideas are progressive. He puts Inspector Walter Day in charge, a young, inexperienced man who believes in because he is honest and hard-working. Jack the Ripper is keeping busy and making the detectives look bad. They failed to catch him and the public is losing confidence in Scotland Yard daily.
Bernard Kingsley is the Yard's pathologist and he uses a very progressive
One cled finger marking. He is helpful when a detective is found murdered and stuffed into a suitcase.
I really liked this book, the first of a series. It is really impressive since the author has never been to London. I would like to read the others as they will show the development of forensic science. I liked the characters and the story. There have been some complaints about the dialogue but I didn't notice. I would recommend the book.e
119mmignano11
#60-The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison
I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and a writer for nearly as long. I have discovered that writing is far more difficult than I ever imagined it to be. Therefore my admiration for writers is right up there with any artist, painter or sculptor. To craft a story, short story, novel, or essay is as difficult as laying the foundation for a statue, painting or piece of pottery or collage. To create the characters, the action, and the climax of a story or novel requires planning and the sheer determination and flexibility to rework what has been written over and over again until what is meant is as clear as it can be, so the writer hopes the reader interprets the writing as it was intended to be read. I admire the clear and concise writing by Evison in this novel. I was so entertained by the characters and the story-line that I didn't take the time to consider the mechanics until it was over. Only then did I recognize the work that must be done to create this deceptively "simple" story of loss and redemption.
TRFoC is told by Benjamin Benjamin, a young man trying to pull himself together after a "disaster' befalls his young family. His grieving wife blames him, and his in-laws have disowned him. Seeing him is a painful reminder of their loss, and his role in it. After going through a series of undemanding and low-paying jobs he applies for a job as a caretaker for a young man with Duchennes Syndrome. Trevor suffers with this terrible wasting disease, bravely facing each day in a home where he is an only child to a single mother. After a period of adjustment, Trevor and Ben decide to go on a road trip to visit Trevor's father, an accident prone,rather pitiful but well-intentioned guy, who has just had a self-imposed accident, and is in a partial body cast. At this point in the audiobook, I felt as though I had heard the entire book, but I continued on, as I was really enjoying not only the writing but the narration. The road trip seems to be another book within itself, but you won't complain.I loved this book. Despite the sadness and guilt that Benjamin Benjamin constantly carries with him and tries to come to terms with, there are many moments of humor, much to laugh about as they meet up with others along the way.These characters are compelling and oftentimes needy. But they are also there for Ben during his darkest moments as he recollects his part in the "disaster' that tore his family apart.
This is the first book in recent memory that did not have the inevitable chapter or two that makes me wonder if the editor was on vacation when they were passed to him. There was not a chapter, a sentence or a word wasted or in excess in TRFoC. It is entertaining and while evoking sympathy it is uplifting. The characters overcome their trials with encouragement from each other. This book does not paint any rosy pictures, but rather gives us life, the way it really is, part pain, part laughter, and with a little encouragement, survivable.The narrator was fantastic, but I'm sure the book stands on its own. Highly recommended.
I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and a writer for nearly as long. I have discovered that writing is far more difficult than I ever imagined it to be. Therefore my admiration for writers is right up there with any artist, painter or sculptor. To craft a story, short story, novel, or essay is as difficult as laying the foundation for a statue, painting or piece of pottery or collage. To create the characters, the action, and the climax of a story or novel requires planning and the sheer determination and flexibility to rework what has been written over and over again until what is meant is as clear as it can be, so the writer hopes the reader interprets the writing as it was intended to be read. I admire the clear and concise writing by Evison in this novel. I was so entertained by the characters and the story-line that I didn't take the time to consider the mechanics until it was over. Only then did I recognize the work that must be done to create this deceptively "simple" story of loss and redemption.
TRFoC is told by Benjamin Benjamin, a young man trying to pull himself together after a "disaster' befalls his young family. His grieving wife blames him, and his in-laws have disowned him. Seeing him is a painful reminder of their loss, and his role in it. After going through a series of undemanding and low-paying jobs he applies for a job as a caretaker for a young man with Duchennes Syndrome. Trevor suffers with this terrible wasting disease, bravely facing each day in a home where he is an only child to a single mother. After a period of adjustment, Trevor and Ben decide to go on a road trip to visit Trevor's father, an accident prone,rather pitiful but well-intentioned guy, who has just had a self-imposed accident, and is in a partial body cast. At this point in the audiobook, I felt as though I had heard the entire book, but I continued on, as I was really enjoying not only the writing but the narration. The road trip seems to be another book within itself, but you won't complain.I loved this book. Despite the sadness and guilt that Benjamin Benjamin constantly carries with him and tries to come to terms with, there are many moments of humor, much to laugh about as they meet up with others along the way.These characters are compelling and oftentimes needy. But they are also there for Ben during his darkest moments as he recollects his part in the "disaster' that tore his family apart.
This is the first book in recent memory that did not have the inevitable chapter or two that makes me wonder if the editor was on vacation when they were passed to him. There was not a chapter, a sentence or a word wasted or in excess in TRFoC. It is entertaining and while evoking sympathy it is uplifting. The characters overcome their trials with encouragement from each other. This book does not paint any rosy pictures, but rather gives us life, the way it really is, part pain, part laughter, and with a little encouragement, survivable.The narrator was fantastic, but I'm sure the book stands on its own. Highly recommended.
