brenzi's 2012 Reading - LXXV and Beyond - 2

Other LTers favor pictures of lush, beach scenes but not me. Here in sunny Buffalo we are basking in the balmy winter temps and glorying in the lack of snow (so far 45” below normal), and yet this past weekend we observed the 35th anniversary of our infamous Blizzard of ’77, where people actually froze to death in their cars, stranded on the I190 that runs along Lake Erie adjacent to the downtown area. This picture shows the futility of attempting to get your car out four days after the storm ended: first, we have to find our car, then we have to dig it out, then we have to get it started, then we have to wait til all these other cars somehow also get out…..Well, we laugh now but at the time it was the scariest weather I had ever been out in. We quickly learned the real meaning of zero visibility and whiteout. So this past Saturday we got together to lift one for the lovely winter we’re now having and if this is global warming….bring it on.

Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness.
----------------------Helen Keller

Thank you Ms. Keller, I couldn't have said it better. I am so thankful to have found you, my book friends. On, then, to 2012.








MY ORANGE JANUARY THREAD

MY NON-FICTION CHALLENGE THREAD

OTS - Off the Shelf (purchased at least 6 months ago)

L - library book

NF - Non-fiction

Books Read in 2012

16. How to Breathe Underwater - Julie Orringer - 3.5 stars - OTS
15. The Artist of Disappearance - Anita Desai -India - 3 stars
14. Silk - Allesandro Baricco - France/Japan - 4 stars - OTS
13. Emma - Jane Austen - UK - 4.3 stars - OTS
12. Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 - Max Hastings - 5 stars - NF - e book - L
11. The Frozen Thames - Helen Humphreys - UK - 4.5 stars - L
10. Bleak House - Charles Dickens - UK - 5 stars - e book
9. Bossypants - Tina Fey - 3.5 stars- audio - NF
8. The Scapegoat - Daphne duMaurier - France - 4.5 stars - OTS
7. The Orphan Master's Son - Adam Johnson - North Korea - 4.3 stars - L
6. Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader - Anne Fadiman - 4 stars - NF - L
5. Old Filth by Jane Gardam - UK - 4 stars
4. The Observations by Jane Harris - Scotland - 4.5 stars - OTS
3. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff - Egypt - 4.2 stars NF - OTS
2. White Teeth by Zadie Smith - UK - 4.3 stars -OTS
1. Sorry by Gail Jones - Australia - 4.5 stars

8.



The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier 4.5 stars

This novel, written by duMaurier almost 20 years after the publication of Rebecca, has at its center a concept that is a fairly simplistic: A Frenchman meets an Englishman in LeMans and it is as if each of them is looking in a mirror. They look exactly alike. The cover of the book calls it “a novel of impersonation.” And so, of course they trade places and no one suspects anything. Families and close friends buy it hook, line and sinker. So if you can buy that, and suspend disbelief for the next 348 pages you are actually in for a treat because this book is just as compelling as that novel about the other Mrs. deWinter.

The writing is just as crisp, the storyline just as suspenseful, the characters just as fully fleshed. And eventually I drifted away from my skepticism over the impersonation concept and just settled in to enjoy this very well written psychological novel that I couldn’t put down. And then the result of the switch, while not totally unexpected, led to one of duMaurier’s shocking endings. I mean, oh my, what an ending.

So on to my next duMaurier; well not immediately, I’ll be sitting down with Mr. Dickens right now, but someday soon I will pick up My Cousin Rachel as I make my way through the rest of duMaurier’s novels.

Found you! But oh my, that blizzard photo is scary. Interesting review of the du Maurier. I read three of hers in relatively rapid succession a couple of years ago and was kind of done for a while. This one is tempting!

Woah..now THAT's a lot of snow, Bonnie! I'm glad I've never been caught in a blizzard like that.

Bonnie, were you out in that blizzard or safely at home?

I loved your review of Scapegoat and will have to track it down at the library. Rebecca was one of my favorite reads last year.

Happy New Thread, Bonnie. I haven't read any du Maurier in a long time. I don't know that I will, but you make me wish for a lot more time so that I could. And how are you liking Bleak House, my favorite Dickens? (As I type that, I'm hearing Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan asking Helen Keller's father ? something about some kind of cake, her favorite dessert. Memory is a strange thing. I think that's a pivotal scene, but I can hear only the sarcastic inflection in Bancroft's voice. O.K. I'll go quietly since I doubt that any of that makes sense to anybody but me.)
That snow scene is horrid. Our summers are too fierce to make me able to joke about global warming though.

>4 lauralkeet: This one is tempting! My work here is done.

>5 cameling: and 6 Pat and Caro, it was not even predicted. We had already had a lot of snow. That Friday morning the barometric pressure dropped something like 60 points in an hour and winds of 50 mph came howling across Lake Erie, picking up the four feet of snow that was sitting on the frozen lake and it covered Western New York in a matter of minutes. There was no school that day because there was a shortage of natural gas and all the schools were closed to save energy so I wasn't working but since it was never forecast no one had any fear of going out until it was too late because it hit so fast and so hard. I looked out the store window and OMG, we all thought the world was coming to an end. People were abandoning their cars in the middle of the road because they couldn't see anything in front of them. So the roads quickly became impassable. I never made it home. luckily I made it to my sister-in-law's. When my hubby finally got out and came to pick me up he opened up the hood on the car and it was packed solid with hard-driven snow. Everybody has a blizzard story. My sister was working downtown and, along with 15,000 other office workers couldn't get out of the city. She ended up spending two nights in a downtown bar. People there were so bored they were playing ping-pong with a balled up piece of paper. LOL. Truly an experience I don't care to ever repeat.

Hi Peggy, haven't actually started Bleak House yet but when I get off this computer I will be. I don't remember that bit from the Helen Keller movie. My hubby, who keeps track of these things, says that in the future (not in our lifetime) our weather will be like Virginia's. I don't think that bodes well for the states further south so I'm sorry to make light of global warming.

Hi Bonnie -
Great picture! Great review!
Already on my WL and - well - I would give you a if this review was on the book's main page.
Loved Rebecca... looking forward to Scapegoat someday...

Hi Claudia, yes do try to get to The Scapegoat. You will not be disappointed:)

Nice review of The Scapegoat, Bonnie. I want to read more of duMaurier this year, too. Ah, Bleak House, another all-time favourite. I listened to this one - great narrator and consequently great audiobook. Do enjoy!

Bonnie, I'm looking at your 2012 reads and noticing that all of them are 4+. How great!

Compelling review of The Scapegoat, and I love the idea of reading through the works of du Maurier. I went on a du Maurier kick in junior high school (this seems improbable to me now), following up Rebecca with Frenchman's Creek, Jamaica Inn and My Cousin Rachel, but I only remember Rebecca.

Good lord, Bonnie, that's an incredible picture up top - scary.

I've never even heard of The Scapegoat but I did love both Rebecca and My Cousin Rachael.

Hi Nancy, Anne and Joanne, Thanks for visiting! I failed to tag who recommended The Scapegoat but it was someone here on LT because I had never considered reading du Maurier before I joined. I really love her writing.

>13 AnneDC: Yep all 4+ reads. I'm starting the year with a bang aren't I?

>14 Copperskye: That picture makes me shudder Joanne.

Bonnie - great opening photo! We have a problem outside that in heavy rain the road in front of the office is prone to flooding but cars are safe in the car park below the office. Malaysians like free parking of course but it rains here a heck of a lot. We always tell clients we want to impress to park below but if it is someone who has done us a bad turn before it is fun to see them scrabbling in the monsoon to extricate their vehicle.

Starting out a bit behind.. I have been considering My Cousin Rachael for the last several months.. I don't think I actually have it.. but sadly the thought has been pushed aside by newer books..

That is some snow pic up there! Funny, here it is, nearly February and it will be 60F today.

I'm a huge fan of both Rebecca and Frenchman's Creek -- although I haven't read either in years. You've motivated me to go back and read some du Maurier's work that I've missed.

Thanks!

>16 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, my hubby was in Viet Nam and has told me some stories about monsoon weather. I can't imagine it just as you, I imagine, can't imagine a blizzard with the impact of the one that hit us in 1977.

>17 mckait: Yep upper 50s here today Kath. Absolutely lovely. They say we will get some wintry weather next week.

>18 Dejah_Thoris: Hi Dejah, she's really timeless isn't she.

Hey Bonnie! Your new thread is off to a running start. The suddenness of your blizzard sounds much like The Children's Blizzard of 1888. Maybe there's something ominous about double digits? I'm sure when you read it, your own experience came to mind. I can't imagine the people who were in a bar for 2 days. Probably as good a place as any to be marooned, except for a nondrinker like me!

I hope I like Our Mutual Friend as much as you're going to enjoy Bleak House. I'm excited to have an excuse to read Dickens. I love his books, but for some reason, the size of them scares me off... until I start reading and get lost in his world.

Well as Anne pointed out above, I had quite a January. Here's a bit of a wrap-up.

The Scapegoat - Daphne duMaurier - France - 4.5 stars -it's a case of impersonation as only Daphne du Maurier can tell it; sizzling suspenseful story

The Orphan Master's Son - Adam Johnson - North Korea - 4.3 stars - the horrors of North Korea cannot be under estimated and Johnson brilliantly exposes the kim Il Jung regime through deftly drawn characters and sizzling plot

Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader - Anne Fadiman - 4 stars - a book lover's dream told with tremendous humor

Old Filth by Jane Gardam - UK - 4 stars - very, very British novel that tells the story of the 20th century through the eyes of a British high court judge who was in the far East for a large part of the century

The Observations by Jane Harris - Scotland - 4.5 stars - ghost story par excellence told by a fifteen year old whose voice will stay with me for quite a while

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff - Egypt - 4.2 stars - bio of the life of the last Queen of Egypt and her very interesting consorts, Julius Ceasar and Marc Antony

White Teeth by Zadie Smith - UK - 4.3 stars - multiculturalism in the UK in the years leading up to the 21st century; big, raucous epic

Sorry by Gail Jones - Australia - 4.5 sars - haunting story of young Perdita in rural Australia in the 30s and 40s; Jones' writing takes your breath away

Quite a wonderful start to 2012:)

One of the reasons I had such a great start to the year was that I participated in Orange January where the wealth of great reads is unsurpassed. Sorry, Old Filth, The Observations, and White Teeth were culled from the longlists and shortlists. The only reason I didn't read any winners is because I've read all of them except the one I received in the mail the other day: A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne. And the great news is we will be doing it all over again during Orange July.

Hi Donna, I certainly did have the Blizzard of '77 in my head when I read The Children's Blizzard; I was horrified to think of those children caught out in that storm. Terrible.

I actually asked Peggy where to start with Dickens. (I've only read Great Expectations and that was in high school). So far I'm really enjoying Bleak House. I'm reading it on the iPad so I can even say which page I'm actually on but yes, it's a long one.

Hi Bonnie- "Other LTers favor pictures of lush, beach scenes". Excuse me! Did you see mine? Wow, that is a frightening picture at the top. Yikes. Hey, I don't care what start's off the thread as long, as the thread captures, the heart & soul of that 75er. And yours does that just fine.
Great January book list. Impressive, as usual.

Bonnie: What a great start to the year. I've read a couple of the books -- Ex Libris and White Teeth, both of which I loved. I've added Old FIlth, Sorry, and Cleopatra to my list. I know I'll be reading Old Filth because it's a book group pick. I hope to get to to the others.

Bonnie

What an incredible photo to start your first post!

As I walked to my car in the cold a few days ago I remembered that as a child I could play outside for hours, whereas now I long for sunshine.

You have read some wonderful books thus far in 2012! As always, I enjoy visiting here.

>24 msf59: Hi Mark, haha yes I've seen yours. Frightening is a good word.

>25 BLBera: Hi Beth, you have some great reading ahead of you

Hi Linda, cross posting here. Oh yes, when we were young we would stay outside for hours in the snow. Our blood is too thick now. LOL.

What a great January wrap-up Bonnie. You have had a successful reading month! I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it but when I first saw the words Wrap Up on post two, I was still feeling chilly after post one and thought for one moment you were advising us to wrap up and keep warm!

Children's Blizzard... Right Donna.. now that you mention it..
it sounds similar to Bonnie's story.. That was some book :(
Such a sad event..

Wonderful Jan wrap-up, Bonnie. Fabulous month you've had!

>29 Soupdragon: I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it but when I first saw the words Wrap Up on post two, I was still feeling chilly after post one and thought for one moment you were advising us to wrap up and keep warm!

Well if we get the weather in that pic again, and I'm hoping we don't Dee, we will need to wrap up;-)

>30 mckait: Really sad Kath!

>31 lit_chick: I know Nancy, really fabulous!

Hi, brenzi! Finally catching up with your thread. I get so behind. :(

Oh Ren it's hopeless to even think you can get caught up. LOL

:)

Hi Bonnie!
Great start to your 2012 reading!
Several in there on my WL :)

**waving to Claudia**



Well it is Ground Hog Day and Punxatawney Phil did see his shadow but is it true that it was because of a stack of books? Hmmm?

LOL! What else is Phil going to do in his cramped apartment all winter?

cute gif, Bonnie
I would think it would be all the media that would scare him back in his cave!

Hi Lisa and Claudia, we have a local groundhog who came out and didn't see his shadow. That happens fairly regularly because the cloud cover around here in the winter is the cause of widespread SAD and therefore, not conducive to shadows of any kind.

This is pretty interesting:
Dave Eggers’ critically acclaimed non-fiction book “Zeitoun” may require a sequel now that documents have surfaced showing that its protagonist, Abdulrahman Zeitoun, is a perpetrator of domestic abuse.


Read the NY Daily News article here.

I know lots of LTers read this a few years ago (including me). I'm talking to you Donna and Mark.

#40: Oh, rats. I've had that in the Someday Swamp for awhile. That's sure to color my reading when I finally get around to it.

!!!!!! interesting info regarding Zeitoun....That was some book!

Wow, Bonnie! Thanks for sharing but that's pretty shocking! It really mars a perfect portrait of the man, that is for sure. Curious what Eggers will have to say. I just hope the author didn't hide anything.

Bonnie: Thanks for sharing this. I taught this book; and the students loved it. I'm with Mark. I hope Eggers didn't hide this part of Zeitoun.

>41 swynn: Hi there swynn, I imagine it would color your impression. I don't know that I would read it under the circumstances.

>42 mckait: Yes Kath, exactly. But do you feel the same way about the "hero"?

>43 msf59: I wonder if he'll remark on it too Mark so I think I'll look for some info on it.

>44 BLBera: Ohhhh Beth, you taught the book?? How interesting. Will you teach it again?

9.



Bossypants by Tina Fey 3.5 stars

I'll go out on a limb and say, if my memory doesn't fail me (and that's a big if), that this is the first celebrity memoir that I've read. I just don't do celebrities. They're mostly shallow empty suits whose narcissism makes them just about the most uninteresting characters alive. But I do love 30 Rock and Fey's memoir got mostly positive reviews here so I thought I'd give it a go. I decided to get the audio version since Fey read the book herself and well, who better? I haven't had a lot of luck with audio books (haven't tried one in over 10 years) but I thought I'd give it a shot.

And it was certainly funny. It must be a pretty short book because the audio didn't take very long. Anyway, I laughed out loud at parts of it (she sounded just like she does on 30 Rock) as she told about her life as a child through her years in Chicago and Second City, on to SNL and finally 30 Rock and motherhood.

For whatever reason, this audio didn't work for me. I could not concentrate easily on what she was saying and I often got lost in the narrative. Because it was funny, I could laugh at it. Because the subject matter wasn't deep or layered, like most of the books I read, I could keep up with what she was saying but not fully comprehend a lot of it. I longed for the ability to mark passages like I do with regular books. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would have been better to get the book from the library rather than the audio.

So I've tried the audio book and now I know for sure that I will probably not do another one, for the time being anyway.

I've wondered about Bossypants. Thanks, Bonnie! Couldn't agree more about celebrities, and I'd add "vapid" to your description. But I do like Tina Fey. Interesting that the audio didn't work, especially with her reading it. I'm a fan of audiobooks, but I'm also always trying to "mark" passages.

Hi Bonnie: I have the best of all words re: Bossypants. My daughter loves Tina Fey, so I bought the book, thinking I would give it to her. Then, she bought the CD to listen to as she commutes, so I have access to both. Maybe I'll try them simultaneously.

>47 lit_chick: If you're a fan of audio books and you like Tina Fey, I'm sure you'll love this one Nancy.

>48 BLBera: You see now Beth, that's what i needed. I think I would have rated this higher if I had the book too. Lucky you!

Audio books don't work for everyone, Bonnie. I can only listen to them while I'm commuting back and forth to work (autopilot mode) and I really liked Bossypants. Oh well, at least you got a few laughs!!

Hi Joanne, maybe I'm ADHD and don't know it? LOL. It was pretty stunning how I couldn't focus.

I'd like to try Bossypants. I'm not big on celebrity memoirs either (I think I may have just read my first one, by Mindy Kaling, last night) but I've heard good things about Fey's book.

I don't read celebrity bios either, Bonnie, but because it was Tina Fey I read this one. I thought Bossypants was outstanding. Her self-deprecating stories of her life growing up were funny and good, but what really got me was her trajectory from a time when it was hard for a woman to get on stage at Second City because women supposedly weren't as funny as men, to her success now along with so many other talented women comedians.

I suspect you would've enjoyed it more in print, based on your comments. I like to read print and don't listen to a lot of audiobooks either.

>40 brenzi: How sad about the Zeitoun family. As a reader, it's so frustrating to find out that our literary heros (including authors) are damaged people who taint whatever good may have come from their work. I'm thinking of J.G. Ballard, who didn't actually experience the things he wrote about in his "memoir", Empire of the Sun; and Orlando Figes, the author of The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia, who lied and accused his wife of the spurious things he did on Amazon. I had enjoyed both books, but after I found out about the author's personal lives, the books were spoiled for me. I haven't read Zeitoun, although I own it. I wonder if I read it now, if all I will be able to think about is his treatment of his family. Has your opinion of the book changed, Bonnie? How so?

I wonder if his experience during Katrina is responsible in some way -- assuming that this wasn't something that Eggers covered up in the book. I hoping that he didn't; their family life is portrayed as quite happy.

>52 dk_phoenix: Hi there Faith, I still would recommend the Fey book. It's just the audio that didn't work for me. And if you've ever considered a cruise, her chapter on her honeymoon cruise is hysterical and has made me think twice about going on one.

>53 jnwelch: Hi Joe, I only went for the audio because so many people said that was the way to do this book. I think me rating would have been more generous had I used a regular book.

>54 labfs39: Interesting comments Lisa. I was of a victim of the James Frey scandal after reading A Million Little Pieces and then felt victimized again by Oprah Winfrey when she invited Frey and his mother back to her show to explain and blindsided them with accusatory questioning. The whole incident was so unsavory. And why in the world didn't he just call it a novel if he was going to make stuff up? I'm not sure if he ever recovered from that; can't say that I've heard of any further writing but I wouldn't read him if I did.

As far as Zeitoun goes, I'm afraid that information has colored my opinion of the book. I mean how could it not? He was made out to be a hero. How can anyone consider his actions heroic knowing he may have been going home to his wife and abusing here. I don't care how heroic he was, those two things just don't jive.

>55 BLBera: Hi Beth, exactly, their happy family life was a major point in the book and played a part in depicting Mr. Zeitoun as a wonderful family man. I will be lookin for Eggers response.

OK here's another article that explains the charges against Zeitoun. Yep, I would certainly call that spousal abuse.

>56 brenzi: Yes, the Frey incident was the one that set off a whole string of disappointments with me. I don't know if there was an uptick in such incidents, or if I was just more aware. I'm quite choosy now about the memoirs I read. I don't like being duped.

Hi Bonnie!
Have been skimming (with one eye) comments about Zeitoun and Bossypants - both of which I have yet to read.
Fey's book looks to be ok... but Eggers' book? So many loved that book :{
I have to admit I have very strong opinions about domestic abuse. I don't know the details, but should I skip this book ya think?

One of the articles that I read, possibly from the LA Times, speculated that the fame from the book with the trauma may have turned the relationship toxic. Still, no excuse for assault.

>59 labfs39: Right Lisa, I don't read many memoirs, although i will be reading Nabokov's Speak, Memory in March. I'm pretty sure I'm safe with that one;-)

>60 -Cee-: Well Claudia, personally I would find it hard to swallow the hero aspect of Zeitoun knowing about the spousal abuse but maybe others feel differently.

>61 BLBera: I haven't found Eggers' response to the new information, have you Beth?

Found you again! I got lost, but I'm here now :)

Glad to see you back here Chelle.

Bonnie: I haven't seen anything from Eggers.

I just finished reading Zeitoun last month, and have to admit that it didn't blow me away, for a different set of reasons. Looking back, part of it may have been the black and white characterizations of the people, in a world that I am increasingly convinced is pure grey. It made for a great narrative, but not necessarily convincing characters -- even if they were appealing ones. So I don't feel disillusioned, as I don't think I had illusions in the first place...

For me, there's a difference between claiming something happened in a book you right, and just being a jerk later. I've read lots of asinine comments and columns by writers, and often I don't care -- it may mean I don't want to contribute to their royalties, but I'm not going to stop reading if they write well. If someone lies to me IN a book -- whether by omission or commission -- then that's a different kettle of fish. If Eggers was aware of the estrangement between the Zeitouns, IMO he had an obligation to report it in an afterword to the book in later editions, and to report the cause, if it was public. It doesn't change the nature of the story at the heart of the book, but the story is as much about their relationship as what happened to him. Relationships can go sour any time, though, and this may have been something that happened after Katrina and after the book.

Du Maurier is great. I re-read The Scapegoat last year, although I admit it didn't have the same impact the second time around as it did the first, perhaps because I had recently re-read Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey, another novel that deals with questions of lookalikes/Doppelgangers. That said, I think I'll add The King's General to my 12 in 12 list of books to re-read; I remember loving that one when I went on my own du Maurier kick back as a teenager. And it's set in Cornwall, near Fowey!!! *grin*

Hi, Bonnie! Wow, amazing photo topping the thread. I've heard stories of the Blizzard of '77 from my husband, who is from Upstate NY and remembers mountains of snow -- but the way it hit Buffalo was especially vicious and scary.

Great review of Scapegoat. I'm not sure I could suspend disbelief. A Frenchman and and Englishman impersonating each other? Sounds a bit implausible, to say the least.

Sad to read about Zeitoun. I read the book, too. I'd like to know if there was a history of abuse in the family; none has been mentioned in these articles. If abuse was ongoing when Eggers was writing, it may have been hidden beyond his ability to know (lots of secrecy in families where abuse occurs). Or it may be something that more recently developed. There is a stress that comes from being suddenly well known; and its obvious that the family suffered major disruption as a result of Katrina. With all that he experienced, especially at the hands of the police, might PTSD be a possibility? At the very least, this particular incident must have been an escalation if it's the first time police were called. Not that I'm trying to excuse it, but to put it in a little perspective.

As celebrity memoirs and bios go. ... I have read a few.
I have read several about Katharine Hepburn.. I loved all of them :)

I also want to read the Ali Wentworth book.. it sounds interesting..

>65 BLBera: Nope me either Beth.

>66 Chatterbox: I agree, Suzanne, that Eggers had an obligation to let readers know if there was a history of abuse. So far he hasn't issued a statement so who knows whether or not he knew. On the other hand, although I agree that this is not at all like lying but I would still have a hard time viwing him as a hero knowing this. That may just be me.

>67 tymfos: Hi Terri, I actually have a fairly easy time suspending disbelief when I'm reading. It's fiction after all. PTSD? That's something I hadn't considered.

>68 mckait: Hi Kath, I'm not familiar with Ali Wentworth.

10.



Bleak House by Charles Dickens 5 stars

MY REVIEW

2012 being the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, last December I decided to make reading Dickens, in its many forms, my 2012 reading goal. I started my journey with his mammoth Bleak House based on the recommendation of my LT friend (and Dickens lover) LizzieD. The only other Dickens I read was in high school when I was assigned Great Expectations and that was eons ago. Although the first bit of the book was slow going as the author set up the story, it takes off after that and I could hardly put it down until some 900 pages later, when I finished the final chapter. It was quite a ride.

With a cast of thousands, this book is a celebration of Dickens immense characterization skills. Just the coining of the names is a feat to behold: Harold Skimpole, Grandfather Smallweed, Mr. Vholes, Mr. Turveydrop and Mrs. Pardiggle to name a few. Immediately you begin to imagine a picture in your mind that Dickens then quickly fleshes out.. The names are just the jumping off point for the characterizations themselves. Harold Skimpole, for instance, cons others into settling his debts and, basically, supporting him in one way or another:

”For he must confess to two of the oldest infirmities in the world: one was that he had no idea of time, the other that he had no idea of money. In consequence of which he never kept an appointment, never could transact any business, and never knew the value of anything.”

He frequently had to remind others that he was merely “a child,” and therefore couldn’t be expected to work or make money in any way. His freeloading somehow never resonates with his friends, who are continually taken advantage of. At the end of the story he finally gets his comeuppance to the cheers of every reader, I’m sure.

And that’s just the portrayal of one character in a book that is loaded with complex, interesting, and not always likable, characters and one of the things I liked best about the novel.

The main theme of the book is the law, in the form of the British Court of Chancery, the slow moving behemoth that ties up people’s lives and fortunes and Dickens skewers the Court from every angle. The case of Jarndyce v. Jarndyce impacts and has far-reaching effects on almost all of the main characters and has languished for years, chewing up currency at a wild rate. The plight of the poor is illustrated and the failure of the English society to intervene, which is pretty standard Dickens narrative, is depicted painstakingly:

”Jo lives---that is to say, Jo has not yet died---in a ruinous place known to the like of him by the name Tom-all-Alone’s. It is a black, dilapidated street, avoided by all decent people, where the crazy houses were seized upon, when their decay was far adevanced by some bold vagrants who after establishing their own possession took to letting them out in lodgings. Now, these tumbling tenements contain, by night, a swarm of misery. As on the ruined human wretch vermin parasites appear, so these ruined shelters have bred a crowd of foul existence that crawls in and out of gaps in walls and boards; and coils itself to sleep, in maggot numbers, where the rain drips in; and comes and goes, fetching and carrying fever and sowing more evil in its every footprint.”

Plot? You mean plots, don’t you? Plots, sub-plots galore, all told through the most engaging dialogue and an interesting narrative fashion. The story is told partly through a first person narrator, Esther Summerson, the book’s heroine looking back at her life and partly through a third person omniscient narrator.

Don’t wait as long as I did to read Dickens. And Bleak House is a great place to start.

>51 brenzi:: Bonnie, I can't focus on audiobooks either...unless I'm on a long roadtrip. For some reason, being on a highway (especially driving across Kansas to CO) helps me concentrate on the words. I get motion sickness so reading in the car isn't an option.

That's too bad about Zeitoun. After the James Frey and Greg Mortenson incidents, I am becoming more cynical than ever.

Yay! You loved Bleak House. Isn't Dickens great? If you haven't seen it, the adaptation I saw on PBS a few years ago was outstanding as well. Shake me up, Judy!!!

Hi there Donna, Oh yes, I forgot about Greg Mortenson. There are certainly a lot of references to add to a reader's skepticism. That must be the 2005 version. I'm going to look for it. Thanks.

Wow! Great review of Bleak House. I don't know if I've got the time and energy for it right now, but it is definitely on my radar!

Thanks Amy, yeah it does time a bit of time and energy at over 900 pages, something I apparently have a lot of lately;-)

Great review of Bleak House Thumb up from me! I used to love Dickens back in my early twenties and I'm hoping to read maybe Oliver Twist this February, but we'll see!

Thanks Deb. The only other Dickens I've read is Great Expectations but that will be changing soon:)

Oh, what a fab review of Bleak House, Bonnie! Thumb from me, too. It was a five-star read for me also last year - made my "Best" list actually. Sounds like it might be on your "Best" this year! And it was also Peggy who encouraged me to start with Bleak House : ).

OK. I found another good point about owning a Kindle. You have no idea how long the book is (in pages) so, not reluctant to read it and it seems to go faster. Except for one thing... now I know. Well, there's a good chance I'll forget.

Great review as usual Bonnie - on my TBR pile!

Bonnie- Great review of Bleak House! 5 stars too! I've never read this one either. I plan on reading a couple Dickens this year. We are doing a G.R. of David Copperfield in April and maybe Oliver Twist in the fall. And now I need to add Bleak House to the list, as well.
What are you starting next?

Wonderful review of Bleak House! I LOVE that book. I remember when I first read it, I went to the dictionary to look up "Chancery", because I had NO idea what any of the first chapter was about. I decided to just keep reading, and hopefully, it would all make sense. And it did. I love Esther Summerson, and the detective--Mr. Bucket?

And don't forget Lady Dedlock! The book is just full of great characters.

BTW, I love the photo from the blizzard above. I remember the winters of 1976-77 and 1977-78 being the two worst winters that I've ever experienced here in northeast Ohio in terms of snow. I was a kid, so most of my memories are of playing on the massive snow piles in our yard and one particularly harrowing walk home from school in fierce winds and snow.

Sandy K

>77 lit_chick: Why thank you Nancy, I'm sure Bleak House will be on my Bests list too. I've been on a quest the past few years to read all the classics that my woeful public school education failed to introduce me to. Plus I've found that most of those I've read I've absolutely loved so maybe it's fine that i'm getting to them late. Emma later this month??

>78 -Cee-: Haha Claudia. I read it on the iPad in iBooks and the pages are crazy; it was 1865 pages! But they went fast, very fast.

>79 msf59: Thanks Mark, I've got an intriguing NNF coming up next: Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945.

>80 sandykaypax: Thanks Sandy, yes Mr. Bucket and Lady Dedlock! So much fun! We just don't get winters like that anymore. (I hope I don't regret saying that!) But it's true we don't. We've lived in this house for 32 years and when my kids were small we could sit in the window seat on the second floor hallway and look out the window and see just the tops of the cars going by, the banks were sooo high.

Nice review of Bleak House, Bonnie and happy that you got to enjoy yet another 5 star read!

I've not yet read Dickens but I'll keep this one in mind.

Next time I read Dickens it will be Bleak House but I don't know when that will be! I was interested to read in your review, Bonnie, that the book is partly narrated by a woman. The problem I had with David Copperfield (the only Dickens I've read as an adult) was the way a lot of the female characters were portrayed. I did love David's aunt though!

Oh Bonnie, I remember the storm of' '77 very, very well! Local bus transportation couldn't get through the blowing drifts so just stopped where they were. Yippee, meant no way to get to high school for a couple of days.
Fast forward to yesterday: I grilled steaks out on the patio! In February!!!

Don’t wait as long as I did to read Dickens. And Bleak House is a great place to start

I won't! In fact I have it scheduled for March.
First, daunted by it, now I'm looking forward to it.

I like Dickens.. but Bleak House is one that I have not read.
I think it's the title.. lol
I may give it a try one day.

Bonnie: Great review of Bleak House. It makes me want to reread it. I've already decided, though, that my Dickens read this year will be Our Mutual Friend. When I'll get to it, I have no idea.

Loved the Bleak House review, Bonnie. That's one of my favorites of his, too. Thumb from me.

#81 Yes, will shoot for Emma later this month. At least that's the plan right at this second, LOL.

eta: I've chuckled at "not to put too fine a point on it" in a couple of threads now! I know it was Snagsby, but I forget the context - can you enlighten? Thanks, Bonnie : ).

Great review of Bleak House, Bonnie, which I'm currently right in the middle of, though I've read it before.

I sympathize on the audiobook. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, because otherwise I would never be able to read as many books as I do, but my listening-attention span is not that good (ask my family) and it is a constant struggle to focus. I almost always try to have a companion paper book on hand (and I did for Bossypants) which feels like the best of both worlds.

>82 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, whichever Dickens you decide on, I hope you enjoy it:)

>83 Soupdragon: Hello Dee, Esther Sumerson is Dickens' only female narrator, I believe so I'm not sure what that says about him.

>84 Carmenere: Do you think we're going to pay the price for this mild weather Lynda? I will look for your comments on Bleak House in March then:)

>85 mckait: I hope you do Kath!

>86 BLBera: Thanks Beth! Our Mutual Friend will be my next Dickens:)

>87 jnwelch: Thanks Joe!

>88 lit_chick: It was Snagsby and he used the phrase just about every time he spoke. It just tickled me.

>89 AnneDC: Thanks Anne! If I listen to another audio book I will definitely have the book to refer to.

11.



The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys 4.5 stars

MY REVIEW

And the hits just keep on coming. What can I say? If my LT friends keep recommending great books (I'm talking to you Joanne!) I will keep reading them:)

Helen Humphreys has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorite authors and The Frozen Thames is just another example of her brilliance and creativity in tackling the not-so-obvious in the history of the world. Just as she did in Coventry she has once again taken a small snippet and used it to address a larger topic. The book is diminutive in size and yet packs quite a punch.

The Thames has frozen solid only 40 times in its history and Humphreys has taken each of those occurrences and built a vignette around its time in history. In style consistent with her previous efforts, Humphreys’ spare, poignant prose is, for the first time, accompanied by beautiful full color period artwork. What you get is an absolutely beautiful little book that is quite a treasure to behold. This would make a lovely gift for someone who appreciates excellent literary fiction and stunning artwork.

The vignettes are succinct and beautiful in their simplicity: a thirteen year old boy and his mother are trying to make their way across the treacherous ice as it melts below their feet; two young lovers meet on the ice during the time of the Black Plague and embrace in spite of the disease; Henry VIII and his court spectacularly ride across the frozen ice as bystanders gawk; a young man has an idea to blow up the ice “that has dammed against the south bank and threatens to flood the houses there.” But it is unwise to underestimate the power of the ice:

”The water is so cold that it burns like fire. It scalds my skin and knocks the breath from me as I struggle to get away from the explosives. The fuse hisses behind me like a snake. I am not a good swimmer, but I am propelled by the fear of death and that does remarkable things for my ability. I race through the water as fast as a bird slices through the air, trying to move as fast as I can before my arms go completely numb.” (Page 145)

The author describes this book as “a long meditation on the nature of ice” and goes on to extol the transformative powers of ice. For me, it was spare, haunting and beautiful. This little gem is highly recommended.

The Frozen Thames sounds wonderful -- I just put a hols on it at my library. Thanks!

Oh Dejah, I hope you like it as much as I did:)

Bonnie: I've got to stop visiting this thread -- yet another book to add to my list. The Frozen Thames sounds great -- and kudos for the excellent review.

Haha Beth, what can I say except thank you.

Yay Bonnie! I'm so glad you liked The Frozen Thames! It is such a lovely little book. And a wonderful review.

It makes me happy for two reasons: 1) I loved it and am always happy when someone else likes a book I liked and 2) I've already read it so I won't be adding to my massive tbr pile! You have been on quite a good book roll.

However, this does remind me that I still have The Lost Garden to read.

Your streak of fabulous reads continues, Bonnie! I am not a good swimmer, but I am propelled by the fear of death and that does remarkable things for my ability ... Undoubtedly!

I seem to remember reading somewhere recently that Mr. Bucket was one of the first great fictional detectives... Of course, I can't remember where!!

Thumb up from me for your review of The Frozen Thames . I think that is going to have to go on my wishlist!!! I loved Coventry so much!

The Frozen Thames sounds intriguing! Another book bullet!!! ;) Thank Bonnie!

>96 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. Yes you must read The Lost Garden if you haven't and Coventry too. I'm going to look for Wild Dogs and Afterimage next. Her writing is just sooo good.

>97 lit_chick: And I'm happy to have it continue forever Nancy:)

>98 Chatterbox: Yes Suzanne right. I think maybe on Wikipedia.

>99 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deb! It's a very fast read so it's easy to savor the gorgeous writing.

To all of you who just put The Frozen Thames on your TBR piles, wishlists, or holds at the library---you are in for just as big a treat as Bonnie has promised you. Helen Humphrey is without a doubt one of those authors who is sure to delight, no matter what her subject matter. Happy reading to all.

Great idea to follow Bleak House with The Frozen Thames.
Must re-read Bleak House as your excellent review reminds me that they rarely make em like that anymore.

>101 tututhefirst: Hi Tina, ahhh another Humphreys fan! I wonder when she'll publish a new one?

>102 PaulCranswick: Well Paul, rather, a great idea to follow up a 900 page book with a 150 page book haha.

Two fantastic reviews for 2 fantastic books, Bonnie. Your review of Bleak House reminded me why I loved it when I read it and it's tempting me to find some time to add it to my re-read list this year.

I love the sound of The Frozen Thames. Hmm, maybe one for my forthcoming Thingaversary....

>104 cameling: Hi Caro, I think this is a book that you can reread and find things you totally missed the first time.

>105 Soupdragon: It's a beautiful little book Dee but i don't think you can find it new. At least not in this country.

So I've read a couple of books on my iPad and found it to be an OK thing. I'm certainly not giving up my real books (of which I have close to 400 unread on my shelves with more coming in every week) but it's actually pretty nice to get all my classics for free and download them. The book I'm reading now Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 is actually a library book that I downloaded with their Overdrive software onto the iPad and that's the way I actually thought I'd use it, for the most part, but then yesterday I read this:

Lending Ending: Penguin Cuts Ties with OverDrive

Penguin is ending its relationship with digital library distributor OverDrive effective today and will "stop offering e-books and digital audiobooks to libraries--at least until it finds a new partner," paidContent reported, adding that Random House is now the sole of the six major U.S. publishers "to allow unrestricted access to its e-books in libraries--though it will raise prices beginning in March."

The American Library Association, which met with big-six publishers regarding the issue of digital book borrowing cutting into paid sales, noted that a "key issue that arose in each meeting is the degree to which 'friction' may decline in the e-book lending transaction as compared to lending print books. From the publisher viewpoint, this friction provides some measure of security. Borrowing a print book from a library involves a nontrivial amount of personal work that often involves two trips--one to pick up the book and one to return it. The online availability of e-books alters this friction calculation, and publishers are concerned that the ready download-ability of library e-books could have an adverse effect on sales."

Penguin is "continuing to talk about our future plans for e-book and digital audiobook availability for library lending with a number of partners providing these services," the publisher said in a statement.

OverDrive CEO Steve Potash told the Associated Press (via the Wall Street Journal) that he is still "actively working" with Penguin on the issue.

Well now that's disappointing. But then I remembered our librarian telling me that the library was only allowed to download a book 26 times and then it would disappear. Compare that to a hardback copy which could be taken out many hundreds of times.

Bonnie, that was disappointing news about Penguin, but so far I haven't been able to check out an ebook from my library anyway because of long waiting lists.

I am reading Our Mutual Friend on the iPad. I like the ease of looking up words in the dictionary. I don't anticipate running out of classics I want to read so I may never have to buy a book I can't put on my shelf!

Sorry to hear that about Overdrive ...
And to hear about the x26 lending rule~

I was unaware of the x26 lending rule. I hope they change that rule.

Very interesting. I also don't understand the 26x lending rule; doesn't make any sense. Public libraries purchase digital books, just as they purchases paper books and lend them hundreds of times. Ebooks are "locked" in that they cannot be extracted fromOverDrive, so it's not like people are borrowing the books and then keeping them. And concerns that "nontrivial amount of personal work" involved in borrowing ebooks sound punitive to me - customers don't need to put as much footwork into borrowing ebooks, therefore we might not make as much money? That's what this sounds like to me. And don't' get me wrong: I believe authors and publishers need to be paid for their work; I also believe that when an ebook has been purchased, they've been paid.

Honestly, I think this whole business of digital rights management, DRM, from music through (now) books is a mess. *end of soapbox*

Piffle -- they are out of their minds, at least on the "friction". I can order up a book from anywhere in the Brooklyn public library system, wait a few days and walk across the road and pick it up. OK, it's more work and planning for some people, but this is the Internet era!! It's actually more frustrating to borrow an e-book, because there are so few of them vs. the # of potential readers. Also, there are limits on the numbers of times you can borrow an e-book, the lending periods are shorter, etc. I can understand the former if there is a limit of 26 loans, but really... If I decide to read a library copy of a book, I'm not a buyer for the book, period, and whether it's available in e-book or dead-tree book format is not a factor. I'm increasingly tempted to boycott Penguin; they also have shut me out from NetGalley of late.

My recollection is that the limit of 26 checkouts applied only to books from certain publishers, in particular HarperCollins.

The logic, I believe, is that the average print book is checked out 26 time before it needs replacement. It's a quixotic attempt to preserve the economy of printed books in a different environment -- and it won't work. The problem is that neither publishers nor librarians have yet figured out what will work.

Hi there Donna, Kath, Caro, Nancy, Suzanne and Swynn, I think the battle between publishers, libraries, and readers will continue because no one was prepared for the wide acceptance of e readers. Here's an interesting video where two librarians take on the 26 download rule and Swynn you may be right. It may not apply to all publishers. But if Random House is the only publisher left that will loan e books, the point is moot, I guess.

Love that video, absurd rule of 26.

>114 brenzi:: I've seen that video, and it makes me squirm. It's not one of librarians' better moments.

The books in that video are not representative of books that have circulated 50 or 100 times. It's dishonest to pretend they're anything but statistical outliers.

I don't pretend to know how many times the average library book circulates before it's withdrawn, lost, or fails to return. But guessing from experience I expect 26 is a pretty generous estimate.

Again, though: I think the rule of 26 is unsuited to the electronic environment and as such is foolish. The different environment demands a different economy and we're still figuring out what that will be.

>106 brenzi:: It's a beautiful little book Dee but i don't think you can find it new. At least not in this country.

Well you've done it now Bonnie, I am definitely buying The Frozen Thames! There's nothing like the hint of rarity and the possibility that if I don't get it now I never will, to make me buy a book!

I'm going to chime in here on the Overdrive limit issue - I'm one of the people here in Maine who actually chooses the Adult fiction books and decides where to spend the (alas) limited books for our Overdrive Consortium. SO FAR, only Harper Collins has those limits, and it was, as far as I understand based on the theory that most library books don't last forever and do need to be replaced after a finite number of checkouts. I'm not sure whether there was some scientific study done to arrive at the 26 number, but that really amounts to a book that has a two week lending period being in constant circulation for a year.

The problem on the long waiting lines for downloads is something we're all aware of, and actually isn't much different from what patrons experience with popular print books. Libraries are aware of it, and are trying, but like everything else, there is a limited nmber of dollars to be spent.

I certainly hope that publishers and ibraries are able to work out a system that does not require patrons (and library staff!!) to learn a dozen different download software programs (one for each publisher?) just to be able to read an e-book.

> 111 Another clarification: Libraries DON"T purchase ebooks - they are purchasing the license to download the book. The publishers control those rights, and until everyone can get a better feel for this new technology and how to have everyone = readers, libraries, publishers, authors, equitaby compensated, we're all going to be feeling our way through this new world of reading.

Publishers seem to think that just because I download a book from the library, I won't be buying it. Personally, I'm much more likely to purchase a book after I've gotten it from the library - either in print or as an ebook. I often find I want a book to be mine, so I can take my time reading it, mark it up (especially nice to do electronically) and make it my own. The three books I'm currently reading on my NOOK are all books I got from the library first, and decided I did not want to be worried about due dates and wanted to be able to mark them up, so the publishers made over $40 from me.

Off the soapbox....

Happy Valentine's Day, Bonnie!

>116 swynn:
Again, though: I think the rule of 26 is unsuited to the electronic environment and as such is foolish. OK I can agree with you on this Swynn.

>117 Soupdragon: Well Dee, my work here is done I guess.

>118 tututhefirst: Thanks for all that reliable library information Tina. I'm reading my first library e book and was looking forward to many more so that information about penguin and the other publishers was a little disconcerting.

>119 -Cee-: Aww thanks Claudia and the same to you my friend.

Hi, Sis! Glad you're having a mild winter. We are too, except for our week of snow--which didn't bother me since I work from home. Finally started a 2012 thread in Club Read again, but haven't commented on any books yet. I thought I already had The Frozen Thames on my wish list, but apparently not. Sounds really good!

Though I didn't have much luck with it last year, I want to continue to focus on whittling down my TBR's. I'm going to go check out your list to see if we have anything in common. Maybe we can read something together?

I am riddled with bullet holes, Bonnie. Not only have you gotten me with The Frozen Thames but now I want to check out other books by Humphreys which looks to be about 7 more. *off to retrieve the band-aids*

Great! I just spent several hours over the past week or so working on my Overdrive "wishlist" for two libraries, and now publishers suddenly decide to pull out? What's worse, I marked my LT list indicating which books were available where.

Overdrive seems, by far, to be the most widely used of these library download systems -- at least as I've encountered them in Pennsylvania. What about the libraries/library consortiums that already paid the license fee for the right to use the books? Do they get a refund for books not yet used to their full limit when a publisher decides to walk out of the deal?

BTW, I know we have regular paper books in our library that have circulated far more than 26 times!

118> I agree. I too have purchased books that I have previously borrowed..
It reminds me of the authors I see ranting about second hand book sales.
If it is a new author, I am more likely to try them by purchasing a used book,
and then if I like them, might well go on to read and purchase more of their books.

I have debated this with an author I enjoy, in fact.. and she simply doesn't get it.
This baffled me at first, as she is also a reader, and from my area.. she currently lives
in Charlottesville, Va though. I think she may have forgotten that some people
have less disposable income and need to be more careful with what they do with it?

It is a tough situation for all concerned though.. and I thought the video did a great
job disproving the 26 loan theory :) I simply do not understand the overdrive thing..
and I am crossing my fingers that a solution can be found.

>121 bonniebooks: Oh my goodness Bonnie you're back! Finally! I'd love to read something. Let me know what interests you.

>122 Carmenere: Good luck bandaging up your wounds Lynda. LOL.

>123 tymfos: Information from another librarian! Thanks Terri. Our library ONLY has Overdrive so I'm not at all familiar with any other system. But I hope some kind of agreement can be reached for all parties. I understand that authors and publishers have to make money but w/o readers where would they be?

>124 mckait: Hi Kath, I seldom buy a new book by an unknown author. There are only so many dollars available to spend on books and I spend very judiciously. And I've been a rabid library user since I was a child.

Bonnie - Sorry to be late posting, but I really enjoyed your reviews of Bleak House and The Frozen Thames. I have Bleak House on my Kindle and must make time for it. Now how many times, about how many books, have I said that in the past month?

Hi there Linda, thanks for visiting. And thanks for your kind words about my reviews. I know just what you're saying about making time for books that look to good to pass up because as it happens. I do the same thing myself;-)

Hi Bonnie!
The way technology grows, and creates and solves problems for itself, I'm thinking this Overdrive problem will be resolved soon. We will adapt because we have plenty of real paper books to fall back on while everyone fights this out :)

With people like you writing terrific reviews, we'll find a way to get our hands on those books!

All this library ebook talk is so interesting. Hopefully the publishers will figure it out sooner rather than later. I'd read about HarperCollins' 26 checkout limit, which is absurd. I check out a lot of physical books from the library that I never read and they go back to the library in the same condition they left. In fact, usually when I read the book, it is hardly worse for wear! Makes me think twice about checking out ebooks that I may not read, though.

Hi Bonnie! Hope all is well.

Bonnie, just stopping by to say I started Emma last night. This year's Jane Austen re-read is a little birthday present to myself!

Interesting ebook discussion. My last 3 books have been from my kindle. My local library is just getting into the e - lending business. They've had a limited e- book supply - Overdrive only I think. As of Feb 21st, they are getting into the e- book swing. I'll have to look into it. So far, amazon does not support libraries using Kindle ebooks... Oh, will I need another e - reader? sigh.

>128 -Cee-: Thank so much Claudia. You're right, things will work out in the end. I will not be relying on e books; too many paper books waiting on my shelf for me;-)

>129 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, I think library users are especially careful in how they handle the books they borrow. I know I do:)

>130 lauralkeet: Hi Laura, I will be starting Emma tonight myself:)

>131 vancouverdeb: Hi there Deb, I thought Amazon started loaning e books through the library last year. At least in this country.

12.



Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 by Max Hastings 5 stars

I have been holed up for the last week and a half with my nose buried in this comprehensive, very readable history of WWII which I highly recommend.

MY REVIEW

I am not a reader of military history; not interested at all in deadly battle statistics. And do we really need another WWII book? Don’t we already have hundreds, maybe thousands of them? But early reviews of Max Hastings’ magisterial WWII epic piqued my interest because it was described as a book about the people, told in their voices through letters, diaries and other correspondence. So when it landed on the New York Times 100 Best Books of 2011 I knew it was going to be read…by moi. And when I got into the book, it became clear very quickly, that this was an exceptionally well written narrative that I would have a hard time putting down as I made my way through its 700+ painful pages. It was last summer that I read a book based on another war and realized for the first time (consciously, anyway) that it’s children who actually fight all the wars, sent there, most often, by old men. And a feeling of isolation is a common thread through all wars.

”Combat opened a chasm between those who experienced its horrors and those at home who did not. In December 1943, the Canadian Farley Mowat wrote to his family from the Sangro front in Italy: ‘The damnable truth is we are in really different worlds, on totally different planes, and I don’t really know you any more. I only know the you that was. I wish I could explain the desperate sense of isolation, of not belonging to my own past, of being adrift in some kind of alien space. It is one of the toughest things we have to bear---that and the primal, gut-rotting worm of fear.’” (Page 406)

That isolation is a main theme in the book and is even expressed by John Steinbeck:

”Isolation was a towering sensation, even for men serving amid legions of their compatriots. ‘I see all these thousands of lonely soldiers here,’ John Steinbeck wrote from the British capital in 1943 about the GIs on its streets. ‘There’s a kind of walk they have in London, an apathetic shuffle. They’re looking for something. They’ll say it’s a girl---any girl, but it isn’t that at all.’ Although soldiers often talk about women, under the stress and unyielding discomfort of a battlefield most crave simple pleasures, among which sex rarely features.”

If that was the case, it’s hard to explain the occurrences of violent rape that occurred with almost frightening regularity by servicemen on both sides of the struggle. That was one of the many things I learned about the war. I knew about the rape of thousands of German women in Berlin when the Russians finally occupied the city, (mostly from A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous) but I didn’t realize that the Allies were also guilty of the crime.

I ended up with pages and pages of notes, many delineating topics of which I was woefully ignorant. It would take pages and pages to discuss all these topics but here are the main items I took from the book: most of the other countries involved in the war suffered much more devastating human losses than the U.S. and Great Britain none greater than Russia and (very surprisingly) China. In unoccupied Western nations, some people prospered, especially U.S. farmers who saw their incomes rise by 156%. The Red Army was the main engine of the German defeat (as a matter of fact, they could probably have defeated the Nazi’s without the aid of the Americans and the British). The U.S. industrial might contributed more to victory than did its armies. Himmler diverted resources that could have been used for winning in Russia for the extermination of the Jews. There was a slow or no response by the Allies to the Jewish extermination. Soviet victories were purchased at a human cost no democracy would have accepted. The blunders of the German and Japanese leaders led to defeat. Truman’s greatest mistake, in protecting his own reputation, was his failure to deliver an explicit ultimatum before dropping the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. And finally, WWII was the greatest and most terrible event in human history, involving citizens from every inhabited continent in the world.

This was a truly awe-inspiring narrative, surprisingly comprehensive and written elegantly. Told through the voices of those who fought in or stood by those who did this book is very highly recommended especially for those who are not readers of military histories.

>131 vancouverdeb:, 132 Amazon has indeed entered into the world of library ebook loans in the U.S. and I have actually benefited from this. But to my considerable frustration, many of the books that I am really, really interested in reading are only being made available by my library system in ePub version, even though I know there are Kindle versions. Is this simple economics or something else?

> 133 Thanks for the great review, Bonnie. I have always felt that my knowledge of WWI was woefully lacking by comparison to WWII. Sounds like a good book to rectify this situation.

What a wonderful review! That looks like a book that you really need to be
invested in. I am glad you enjoyed it so well! thumbed.

Excellent review, Bonnie!

>134 Linda92007: Thanks Linda, I think Amazon resisted the library option as long as they could and actually originally described the library as their biggest rival! So I don't think they will go out of their way to accommodate something that doesn't make them any $$.

As far as the review goes that is a book about WWII. I corrected that mistake in my first blurb.

>135 mckait: Thanks so much Kath. Yes it is a book requiring a big investment in time as well as focus, but worth the effort I think.

>136 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

Great review!

Excellent review, Bonnie. I need to get moving on my non-fiction reading this year.

Wonderful review -- thumbs up from me.

> 137 OOPS. I certainly should have picked up on that. My mind was too much on other things. Message to self: Pay Attention!

A thumb from me, too. Great review, Bonnie.

Fantastic review, Bonnie. It went right on my WL.

Hi Ren, Laura, Dejah, Linda, Joe and Pat,

Thanks to you all and thanks for visiting.

Thumb up from me re your review of Inferno:The World at War 1939-1945 - can't get the touchstones to work -sorry about that.

As for amazon and Kindle, only US libraries are able to use Kindle and Amazon books. Amazon won't even ship a Kindle up to Canada - I had to ship mine to a nearby part of the US and pick it up!!!! Later I heard that some of our stores up hear carry kindles, so I needn't have bothered going down to the US to pick up my Kindle. Oh well!:)

Wow, Bonnie, another great book and another great review! It probably wouldn't be up my alley, but then that's what I thought when I read your review of the Katherine Boo book a couple of months ago!

Bonnie, marvelous review of Inferno: The World at War (can't find the right touchstone). It's not a book I'd normally think of reading, but you've aroused my interest in it!

125 More e-book stuff: In addition to Overdrive, our district had another system for audio book downloads through Net Library for a while. That became unavailable to us last fall (it became part of EBSCO, which we no longer have access to due to budget cuts) but is supposedly coming back as/through something called One Click. We also have access to NetLibrary e-books through the state ACCESS system, but not in a form that can be downloaded and transferred to an e-reader; they have to be read on the computer, and are mostly reference books, texts, scholarly works as best I can see.

(PS: I'm not really a librarian, just a humble library assistant . . .)

Another exceptional review, Bonnie! Thanks for that : ). Thumb!

Bonnie, you are becoming my go-to person for narrative nonfiction recommendations. Yesterday's local newspaper had an article from a librarian about e-books and the difficulties our library is experiencing with them. She urged readers to contact publishers to help make the process easier for everyone.

Hi Bonnie- Wow, another excellent review! Great job. This looks like another Must NF Read! You are still my guidepost.

Hi there Deb, Joanne, Terri, Nancy, Donna and Mark, thanks for all the kind words about the review but this was one of those that practically wrote itself. There were just so many good thinks to write about!

>145 vancouverdeb: I'm wondering why Amazon won't send Kindles to Canada Deb. I mean once you have the device, you would then download e books from....Amazon. That just doesn't make any sense.

>146 Copperskye: This book is about people Joanne, who just happen to be taking part, some directly and others indirectly, in a war. It's not a book about war per se, if you get my drift.

I see the Boo book has now hit the best sellers list. It really spoke to me and I think everyone who reads it will probably feel the same way.

>147 tymfos: Hi Humble Library Assistant, I just was happy to have correct information from someone who actually works in a library. Our library only uses Overdrive, as far as I know; good to know there are other options out there.

>148 lit_chick: Thanks for the thumb Nancy!

>149 Donna828: I don't know how much value publishers place on the opinions of library users Donna but it certainly can't hurt. I'm really enjoying the NF I'm reading. And to think a few years ago I didn't read any NF!

>150 msf59: Thanks Mark. You're going to want to look for this one. I know it's available as an audio book.

A wonderful review, It made me realise I should try to stretch myself to read more military history this year. I too am familiar with A Woman in Berlin which gave me another perspective on what went on but have read little since on this theme.

Fabulous review of Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945, Bonnie! Mine is the 15th thumb, and I've added it to my wish list.

I remember thinking about the old men sending young men off to war aspect when I had to listen to my ex-father-in-law support Nixon and the Vietnam War--this at a time when his own son could have been drafted. Easy for him to tout pratriotism when he had never been to war, himself. And I think the raping of women as a part of war has to talked about over and over again. We've got to stop glorifying past wars if we're ever going to stop new ones. Great review, Bonnie!

>152 Booktechie: Thank you Julie and welcome, I have read a lot of historical fiction that covered WWII but this was the first comprehensive NF that I've read and it really drew me in. A Woman in Berlin was quite an eye-opener, wasn't it?

>153 kidzdoc: Thanks so much Darryl. I finally got to a book before you. I should mark that down as it almost never happens. I'm usually reading books you recommend.

>154 bonniebooks: Hi Bonnie, our lawmakers should not be allowed to vote on whether or not to go to war unless they are combat veterans. It was Matterhorn that brought out the kids who were fighting the war and during WWII I believe they were taking 17 year olds. Unbelievable.

Hi Bonnie! Just visiting to say hello :)

Whew... just caught up with your thread and promptly got hit with a book bullet. Loved your review of Inferno : The World at War and have added that to my obese wish list.

>156 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle!

>157 cameling: Turn about is fair play my friend;-)

I just wanted to drop by and thank you so very much for pointing me toward The Frozen Thames - I absolutely loved it.

Oh I am sooo happy that a book I recommended made someone happy Dejah! Isn't it just about the most beautiful book you've ever seen?

I was blown away -- what a little gem of a book! I couldn't help myself -- I was pushing it on my librarian when I returned it today.

Your recommendation was the direct impetus that led me to reading The Frozen Thames -- so you made me very happy indeed!

I know what you mean. I have been trying to find a new copy for over a year then just gave up and got it from the library. But now I'm on the hunt for it again but probably used.

I love visiting here and reading all these excellent reviews!

Great reads and reviews this year (well, as per usual, actually). You have sucked me in on Bleak House, Frozen Thames, and maybe, just perhaps Inferno, The World at War. Thanks!

Great review, Bonnie!
Your BB missed me for now - I'm getting full of war and need time to recoup. Right after I finish The Siege.
But... The Frozen Thames - woohoo! What a book!
And... Bleak House will serve as my TBR chunkster when I need one, maybe this year :)

How's Emma, Bonnie? I'm about halfway through now and enjoying it. It's my second time around, as you know. Emma is such a meddler and so self-centered!

>163 Whisper1: Hi there Linda, thanks for visiting!

>164 Berly: Hi Kim, wow I guess I'm 3 for 3;-)

>165 -Cee-: Oh Claudia, I guess I'm going to have to practice aiming a little better;-)

>166 lauralkeet: I'm about half-way through too Laura so what do you think of Mrs. Elton? I think she's giving Emma a run for her money. Can you say cat fight?? Where do you suppose this is heading with Jane Fairfax? And what about Frank Churchill? Where does he fit in and is he in love with Emma? So many questions...

OK, I'm going to have to succumb to the Max Hastings tome, but not until I read the WWI book by Peter Englund (that I won via a Twitter giveaway, believe it or not!!) and catch up on my NetGalley and Amazon Vine galleys. Really, this is getting out of hand!!

I'd also like to find a Russian history of the war -- less for the facts, but for the point of view. The war there was horrific in a way we simply can't grasp, and even in the context of the horrors of that war. They fought also for the Allies to open up a "second front" 18 months before it happened with D-Day.

Bonnie, I rewatched Emma recently (BBC edition with Romola Garai and Johnny Lee Miller) as I knew I wouldn't get to the reread. Giggled at your remark in #167 "Can you say cat fight?" Hee!! Mrs Elton is such an absolute PILL! Anyway, if you're able to find the DVD at your library, I highly recommend!

>168 Chatterbox:. Well, well, well, it's not often that I can entice you with a book Suzanne. Usually you read all the good ones first and then force me to read them with your tantalizing reviews. (Every Man in this Village is a Liar comes to mind.) You're right about Russia though and Hastings illustrates that brilliantly. The devastating human loss in that country is so hard to comprehend. So I suppose now I will have to go look for the Peter Englund WWI book.

>169 lit_chick:. Thanks Nancy, I will look for the DVD when I finish the book. Too bad you couldn't squeeze this one in but I know all about the too many books not enough time business.

>167 brenzi:: Bonnie, having read this book before, I know where Emma ends up and don't want to spoil that for you. Let's just say I'm reading more into the behavior of the menfolk this time around. I find it amusing that Emma thinks everyone who even looks twice at her must be in love with her, although she claims to be above all that, repeatedly saying she never wants to marry. Yeah, right.

That said, I find I've also forgotten a lot of the plot! I just read the "who gave Jane the pianoforte" section yesterday and can't remember how that resolves.

ETA: I just read a bit over my lunch break and have now read through Book 2, Chapter XIV. Mrs. Elton ... ew.

Yes Laura Mrs. Elton is a real piece of work. I just love the way Austen does obsequeous. I forgot you had said this was a re-read. I don't know if anyone can compare to the minister in Pride and Prejudice (his name escapes me) but Mrs. Elton is certainly in that same category. I like Mr. Knightley.

The minister -- Mr. Collins -- he's a funny character!

I drew the same comparison between Mr Collins and Mrs Elton, even as I recently watched Emma. "Piece of work" hardly begins to cover it, LOL! I agree, Bonnie, in that Austen is a master at obsequious. Delightful!

Emma... I do like that one..
I am trying and failing to actually catch up with my friends..
but I hope all is well :)

Hi there Laura, Nancy and Kath. Emma was thoroughly delightful

13.



Emma by Jane Austen 4.3 stars

MY REVIEW

I’m sure much has been written about the longevity of Jane Austen’s works of proper English life during the early 19th century, but you have to wonder why, at this time, her novels of keen social commentary immersed in drawing room drama and provincial balls, continue to enjoy such a wide readership. When you consider the lack of manners today, it’s hard to understand why so many of us enjoy her social commentary of a time long past. But enjoy them we do and Emma is no exception.

Emma Woodhouse proudly proclaims to all who will listen that she never intends to marry. Rather she spends her young life meddling in those of others, mainly playing matchmaker, to mostly disastrous results. Nothing seems to stop her though, to the detriment especially of her young, decidedly lower class, friend Harriet. Emma’s object is to raise Harriet’s station in life.

Early on in the book, I did not find Emma appealing at all. I mean, she was methodically destroying Harriet’s life. For someone who was so obviously aware of the importance of the English hierarchy regarding class, it never occurred to Emma that by matching Harriet with a young man of higher station she would thereby lower his and that just wasn’t going to happen as her friend, Mr. Knightly, points out.

At any rate, Emma cannot be convinced of her own folly and along the way we are treated to Austen’s trademark satire and biting wit. She doesn’t fail to provide for a few deliciously drawn supporting characters including Emma’s father, who is scared of his own shadow and the possibility that someone, anyone will suffer from the fatal effects of a draft; his neighbor Miss Bates, whose non-stop chatter absolutely grates on the nerves and the obsequious prattler Mrs. Elton. How these people exist and even thrive in each other’s company is beyond the pale. A conversation between Emma and Mrs. Elton went like this:

”’My brother and sister will be enchanted with this place. People who have extensive grounds themselves are always pleased with anything in the same style.’
Emma doubted the truth of this sentiment. She had a great idea that people who had extensive grounds themselves cared very little for the extensive grounds of anybody else, but it was not worthwhile to attack an error so double-dyed.”

As the narrative progresses Austen tosses the omniscient reader bits of information that enable you to piece together the clues and come to the proper conclusion.

My early misgivings about Emma are soon overcome as I realize that she actually considers her meddling to be a service and, at heart, she is trying to help poor Harriet. Once again when Mr. Knightley points out her faulty thinking it becomes apparent that Emma is actually “faultless in spite of all her faults.” This made her endearing to me although Austen claimed before the book was even written, “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.”

Well, I liked her and loved her delightful tale. Highly recommended.

Bonnie, I liked Emma too - both the book and the meddling character! Your review's first thumbs-up is from me. ;-)

And the second thumbs up is from me -- lovely review!

Bonnie: As always, great review. I liked Emma, but it's not my favorite Austen. I do respect that she has created a character that evokes such strong reactions in people. And her other character in this book are great. I thought "Clueless" captured the essence of Emma perfectly.

>178 Donna828: Thanks Donna, somehow jane Austen is just such a comfort read for me, regardless which of her books I'm reading.

>179 Dejah_Thoris: Thank you Dejah, this was another one of those books that kind of wrote its own review.

>180 BLBera: Thanks Beth, I will have to look for Clueless but that certainly is an apt title for Emma LOL. I'm going to look for the Gwyneth Paltrow movie also.

All this talk of Jane Austen makes me want to pull out Pride and Prejudice. I never get tired of the dialogue or the author's witty observations.

>180 BLBera: - 181

I agree with Beth that "Clueless" is a hoot -- I think it's my favorite movie that goes with the spirit of one of Austen's books, not a faithful reproduction of the plot, dialogue, etc.

Here's "Clueless" at IMDB.

Bonnie, I'm almost finished with Emma myself. Can I just steal your review? Because you have said everything I want to say!
And that quote about the grounds -- Austen just nailed it, didn't she? I had to read that part aloud to my husband because of a personal connection. Back when we lived in England, we rented a house on the grounds of the original village manor. At one point our landlords hosted a garden party for the village. Someone (not our landlords) created a flyer announcing the event, describing their "grounds, which are extensive." Hubby and I thought that statement was so pompous and absolutely hilarious. When I came across it in Emma, I wondered if the person who created the flyer knew about the reference? Because let me tell you, our landlords cared very little for anyone else's grounds. :)

Another thumb-worthy review, Bonnie! You certainly do Emma, and for that matter Austen, justice! Well said! Love the quote; indeed, Austen's "landlords" could not be impressed by anything other than themselves, LOL!

Thumbed, too :) wonderful review !

>182 bonniebooks: Hi Bonnie, is that your favorite Austen? I'm not sure which of the three I've read would be my favorite. Besides Emma I've read Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice.

>183 Dejah_Thoris: Thanks for that link Dejah. I'll add that to my "Movies I'll Watch By Myself" as I don't think hubby will be interested.

>184 lauralkeet: Steal away Laura but your reviews are always so insightful and well done that you'd probably be doing yourself a disservice LOL. I love your personal connection to the "extensive grounds" quote.

>185 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy, Mrs. Elton will go down as one of my characters that I love to hate LOL.

>186 mckait: Thanks Kath!

So Austenites, which of the remaining unread Austen books should I plan on reading next:

Mansfield Park

Northanger Abbey OR

Sense and Sensibility?

#188 Tough to decide. I'll cast a vote for Sense and Sensibility.

I'd second that. Northanger Abbey is a lovely riff on the Gothic melodramas that were part of the romance-reader's library at the time, hilarious, but not as sweeping in scope. Mansfield Park -- well, I liked it, but Fanny is a problematic character in a different way from Emma. A lot of readers consider her a prig. I didn't, but her sense of duty is almost painful, and I actually found her far more annoying than many other Austen characters. Whereas with Elinor and Marianne, you have classic Austen territory -- the relationship between two sisters, each with flaws, each with different romantic woes.

Great review of Emma, Bonnie. Another Austin I need to read...

I have seen "Clueless", though! :)

Bonnie, Noticed over my time in LT that Emma has received a great deal of attention - remarkable considering that it is 270+ years young! Not a personal favourite of mine if truth be told but your review more than did it justice. Prefer your ventures into history if I am honest which I of course love to bits.

>191 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. I don't think you'd be disappointed.

>192 PaulCranswick: Oh I certainly love history Paul, you nailed that. And Austen does give a consistent look at a certain period of English history. I especially appreciate her biting satire.

14.



Silk by Alessandro Baricco 4 stars

This slight book, which can be read in an hour or so, is possibly the most romantic love story I've ever encountered. In spare, beautiful prose,Allessandro Baricco tells the story of Herve Joncour, a French silk merchant, who in 1861 establishes the first silkworm trade of its kind between Japan and France. While in Japan, he meets a lovely young woman who haunts his very being, although they never say a word to each other.

What transpires between this young woman, Herve and his wife, Helene is a beautiful story of love, tenderness and sacrifice. I found myself holding my breath through most of the lovely passages. Fable-like in its simplicity,historically accurate, beautifully told and highly recommended.

>194 brenzi:: oh, I remember that book ... read it several years before LT and am not even sure how I discovered it. But you've brought back some fond memories.

Bonnie: I think you've read the best Austen. Of the three remaining, I would say Sense and Sensibility is the best of the three, while Northanger Abbey is the funniest. I'm not a fan of Mansfield Park, but it's the only Austen I've only read once.

>194 brenzi: Yes Laura it's been hanging around here for some time. Very heartbreaking yet romantic and loving.

>195 lauralkeet: Sense and Sensibility it is then Beth, although I'll really look forward to Northanger Abbey because I absolutely love Austen's sense of humor.

Very nice review of Silk, Bonnie. Following along, of course, to see how you enjoy Sense and Sensibility.

Bonnie- Terrific review of Emma. I have a couple Austen books lined up for the next couple months. I've been enjoying her. I've only read 2 but P & P is my current fav.
BTW- You will love Iron & Silk!

I loved Silk! I'm glad you had as strong a reaction to it, Bonnie. Good review of Emma, too.

I'm totally with what Beth (>196 BLBera:) says on the three Austens. Sense and Sensibility first.

Oh, I loved Silk, too, when I read it last year.

I was surprised by how much I liked Mansfield Park given the sometimes strong negative reaction it engenders in people. There is a nice piece on it in William Deresiewicz's A Jane Austen Education which I found to be a very approachable companion to reading Austen's works last year. It's not very scholarly but he brings forth the major points, IMO.

Oh, another review of Emma which I know will be excellent but I am ignoring because I've only just started it myself! I still have Northanger Abbey and Persuasion to read too.

Silk sounds lovely which I'm happy about as I bought a copy from a second-hand bookshop last summer, on KiwiNyx's (I think) recommendation.

Quick rush through that makes me glad that you're up to your usual good business, Bonnie!

>198 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy, I'm looking forward to it.

>199 msf59: Thanks Mark, I'm looking forward to it.

>200 jnwelch: Thanks Joe, yes Silk was a surprisingly touching book.

>201 katiekrug: I will have to look for A Jane Austen Education Katie.

>202 Soupdragon: I'm going to go out on a limb Dee, and say you will love Emma.

>203 LizzieD: Thanks for the visit Peggy.

Well everybody, I'm off tomorrow to Florida. Even though this is a very mild winter for us, the 87 degrees that Tampa had today will feel pretty good . I don't know how much LT time I'm going to have so, if not, I'll see you all when I get back in about a week. I'm taking some short story collections with me because I think that'll serve the purpose for a length of time when focus on anything may be problematic, well other than focusing on some girlie cocktail and the sand;-)

Have a great vacation, Bonnie. Those tropical breezes - and girlie cocktails - will be just the ticket to transition you into spring. Come back rested and ready to reenter the whirl of LT! We'll miss you.

Have a great time, Bonnie! Enjoy the sun and the sand!

Oh, Bonnie, I can't think of anything better than 87 degrees, sand, surf, girlie cocktails! Have a fabulous time!

Have a great vacation!!

Enjoy your holiday Bonnie in the tropical breezes of Tampa Bay.

oooooh! Vacation! Have lots of fun and take pics to share if you can :)

Have fun Bonnie!

Bonnie- Have a great time in FLA! I'm sure you brought a couple good reads to keep you company!

Bonnie: Have fun.

Enjoy your vacation, Bonnie! 87 degrees does sound awfully good right now.

Have a great holiday in Tampa, Bonnie! You're bringing back memories for me - I've been there 3 times for work (on 2 of the trips I saw nothing except the inside of a meeting room, but I remember it being warm out...). Enjoy the warm weather.

Have some fun in the sun, Bonnie! Wish I was going with you! Getting tired of winter myownself.

Sandy K

Happy FLA vaca, Bonnie!
Fill up on fresh fruits and veggies!
You'll have to figure out for yourself what to do with 87 degrees, I usually hide from it. :)

Have a fab time! My mother is down in that neck of the woods, too, with a friend.

Do take a look at A Jane Austen Education; I was surprised at how much I liked it. some was self-evident, and perhaps a bit simplistic, but it was fun to see an Austen newbie react.

Bonnie, have a wonderful, balmy vacation!

I hope you have a wonderful vacation, Bonnie!

I hope you have a lovely vacation!

Relatives live in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Will's Aunt lives in a very nice condo in St. Petersburg. It is a lovely gated community. The price of real estate has plummeted and we could buy a lovely unit at a very reasonable price, but the condo fees are exorbitant.

Thumbs up for your excellent review of Emma

Florida sounds wonderful right now- hope you have a lovely time!

Warm sun on your face..... I admit to missing that this time of year.
There is something about the sun warming your bones that you just do NOT
get with other heat, not even a fireplace. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the vacation wishes Donna, Joanne, Nancy, Chelle, Paul, Kath, Laura, Mark, Beth, Joe, Cushla, Sandy, Claudia, Suzanne, Pat, Terri, Linda, Dee and Kath again. And thanks for visiting. I had a wonderful sunny, restful week in the Florida sun. Well here, I'll show you what I mean.

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